Canada’s immigration system underwent significant transformations in 2025, with various programs and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams facing cancellations or pauses. Despite these disruptions, there are still viable options for foreign nationals seeking Canadian permanent residence (PR), including upcoming pathways.
Exploring Alternatives
This article delves into the PR pathways that were terminated in 2025 and suggests alternative routes for those impacted by the closures or suspensions.
Provincial Nominee Program Changes
Throughout 2025, several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) made adjustments to their immigration streams:
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
The OINP ceased its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream on November 14, 2025, citing concerns of misrepresentation and fraud, leading to the suspension of new applications.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): Entrepreneur and Farm Pathways
On March 27, 2025, the SINP announced the closure of its Entrepreneur and Farm pathways, halting new applications and expressions of interest for these streams indefinitely.
- Entrepreneur category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur category
- Farm Owner/Operator category
New Brunswick Nominee Program (NBNP): Express Entry Stream – NB Student Connection Pathway
The NBNP discontinued the NB Student Connection Pathway in early 2025, with uncertainty surrounding its potential reopening in 2026. This pathway catered to international student graduates from designated learning institutions in the province.
The province also ceased accepting new EOIs for the Skilled Worker – Priority Occupations pathway in March 2025, without providing further details.