Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

1. Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO)

This category focuses mainly on foreign workers who have connections to Manitoba. Foreign workers may be able to obtain Canadian permanent resident status through this category of the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP). The invitation rounds for this category are infrequent and it follows the federal Express Entry program.

To be eligible to apply through this stream, applicants must prove that they have connections to Manitoba. Applicants also need to prove that they are skilled workers with English or French language ability, settlement funds, and the intention to settle in Manitoba. It is a points-based system. To be eligible, applicants must score at least 60 points for language ability, employability, education, age, and adaptability.

Ways to demonstrate connections to Manitoba:

a. Manitoba Support

If the applicant has family members or close friends who are Canadian permanent residents and living in Manitoba, they may be able to endorse the application. To be eligible, they must meet the following requirements:

• They must have been living in the province for at least 1 year.
• Applicant must demonstrate close ties with the supporter.
• Must be able to endorse the applicant’s settlement plan.
• Must provide contact information.

Close relatives can support more than one applicant at once, but distant relatives or friends are only eligible if they are not supporting anyone else for any other immigration program, in Manitoba or elsewhere in Canada.

If the supporter endorsed a SWO candidate before, they must show that the candidate successfully settled in the province of Manitoba permanently. Applicants cannot be supported by immigration representatives, Canadian elected officials or their staff, or anyone who is not a close friend or relative or you or your spouse or partner. Children cannot support their parents, and Canadian citizen or permanent resident cannot support their spouse or partner through this category.

Skilled Workers in Manitoba

b. Manitoba Experience

If the applicant has studied or worked in Manitoba before, they may be eligible for this. Past workers must show at least six consecutive months of work experience in Manitoba, shown by a signed letter from the employer and a copy of the work permit used. Past students need to show they attended and completed an authorized study or training program at a public or registered private post-secondary university or college in Manitoba. Graduates need to submit their study permits, transcripts and certificate, diploma, or degree.

c. Manitoba Invitation

This happens through the Strategic Recruitment Initiative (SRI), Manitoba can identify and invite possible candidates for immigration to Manitoba through SWO category. This can be accomplished in two ways: regular recruitment events overseas, by linking employers with potential job seekers, and by exploratory visits. During these events, officers will interview the possible candidates and issue them a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to those who seem likely to be able to settle successfully in Manitoba.

In order to make an exploratory visit to Manitoba, you need to submit an application during a designated intake period. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 21 and 45.
• Must demonstrate employability and adaptability.
• Must have a diploma, degree, or certificate from the completion of a post-secondary study or training program of at least one year in length.
• Must have at least two years’ full-time work experience in the last five years, and demonstrate you are able to find a job in that occupation in Manitoba.
• Must show that you genuinely intend to settle in Manitoba, and that your connection to Manitoba is stronger than your connection to any other province.
• Must submit results of at least CLB 5 taken within the last two years.

Once eligibility has been assessed, candidates must score at least 60 points out of 100 points to be considered eligible. Manitoba assess candidates across 5 factors:

• Language ability
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability

Eligible candidates can submit an EOI and enter the candidate pool. Top-ranking candidates will be issued LAAs and may then submit a full application. An EOI is valid for 1 year, if a candidate did not receive LAA after one year, they have to submit a new EOI. EOI’s can be updates at any time. EOI is not application for immigration, it allows the government to determine the candidate’s eligibility.

After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1000 based on the following:

• Language
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Risk assessment

After receiving a LAA, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their application to the MPNP. If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

2. SWO: Human Capital Pathway

This program targets international applicants who have skilled work experience and training in one of the occupations on Manitoba’s in-demand occupation list. The Manitoba Human Capital Pathway (HCP) is not aligned with the federal Express Entry system. successful applicants will receive LAA and may then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

Eligibility Requirements:

After meeting the requirements and entering the pool, candidates are assigned a point score out of 1000, points are awarded across 6 factors:

Top ranking candidates will receive a LAA which they have to submit with a full application. Successful candidates will receive a provincial nomination. Candidates can then apply to the Canadian government for a permanent resident status.

• Minimum of six months of full-time work experience in an occupation on the in-demand occupations list
• Must demonstrate English or French language ability.
  • Minimum CLB 7 for regulated occupations
  • Minimum CLB 6 for compulsory trades
  • Minimum CLB 5 for all other NOC 0, A or B occupations
• Completed one post-secondary program of at least one year, If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have your qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination.
• Must be above the age of 18.
• Demonstrate the ability and intent to reside in Manitoba.
• Demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to LICO requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period.
  • Language
  • Age
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Adaptability
  • Risk assessment

3. Skilled workers in Manitoba (SWM)

This program targets skilled temporary workers in Manitoba. Foreign workers in Manitoba are among the best-suited newcomers to make a permanent life in the province. This program is not linked to the federal Express Entry system. if you have an ongoing job or a permanent job offer from an employer in Manitoba for at least six months, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent resident status. Interested candidates can apply an EOI at which will be assigned a score point of 1000. Top-ranking candidates are invited to submit a full application to the MPNP.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be working in Manitoba for a Manitoba-based employer.
• Must have been working for the same employer for a minimum of six consecutive months, and have a long-term, full-time job offer from the same employer.
• Must have a sufficient language ability to fulfill your job duties.
• Must show sufficient settlement funds and a connection to Manitoba that is stronger than any connection to another province.
• Must prepare a Settlement Plan to demonstrate your intention to settle in Manitoba.

Your employer will also need to demonstrate that it is an established company in Manitoba and able to offer you a long-term, full-time job.

International students who studied in Canada but outside Manitoba may still be eligible to apply. However, they have to work for at least one year for their employer instead of six months.

Work experience gained from self-employment, working when unauthorized, or working during a full-time education will not be count towards the six-month (or one-year) work experience requirement.

Eligible candidates can submit an EOI and enter the candidate pool. Top-ranking candidates will be issued LAAs and may then submit a full application. An EOI is valid for 1 year, if a candidate did not receive LAA after one year, they have to submit a new EOI. EOI’s can be updates at any time. EOI is not application for immigration, it allows the government to determine the candidate’s eligibility.

After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1000 based on the following:

• Language
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Risk assessment

After receiving a LAA, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their application to the MPNP. If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

4. SWM: Work Experience Pathway

This program targets skilled temporary workers who are working in Manitoba with a temporary work permit or a post-graduate work permit.

Eligibility Requirements: work experience

• Graduates holding a post-graduate work permit from Manitoba need to obtain a six-month work experience in Manitoba, while graduates from outside Manitoba holding a post-graduate work permit need to obtain a one-year work experience from Manitoba.
• You must be residing and/or working in Manitoba when you apply.
• You must have a long-term, full-time job offer that meets Manitoba’s employment and wage standards for the occupation.
• Your working conditions are or would be consistent with those of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• your position is not home-based, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or commission based.

Eligibility Requirements: language proficiency

• Minimum CLB 7 for regulated occupations
• Minimum CLB 6 for compulsory trades
• Minimum CLB 5 for all other NOC 0, A or B occupations
• Minimum CLB 4 for semi-skilled occupations (NOC C or D)

Eligible candidates can submit an EOI and enter the candidate pool. Top-ranking candidates will be issued LAAs and may then submit a full application. An EOI is valid for 1 year, if a candidate did not receive LAA after one year, they have to submit a new EOI. EOI’s can be updates at any time. EOI is not application for immigration, it allows the government to determine the candidate’s eligibility.

After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1000 based on the following:

• Language
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Risk assessment

After receiving a LAA, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their application to the MPNP. If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

5. SWM: Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

This program targets skilled workers overseas whose expertise are required in Manitoba. A job offer is required for this program. Candidates will conduct an interview that will take place overseas to prove eligibility. This program does not follow a point-base system and is not aligned with the federal Express Entry system.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Work experience: minimum two years of employment in the last five years, relevant to the occupation being recruited.
• Must have a long-term full-time job offer that meets Manitoba’s standards.
• The employer must have a registered commercial business that has been operating in Manitoba for at least three years.
• Your working conditions are or would be consistent with those of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• your position is not home-based, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or commission based.
• Language ability:
  • Minimum CLB 7 for regulated occupations
  • Minimum CLB 6 for compulsory trades
  • Minimum CLB 5 for all other NOC 0, A or B occupations
  • Minimum CLB 4 for semi-skilled occupations (NOC C or D)
• Education: must have a post-secondary education and/or training related to the occupation being recruited for.
• Must be between the ages of 21 and 45.
• Must demonstrate the ability and intent to reside in Manitoba.

Candidates must also be eligible for MPNP. There is no minimum points requirement that the candidates need to meet in order to submit an EOI.

Eligible candidates can submit an EOI and enter the candidate pool. Top-ranking candidates will be issued LAAs and may then submit a full application. An EOI is valid for 1 year, if a candidate did not receive LAA after one year, they have to submit a new EOI. EOI’s can be updates at any time. EOI is not application for immigration, it allows the government to determine the candidate’s eligibility.

After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1000 based on the following:

• Language
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Risk assessment

After receiving a LAA, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their application to the MPNP. If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Refugee claimants, or individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
• Live-in Caregivers currently living in Canada.
• Temporary foreign workers currently working and residing in a province other than Manitoba.
• Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Individuals who have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and who are not able to address the reason(s) for refusal.
• Individuals who have an active immigration application with any other provincial immigration program in Canada.

6. International Education Stream (IES): Career Employment Pathway

This program targets international graduates in Manitoba and help them to remain in the province as a permanent resident. You may be eligible to apply through this pathway if you had studied in a post-secondary program in Manitoba.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Education: graduated from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba in the past 3 years (minimum 1 year).
• Must have a minimum CLB 7.
• A full-time job offer from a Manitoba employer in NOC (0, A, B) and must be aligned with the field of study or training program.
• Must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application and must show intent to continue residing in Manitoba after nomination.
• Must demonstrate funds equivalent to LICO requirements.

International graduates of study programs outside Manitoba will not be eligible under this stream.

Eligible candidates can submit an EOI and enter the candidate pool. Top-ranking candidates will be issued LAAs and may then submit a full application. An EOI is valid for 1 year, if a candidate did not receive LAA after one year, they have to submit a new EOI. EOI’s can be updates at any time. EOI is not application for immigration, it allows the government to determine the candidate’s eligibility.

After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1000 based on the following:

• Language
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Risk assessment

After receiving a LAA, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their application to the MPNP. If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Refugee claimants, or individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
• Live-in Caregivers currently living in Canada.
• Temporary foreign workers currently working and residing in a province other than Manitoba.
• Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Individuals who have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and who are not able to address the reason(s) for refusal.
• Individuals who have an active immigration application with any other provincial immigration program in Canada.

7. IES: Graduate Internship Pathway

This program targets international students graduating from a master’s or Doctoral (PhD) study program who then complete an internship contributing to industry innovation in Manitoba. This pathway provides a faster nomination pathway. International graduates of study programs outside Manitoba will not be eligible under this stream. This stream does no require a job offer.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Education: completed a master or doctorial degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years.
• Must have a minimum CLB 7.
• Must have completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba.
• Must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application and must show intent to continue residing in Manitoba after nomination.
• Must demonstrate funds equivalent to LICO requirements.

International graduates of study programs outside Manitoba will not be eligible under this stream.

Eligible candidates can submit an EOI and enter the candidate pool. Top-ranking candidates will be issued LAAs and may then submit a full application. An EOI is valid for 1 year, if a candidate did not receive LAA after one year, they have to submit a new EOI. EOI’s can be updates at any time. EOI is not application for immigration, it allows the government to determine the candidate’s eligibility.

After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1000 based on the following:

• Language
• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Adaptability
• Risk assessment

After receiving a LAA, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their application to the MPNP. If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Refugee claimants, or individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
• Live-in Caregivers currently living in Canada.
• Temporary foreign workers currently working and residing in a province other than Manitoba.
• Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Individuals who have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and who are not able to address the reason(s) for refusal.
• Individuals who have an active immigration application with any other provincial immigration program in Canada.

8. IES: Student Entrepreneur Pathway

This program provides international graduates who have graduated in Manitoba the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship rather than employment. Once the applicant meets the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement, they are nominated for permanent resident.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must provide a business plan.
• Must operate the business as a senior manager on a daily basis from the place of business in Manitoba for at least 6 months prior to nomination.
• Must own at least 51% of the business.
• Education: must have completed a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba (minimum 2 years)
• Must have a minimum CLB 7.
• Must be between the ages of 21 and 35.
• Must have a valid open work permit or PGWP at the time of application.
• Must have been residing in Manitoba the whole time after graduation and show the intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after nomination.
• Must demonstrate funds equivalent to LICO requirements.
• Must sign a Business Performance Agreement after the application is approved.

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Refugee claimants, or individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
• Live-in Caregivers currently living in Canada.
• Temporary foreign workers currently working and residing in a province other than Manitoba.
• Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Individuals who have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and who are not able to address the reason(s) for refusal.
• Individuals who have an active immigration application with any other provincial immigration program in Canada.

9. Business Investor Stream (BIS): Entrepreneur

This program targets investors and entrepreneurs who wish to purchase or start a business in Manitoba. Candidates must arrive in Canada on a temporary resident status and must purchase, start, or join a business within 24 months of arrival to obtain a permanent resident status.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Business experience: must have a minimum of three-year work experience out of the past five years either as an active business owner or working in a senior management role.
• Must have a minimum CLB 7.
• Education: must have a minimum Canadian high school or equivalent.
• Business investment: minimum investment in Manitoba Capital Region is $250,000 CAD while the minimum investment outside the Manitoba Capital Region is $150,000.
• Must provide a business plan.
• Must have a net worth of minimum $500,000 CAD.
• BPA must be signed after application approval.

10. BIS: Farm Investor

This program targets potential candidates who wish to start a farm business in Manitoba. Potential candidates must demonstrate farm business experience, sufficient investment capital, and the intention to establish and operate a farm operation in rural Manitoba.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a minimum of three years farm ownership and operation experience.
• Must investment a minimum of $300,000 CAD in rural Manitoba.
• Must provide a farm business plan.
• Applicants must conduct a farm business research visit to Manitoba.
• Must have a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD.