Situated amidst the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan, lies the province of Manitoba, serving as a prominent gateway to western Canada in various aspects.
Pioneering the way in 1998, Manitoba became the first province to initiate a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Given its modest population and limited influx of newcomers at the time, the province recognized the necessity of the PNP to position itself as an enticing destination for skilled immigrants. Since then, Manitoba has emerged as an exceptional testament to the success of immigration. The Manitoba PNP has played a pivotal role in propelling the province’s population, labor force, and overall economic expansion to unprecedented heights.
Manitoba Immigration Streams
If you aspire to immigrate to Manitoba, you have the privilege of choosing from five distinct options:
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream:
This pathway is designed for accomplished temporary foreign workers and international student graduates who are presently employed in Manitoba. To be eligible, applicants must have received an offer for a permanent, full-time job from a Manitoba employer.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream:
Intended for skilled workers who may currently reside outside of Canada but possess a strong connection to the province. This stream also welcomes skilled workers who are already residing in Canada. Eligibility requirements vary, but candidates must demonstrate their qualifications and ties to Manitoba.
3. Manitoba Business Investor Stream:
This avenue caters to individuals who wish to establish a business in Manitoba. Aspiring entrepreneurs and investors can explore this stream to make significant contributions to the provincial economy through their ventures.
4. International Education Stream:
Tailored for international graduates who have completed their studies at a recognized post-secondary institution in Manitoba. This stream offers a pathway for graduates to transition into permanent residency and continue their professional journey in the province.
5. Morden Community Driven Initiative:
Specifically designed for skilled professionals in fields such as welding, carpentry, cooking, plumbing, and pipefitting. This initiative is focused on attracting and integrating individuals in the rural town of Morden, providing them with opportunities to establish themselves in the community.
Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream encompasses two distinct pathways for prospective immigrants:
1. Manitoba Work Experience Pathway:
This pathway caters to individuals who are presently employed in Manitoba under a temporary work permit. It includes both temporary workers and international graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions.
2. Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway:
To be eligible for this pathway, candidates must undergo interviews conducted by a representative of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and a Manitoba employer. These interviews take place outside of Canada, and individuals must receive an Invitation to Apply before proceeding through this pathway.
Application Fee:
The application for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream requires a fee of CAD $500.
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 6 months.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be a temporary foreign worker or an international student graduate
- Must hold a valid Work Permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Must have received a permanent, full-time job offer from their current Manitoba employer
- Must have a minimum of six consecutive months of employment with the current employer
- Must possess all necessary qualifications for the position, including relevant training/education and any required licenses or certifications
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English or French to fulfill the job duties
- Must exhibit a stronger connection to Manitoba through employment compared to ties with other provinces in Canada
- Must have the intention and ability to reside, work, and establish both work and family life in Manitoba as a permanent resident, demonstrated through a Settlement Plan
- Must have sufficient funds (CAD $10,000 for the primary applicant and CAD $2,000 for each dependent included in the application)
- The employer must operate a registered commercial business that has been in operation for at least three years
- Working conditions must be consistent with those provided to Canadians or permanent residents
Application Process:
Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates are required to complete an online questionnaire as part of the Expression of Interest process. Based on their responses, applicants receive a score.
Invitation to Apply: The highest-scoring candidates may receive an invitation to submit an MPNP application.
Provincial Nomination: If successful, candidates will receive a provincial nomination from Manitoba, which can be used to apply directly to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency visas for themselves and their family members.
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream encompasses two distinct pathways for prospective immigrants:
1. Manitoba Express Entry Pathway:
This pathway is designed for individuals who have an active Express Entry profile and meet the eligibility criteria for another stream within the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Candidates must also have experience in an occupation listed in Manitoba’s In-demand Occupations list and demonstrate a strong connection to the province. To learn more about Express Entry, please refer to the relevant resources.
2. Human Capital Pathway:
This pathway is tailored for foreign skilled workers with experience in an occupation listed in Manitoba’s In-demand Occupations. It provides an opportunity for these individuals to apply for provincial nomination.
Application Fee:
The application for the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream requires a fee of CAD $500.
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 6 months.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must score a minimum of 60 out of 100 on the points assessment grid
- Must establish a connection to Manitoba through various means, such as the support of friends or family residing in the province, previous work experience or education in Manitoba, or receiving an invitation to apply from the MPNP. Additional requirements depend on the type of connection established.
- Must possess a minimum of six months of experience in an In-demand occupation
- Must submit a comprehensive Career Plan
- Must be at least 18 years old
Application Process:
Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates are required to complete an online questionnaire as part of the Expression of Interest process. Based on their responses, applicants receive a score.
Invitation to Apply: The highest-scoring candidates may receive an invitation to submit an MPNP application.
Provincial Nomination: If successful, candidates will receive a provincial nomination from Manitoba, which can be used to apply directly to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency visas for themselves and their family members. Express Entry candidates can go through the Express Entry system for this application process.
Manitoba Business Investor Stream
If your aspiration is to immigrate to Manitoba and engage in business activities, there are two distinct pathways available:
1. Farm Investor Pathway:
This pathway is designed for individuals with prior experience in farm business who intend to establish and operate a farm in Manitoba.
2. Entrepreneur Pathway:
The Entrepreneur Pathway enables the province to recruit and nominate eligible foreign business owners who have the intent and capability to establish or acquire a new business, or become a co-owner of an existing business in Manitoba. The business must be established or acquired within the first two years after arriving in Manitoba on a temporary work permit.
Application Fee:
The application for the Manitoba Business Investor Stream requires a non-refundable fee of CAD $2,500
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 6 months.
Application Process for Farm Investor Pathway:
Farm Research Visit: Candidates must conduct a Farm Research Visit to Manitoba within one year before initiating the application process.
Submission of Forms: Applicants need to complete the Interest Guidelines, Farm Business Concept forms, and submit them. If required, they should also submit the Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives.
Invitation for Application: Upon receiving a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), candidates can submit their application for the Farm Investor Pathway. An interview with an MPNP representative may be part of the process.
Deposit Agreement: If approved, candidates will receive a Deposit Agreement (contract), which requires a deposit of CAD $75,000. Once the provincial nomination is obtained, applicants can directly apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency.
Application Process for Entrepreneur Pathway:
Eligibility Assessment: Candidates should determine their eligibility for the Entrepreneur Pathway.
Business Concept Preparation: Research the business concept, explore Manitoba, and prepare the Business Concept Form.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Submit an EOI along with the Business Concept Form, Self-Assessment Form, and Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives (if applicable).
Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA): If the minimum criteria are met and the Business Concept is approved, candidates will receive an official LAA.
Application Submission: Submit a complete application to the MPNP, which may include an in-person interview.
Business Performance Agreement (BPA): Successful applicants will be asked to sign a BPA, which is a contractual agreement between them and the MPNP.
Business Operation and Updates: Operate the business in Manitoba and provide regular updates on its performance as per the terms and conditions of the BPA.
Provincial Nomination: Once the terms and conditions of the BPA are fulfilled, candidates will receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Application for Permanent Residency: Use the provincial nomination to directly apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency visas for themselves and their family members.
International Education Stream
The International Education Stream (IES) aims to provide expedited pathways to permanent residence for Manitoba graduates who fulfill industry demands. This stream consists of three distinct pathways: the Career Employment Pathway, the Graduate Internship Pathway, and the Student Entrepreneur Pathway.
1. Career Employment Pathway:
The Career Employment Pathway is designed for post-secondary graduates who have secured long-term employment in an in-demand occupation within Manitoba.
2. Graduate Internship Pathway:
The Graduate Internship Pathway caters to international master’s and doctoral graduates who have completed an internship through Mitacs, an organization that collaborates with the Manitoba government to offer internships to international graduates. The internships are available through Mitacs programs known as Accelerate and Elevate.
3. International Student Entrepreneur Pathway:
The International Student Entrepreneur Pathway presents an opportunity for up to 20 international graduates from Manitoba educational institutions to become entrepreneurs in the province. Before being nominated for permanent residence, candidates must fulfill the conditions outlined in a Business Performance Agreement.
Application Fee:
Career Employment Pathway: CAD $500
Graduate Internship Pathway: CAD $500
International Student Entrepreneur Pathway: CAD $2,500
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 6 months.
Application Process:
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Begin the process by submitting an EOI, which involves completing a series of online questions. Your responses will be used to calculate a score.
Invitation to Apply: The highest-scoring candidates may receive an invitation to submit an MPNP application.
Provincial Nomination: Upon successful application, candidates will receive a provincial nomination from Manitoba. This nomination can be utilized to make a separate application directly to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency visas for themselves and their family members.