A total of 254 skilled workers were invited on Dec.13 through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream and Skilled Worker Overseas Stream under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

The province invited 209 candidates in the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream to apply, with the lowest ranked candidate invited at a score of 375. Another 45 skilled workers were invited through the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, more specifically under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

The MPNP conducts draws based on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This means potential candidates submit an EOI to the province and their profiles are assigned a score based on the answers provided. The highest scoring candidates from the EOI pool receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), and are in a position to submit an application for a nomination by the province of Manitoba.

• Interested in finding out if you are eligible for the MPNP, or another Canadian immigration program? Fill out our free online assessment.

Both skilled workers in Manitoba and overseas candidates who received an LAA in this latest draw, and whose application for a provincial nomination is approved, may then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status.

The Government of Manitoba announced a number of changes to the MPNP on November 15, some of which came into effect immediately. Other changes are being rolled out in 2018.

One of the changes that came into effect on November 15 was the introduction of an in-demand occupations list, which will allow the MPNP to select skilled workers that are expected to meet the province's current labour market needs.

December 13 MPNP EOI draw for skilled workers

MPNP for Skilled Workers

The MPNP for Skilled Workers was established to help employers in Manitoba find foreign talent to complement their existing workforce. The government of Manitoba selects experienced workers who have made an Expression of Interest in immigrating to the province and who have the skills needed across the local labour market, and nominate them to receive a provincial nomination certificate from the MPNP. With this, the nominated person may then apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.

These immigration options may be particularly attractive to individuals who may not be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, as the eligibility requirements are different. For example, the MPNP awards points for language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 to candidates in certain occupations, a much lower threshold than what is required under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.

MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba

Under this sub-category of the MPNP, applications are accepted from qualified foreign workers and international student graduates who are currently working in Manitoba and have been offered a permanent job by their employer in Manitoba. Skilled Workers in Manitoba are not subject to a points-based assessment to determine their eligibility (though points are assigned to the candidate once he or she enters the pool of candidates)

Learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category.

MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas

This MPNP sub-category is for qualified skilled workers who may be outside Canada but who can demonstrate a strong connection to the province and its labour market. A points-based system is used to assess candidates according to factors such as age, language proficiency, work experience, education and adaptability.

To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category and the points assessment system.

Manitoba Profile

Population: 1.3 million

Capital and largest city: Winnipeg

Location: Manitoba is located in Central Canada and is considered one of the three "Prairie" provinces. Ontario lies to the east, with Saskatchewan sharing the western border. The US states of Minnesota and North Dakota are to the south, and the sparsely-populated north of the province has a long coastline on Hudson Bay leading to a border with the territory of Nunavut.

Economy: Manitoba’s principle industries are mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Traditionally farming has been a major occupation for Manitobans, and the rich farmlands in southern Manitoba produce wheat, barley, oats, sunflower, flax and canola crops, as well as dairy and livestock farms. From this agricultural base a considerable food processing industry has emerged. In addition, Manitoba is home to considerable manufacturing, aerospace and transportation industries. Winnipeg has a sizable financial and insurance industry, as well as government administration and services.

Climate: Manitoba is far from the moderating influences of mountain ranges or large bodies of water. Moreover, given its size, it experiences great variations in temperature. In Southern Manitoba, where the vast majority of the population resides, cold, snowy winters are the norm. Summers are typically hot and dry, with short transitional seasons ensuring that residents get a full four-season experience.