Manitoba, as with much of Canada, has an economy based around natural resources and agriculture, and immigrants are very much in demand in skilled roles. The capital city of Winnipeg is a popular destination, and immigrants will find a friendly and welcoming community spirit throughout the province.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MNPN) is open to candidates who meet the criteria for one of many pathways to permanent residence. The program was recently revised. The categories are as follows:
Skilled Worker in Manitoba
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba scheme consists of two streams. To apply for either, the candidate completes an ‘Expression of Interest (EOI) online. This asks for details of their age, education, work experience, and other details and there is no points-based scoring system for this route. Successful applicants are invited to apply via:
Work Experience Pathway – for those currently working in Manitoba on a temporary work permit and international graduates of recognized Canadian institutions.
Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway – persons who have been interviewed for a job by Manitoba employers and who have an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the MNPN.
Skilled Worker Overseas
This pathway is for persons who can demonstrate relevant skills gained other than in Canada, or who have family or friends in Manitoba. They can also be invited to apply via the MNPN. Eligibility depends on being scored on a standard scale in the areas of age, education, language, adaptability, and work experience, and 60 points are entry-level. There are two pathways:
Manitoba Express Entry Pathway – open to candidates who have a valid Express Entry profile – as explained below – and to those also eligible under other MNPN streams. Candidates must have relevant work experience or family in the province.
Human Capital Pathway – persons with experience in skilled positions listed in the Manitoba In-Demand Occupations list may apply via this pathway.
Business Investor Stream
This scheme consists of two pathways to permanent residence, each aimed at individuals who wish to start relevant businesses in Manitoba. The EOI system applies to each. The pathways are the Farm Investor Pathway for those with the experience and capital to start a farming business in the province, and the Entrepreneur Pathway for persons willing to move to Manitoba and purchase or help run an existing business. There are criteria attached including ability and intent to settle in the province.
Morden Community Immigration Initiative
This unique pathway to permanent residence is run via the MNPN and is specific to the small town of Morden, a rural community that is looking for immigrants to settle who have certain skills and experience.
International Education Stream
Persons who have come from abroad to study in Manitoba may be able to apply via this fast-track program aimed at filling skilled posts in the local industry.
Express Entry
Express Entry is a fast-track process that applies to applicants using the Manitoba Express Entry program. The applicant is required to submit an online profile. This will include details of their age, marital status, work experience, education, and other details. A rank will be determined using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Those who score highly on the CRS, which is a pass or fail assessment, will be put into the Express Entry Pool. From the pool, a draw is made regularly and those who are successful are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). At this stage, they can begin applying for permanent residence in Manitoba.