The Canadian province of Manitoba issued 150 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) between January 5, 2016 and April 20, 2016 under the Business Investor Stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), equivalent to 10 LAAs per week over the period in question. The majority of LAAs were issued to candidates from China.

The stream, which was launched last year and is also known as MPNP-B, allows Manitoba to recruit and nominate qualified business people with the intent and ability to reside in the province and make a significant investment in a new or existing business and hold an active managerial role.

The stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system whereby prospective applicants submit their intention to apply to the program. The most qualified are invited to apply by receiving a LAA from the MPNP-B. After receiving a LAA, candidates have 60 days to submit their application to the program.

Out of the 150 LAAs issued, 104 LAAs resulted from new EOI submissions received in the week prior to the LAA being issued. A total of 110 Nomination Applications were received from applicants in the period January 4 to April 19, 2016.

In order to be eligible for MPNP-B, individuals must have a minimum verifiable personal net worth of CDN $350,000 and three years of successful business ownership and management experience or executive-level experience as senior manager of a business within the past five years.

In addition, applicants must attend an interview with an MPNP-B officer and conduct an exploratory visit to Manitoba. Applicants will need to provide proof of research conducted during the visit in the form of a visit report and other documents. Proof of language proficiency is also a requirement.

A minimum score of 60 points is required in the Adaptability Assessment Matrix. Of the 150 LAAs issued over recent months, LAAs were issued to individuals with scores ranging from 100 to some with a score of 82.

To learn more about the MPNP-B, click here.