the CanadaVisa Team - 30 November, 2016
The province of Manitoba has conducted the 23rd draw of its 'Expression of Interest' immigration system, part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The latest draw took place on November 29, with a total of 179 candidates having been issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) to the MPNP.
Candidates eligible for one the MPNP for Skilled Workers sub-categories are ranked according to a unique points system that awards up to 1,000 points to each candidate. Of these LAAs issued, 150 were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category, each of whom had at least 713 points in the MPNP ranking system for skilled workers.
The remaining 29 LAAs were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category who had at least 716 points and who were directly invited by the MPNP under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.
These initiatives include:
Earlier this month, Manitoba made a change to its Expression of Interest points system. Candidates who have a close relative in another province and no close relative in Manitoba will no longer be deducted points for this risk assessment factor.
In addition, candidates who have previously made an application to immigrate to a province other than Manitoba will no longer be penalized.
The MPNP for Skilled Workers was established to help local employers 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.
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.
To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category, click here.
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. While candidates may be awarded a significant number of points as a result of having a connection to Manitoba, they may also be deducted points under certain 'risk assessment' factors that derive from having connections to other Canadian provinces.
To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category and the points assessment system, click here.
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.
