A total of 605 skilled workers in Manitoba and overseas have been invited to apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in the province's two latest draws, which followed each other in quick succession. On May 30, a total of 401 candidates who had previously made a formal Expression of Interest in settling in Manitoba as a skilled worker were invited to submit an application for a provincial nomination certificate to the MPNP. This draw was followed by another on June 16, in which a further 204 candidates were invited to apply. Prior to these two draws, the MPNP had not invited skilled workers through the two sub-categories included in this draw since March 30.
These candidates are now in a position to apply for provincial nomination. Successful candidates may then apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.The MPNP is a Canadian immigration program that allows the province of Manitoba to welcome new immigrants who have the ability to establish themselves and their families in Manitoba, based on eligibility criteria set by the province.
In the May 30 draw for skilled workers, 258 candidates were issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA, known more informally as an invitation) under the criteria for the Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category. A further 143 LAAs were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category who were invited directly by the MPNP under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.
In the June 16 draw for skilled workers, 180 candidates were issued a LAA under the criteria for the Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category. The remaining 24 LAAs were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category.
Candidates eligible for one of 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.
MPNP EOI draws for skilled workers
| Draw date | Sub-category | Minimum score required to receive LAA | Number of invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2017 | Skilled Workers in Manitoba | 705 | 180 |
| Skilled Workers Overseas | 689 | 24 | |
| May 30, 2017 | Skilled Workers in Manitoba | 735 | 258 |
| Skilled Workers Overseas | 706 | 143 |
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.