Manitoba: The Gateway to Western Canada

Located between Ontario and Saskatchewan, Manitoba serves as a key gateway to Western Canada.

In 1998, Manitoba became the first province to introduce a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). As a smaller province with fewer newcomers at the time, it launched the PNP to attract skilled immigrants and position itself as a destination of choice.

Since then, Manitoba has been a remarkable immigration success story. The Manitoba PNP has significantly contributed to the province’s population growth, labor force expansion, and economic development.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Overview

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) was the first PNP in Canada, established in 1998 to support the province’s economic growth through immigration. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, welcoming over 5,000 immigrants annually. Without the MPNP, Manitoba’s GDP would be up to 30% lower. The program has a high success rate, with over 90% of nominees securing employment within their first year and nearly 90% staying in Manitoba long-term.

Manitoba offers enhanced and base immigration streams. Enhanced streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, providing an additional 600 CRS points to nominees, while base streams require direct application to the federal government for permanent residency.

Manitoba Immigration Streams

1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
   • Eligibility: Temporary foreign workers or international graduates with a permanent, full-time job offer in Manitoba.
   • Pathways:
     • Manitoba Work Experience Pathway: For those working in Manitoba.
     • Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway: For those interviewed outside Canada.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
   • Eligibility: Skilled workers with a connection to Manitoba, such as family ties, work experience, or education in the province.
   • Pathways:
     • Manitoba Express Entry Pathway: For Express Entry candidates.
     • Human Capital Pathway: For skilled workers in in-demand occupations.
3. Manitoba Business Investor Stream
   • Eligibility: Applicants aiming to establish a business in Manitoba.
   • Pathways:
     • Farm Investor Pathway: For those with farm business experience.
     • Entrepreneur Pathway: For business owners or senior managers seeking to establish or invest in a business.
4. International Education Stream (IES)
   • Eligibility: International graduates from Manitoba institutions.
   • Pathways:
     • Career Employment Pathway: For graduates employed in in-demand occupations.
     • Graduate Internship Pathway: For graduates completing internships with Mitacs.
     • International Student Entrepreneur Pathway: For graduates who wish to start a business in Manitoba.
5. Morden Community Driven Initiative
   • Eligibility: Skilled tradespeople (e.g., welders, carpenters) who wish to settle in the rural town of Morden.

Application Process

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Answer questions online to receive a score based on eligibility.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-scoring candidates are invited to apply to the MPNP.
3. Provincial Nomination: If successful, receive a provincial nomination, which can be used to apply for federal permanent residency.

MPNP offers multiple pathways and opportunities for skilled workers, business investors, international graduates, and more to immigrate to Manitoba, contributing to its growing economy.