Canada’s provincial nominee programs in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Manitoba have all launched their first draws of 2026, with a clear emphasis on candidates who already have strong local ties.
Prince Edward Island issued 26 invitations on January 15, prioritizing people living and working in the province, especially international graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île. Healthcare, trades, and manufacturing remained the main target sectors, continuing the same pattern seen throughout 2025.
New Brunswick held a series of draws between January 13 and 15, issuing a much larger total of 379 invitations. Most went to candidates under the Skilled Worker Stream, particularly those with New Brunswick work experience or graduates employed by local employers. The province also reopened selections under its Francophone Strategic Initiative Stream for the first time in over a year, alongside a smaller Express Entry-linked draw.
Manitoba’s first draw of 2026 was more limited. On January 15, the province issued 55 invitations through its Skilled Worker streams, mainly to candidates invited under specific strategic recruitment initiatives such as employer services, regional communities, and Francophone priorities.
Overall, the early 2026 draws show provinces continuing to favor candidates who are already studying, working, or recruited directly within their borders, rather than overseas applicants with no local connection.
