Manitoba, between Ontario and Saskatchewan, is often considered the gateway to Western Canada.

Manitoba was the first province to establish a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 1998. As a tiny province with few arrivals, it required the PNP to market itself as a preferred location for talented immigrants. Since then, Manitoba has been a huge immigration success story. Immigrants have contributed significantly to Manitoba’s population, labor force, and economic growth due to the Manitoba PNP. 

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Overview 

• The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) was Canada’s first PNP. It became a permanent immigration program in 1998.
• The program was designed to assist the province’s economy thrive through immigration, with a focus on its economic and labor market requirements.
• In its first year, the MPNP accepted 418 new immigrants. Currently, the province nominates about 5,000 new immigrants under the program each year.
• Manitoba has had great success with the MPNP. In fact, without it, Manitoba’s GDP would be as much as 30% lower.

Manitoba is also popular among immigrants. Having a friend or relative in Manitoba can help you immigrate through the MPNP. In addition, more than 90% of provincial candidates find work during their first year. The province has a high retention rate, with over 90% choosing to remain in the province. 

Some of the provincial immigration streams are basic streams, while others are upgraded streams. 

• Enhanced indicates that the stream is compatible with the Express Entry system. This is the method that the federal government uses to manage permanent residency applications under the country’s three major economic class immigration programs.
• The Express Entry method assigns a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking method (CRS). The top-ranked applicants are invited to apply for permanent residence.
• If you receive a nomination from an enhanced provincial program, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, thereby ensuring that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. They also receive nominations through their Express Entry profile. 
• Base streams are those that are not aligned with the Express Entry systems. Candidates who get a provincial nomination must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Manitoba Immigration Streams

If you wish to immigrate to Manitoba, then you have five options to choose from: 

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream;

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream is intended for competent temporary foreign workers and international student graduates who are presently employed in Manitoba and have been given a permanent, full-time position by a Manitoba company.

Skilled Worker Overseas Stream;

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream is for qualified skilled workers who may be located outside of Canada but have a strong connection to the province. A skilled worker who is currently in Canada may potentially be qualified for this category.

Manitoba Business Investor Stream;

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream is for candidates looking to start a business in Manitoba.

International Education Stream;

The International Education Stream is for international graduates who have graduated from a Manitoba post-secondary institution and intend to remain in Manitoba permanently.

Morden Community Driven Initiative.

The Morden Community Driven Initiative is designed for welders, carpenters, chefs, plumbers, and pipefitters looking to establish themselves in Morden’s rural community.

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream has two pathways:

The Manitoba Work Experience Pathway

This option is for persons who are presently working in Manitoba on a temporary work permit. This includes temporary workers and overseas graduates from Canadian postsecondary schools.

Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

To be qualified for this program, you must be interviewed by both an MPNP representative and a Manitoba employer. These interviews are conducted outside of Canada. Before proceeding through this pathway, you must first get an Invitation to Apply.

Application Fee: 

CAD $500

Processing Time:

6 months

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a temporary foreign worker or an international student graduate.
• Must have a valid work permit or a post-graduate work permit.
• Must have a permanent, full-time employment offer from your present Manitoba employer; 
• Must have worked for their present workplace for at least six consecutive months.
• Must have all the credentials needed for the position, including training/education and any relevant license or certification.
• Must exhibit English or French fluency to fulfill the requirements of their job description.
• Must have a deeper connection to Manitoba through work than they could have to another province in Canada.
• Must have the intention and capacity to live, work, and establish their job and family life in Manitoba as a permanent resident, as demonstrated in a settlement plan.
• Must have sufficient funds (CAD $10,000 for the primary applicant and CAD $2,000 for each dependant in the application).
• Your employer must have a registered commercial business that has been open for at least three years.
• Your working circumstances must be consistent with those of Canadians and permanent residents.

How it works:

• You must first provide an Expression of Interest (EOI). This requires you to answer a series of questions online. You will be given a score based on your responses.
• The top-scoring applicants may then be invited to submit an MPNP application.
• If you are successful, Manitoba will nominate you provincially. You can then utilize this nomination to submit another application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency permits for yourself and your family. 
• If you apply for the Manitoba Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway, an MPNP representative will interview with you outside of Canada. You will also be interviewed by a qualified Manitoba employer. This will happen before you receive an invitation to apply.

Skilled Worker Overseas Stream

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream has two pathways:

Manitoba’s Express Entry Pathway

This pathway is for those who have an active Express Entry profile and are qualified for another MPNP stream. These individuals must also have prior experience in an occupation featured on Manitoba’s In-demand Occupations list and a strong connection to Manitoba.

Human Capital Pathway

This option is for foreign-skilled individuals with expertise in one of Manitoba’s in-demand occupations.

Application Fee: 

CAD $500

Processing Time: 

6 months

Minimum Requirements:

• Must score at least 60 out of 100 on the points assessment grid.
• Must have a link to Manitoba through the support of friends or family who live there, past job experience or study in the province, or be encouraged to apply by the MPNP. There are extra requirements based on the type of connection you have.
• You must have at least six months of experience in an in-demand occupation.
• Must present a full career plan.
• You must be at least 18 years old.

How It Works:

• You must first provide an Expression of Interest (EOI). This requires you to answer a series of questions online. You will be given a score based on your responses.
• The top-scoring applicants may then be invited to submit an MPNP application.
• If you are successful, Manitoba will nominate you provincially. You can then utilize this nomination to submit another application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency permits for yourself and your family. If you are an Express Entry applicant, you can complete this process using the Express Entry system.

Manitoba Business Investor Stream

If you want to immigrate to Manitoba and establish a business there, there are two options:

Farm Investor’s Pathway

This option is for those with agricultural business expertise who want to come to Manitoba so they can start and run a farm.

Entrepreneurial Pathway

The Entrepreneur Pathway program enables the province to attract and designate qualified international company owners to relocate to Manitoba. They must have the desire and capacity to start or buy a new firm or co-own an existing one. They must do so within the first two years after landing in Manitoba on a temporary work permit.

Application Fee: 

CAD $2,500

Processing Time:

6 months

How the Farm Investor Pathway works:

• Candidates for the Farm Investor Pathway must complete a farm research visit in Manitoba within one year of commencing the process.
• The next step is to fill out the Interest Guidelines (self-assessment of their circumstances) and the Farm Business Concept forms and submit them. You must also provide the Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives if one is required.
• If you get an LAA, you can apply for the Farm Investor Pathway. You may be asked to participate in an interview with an MPNP representative.
• If accepted, you will be sent a Deposit Agreement (contract) to sign and submit a deposit of CAD $75,000. Once you have received your nomination, you may apply for permanent residency directly with the Canadian federal government. 

How the Entrepreneur Pathway works: 

• First, check if you are eligible.
• You should then conduct research on the company concept, explore Manitoba, and complete the company Concept Form.
• The next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), together with your Business Concept Form, Self-Assessment Form, and a Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives (if applicable).
• If you match the basic requirements and your Business Concept is accepted, you will be issued an official Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA).
• You must next submit a completed application to the MPNP. You may be invited to an in-person interview.
• If your application is approved, you will be required to sign a Business Performance Agreement. This is a contract between you and the MPNP.
• After that, you must relocate to Manitoba, run your firm, and submit frequent reports on its success.
• If you fulfill the BPA’s requirements and conditions, you will get a provincial nomination for permanent residency.
• You can then utilize this nomination to submit another application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency permits for yourself and your family.

International Education Stream

The International Education Stream (IES) is intended to give Manitoba graduates who fulfill industry requirements with a speedier path to permanent residency. The stream contains three paths: Career Employment Pathway, Graduate Internship Pathway, and Student Entrepreneurship Pathway.

The International Education Stream (IES) is for international graduates of Manitoba’s educational institutions who fulfill job market requirements. The IES offers graduates speedier paths to permanent residency. You have three choices. 

Career Employment Pathway

The Career Employment Pathway is designed for post-secondary graduates who have long-term jobs in Manitoba in an in-demand field.

Graduate Internship Pathway

The Graduate Internship Pathway is for international master’s and doctorate graduates who have completed an Accelerate or Elevate internship with Mitacs, an institution that works with the Manitoba government to provide internships to foreign graduates.

International Student Entrepreneurial Pathway

The Foreign Student Entrepreneur Pathway allows up to 20 foreign graduates of a Manitoba educational institution to become entrepreneurs in Manitoba. They must first satisfy the terms of a Business Performance Agreement before being recommended for permanent residency.

Application Fee: 

• Career Employment Pathway: CAD $500
• Graduate Internship Pathway: CAD $500
• International Student Entrepreneur Pathway: CAD $2,500

Processing Time: 

6 months

How it works:

• You must first provide an Expression of Interest (EOI). This requires you to answer a series of questions online. You will be given a score based on your responses.
• The top-scoring applicants may then be invited to submit an MPNP application.
• If you are successful, Manitoba will nominate you provincially. You can then utilize this nomination to submit another application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency permits for yourself and your family.

Morden Community-Driven Immigration Initiative

Morden, Manitoba is a town 112 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg. This municipality is actively seeking new immigrants in certain occupations that fit the community’s labor market requirements. Those who complete this effort will become permanent residents of Canada.

To be eligible, you must fulfill age, education, language, and job experience standards and have no ties to any other region of Canada. In addition, you must plan to live in Morden and have sufficient funds to settle. 

Manitoba PNP Points Calculator

The Manitoba PNP Points Calculator is a crucial tool to assess your eligibility and determine your score for the program. By assigning points to various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability, the calculator evaluates your overall suitability for Manitoba PNP. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for provincial nomination.

Factors Considered in Points Calculation

To understand how the points are calculated, let’s examine the key factors:

Age

Applicants between 18 and 45 years of age receive the maximum points for age. Points decrease gradually for those above or below this age bracket.

Education

Higher levels of education, such as a master’s degree or a Ph.D., earn more points. A recognized post-secondary degree or diploma is also valued.

Work Experience

The number of years of work experience directly impacts your points. Manitoba PNP prefers candidates with relevant work experience in high-demand occupations.

Language Proficiency

English or French language skills are essential. Applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through standardised language tests like IELTS or CELPIP.

Adaptability

Factors like a close family member in Manitoba, previous work experience or education in the province, or an invitation to apply from Manitoba employers contribute to adaptability points.

Meeting the Minimum Points Requirement

To be eligible for Manitoba PNP, you need to meet the minimum required points. The specific point threshold may vary depending on the stream you are applying through. It’s important to thoroughly assess the points calculator and ensure you meet the minimum requirement to avoid any complications in your application.

Application Process for Manitoba PNP

Once you have determined your eligibility and obtained the required points, you can proceed with the application process. It typically involves creating an online profile, submitting supporting documents, and paying the application fee. The Manitoba PNP authorities will review your application and assess your suitability for nomination.

Conclusion

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program offers a remarkable opportunity for individuals seeking Canadian permanent residency. By understanding the program’s various streams, utilising the points calculator effectively, and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving a provincial nomination. Begin your journey towards a bright future in Manitoba today and embrace the numerous benefits that await you.

In conclusion, Manitoba PNP serves as a bridge connecting skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs with their Canadian dream. By carefully navigating the program’s requirements and utilising the points calculator to your advantage, you can enhance your chances of securing permanent residency in Manitoba. Start exploring the Manitoba PNP today and take the first step towards building a successful and fulfilling life in Canada.