Yesterday, the Government of Manitoba announced changes to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program that will make it faster and easier for international students to apply for a Canadian Immigration (permanent resident) visa to stay and work in the province.

Starting in 2011, international graduates from any Manitoba post-secondary educational program of at least two academic years will be able to apply immediately to the Provincial Nominee Program without a job offer. Currently, international graduates can only apply to the Provincial Nominee Program after working for a Manitoba employer for at least six months.

Now given these changes, international students who apply for the fast-track immigration program will also enrol in an employment-readiness program upon completion of their studies. The program is designed to provide assistance with job readiness, career coaching and job-matching services.

In 2009, more than 75% of the 13,500 newcomers to the province of Manitoba came through the Provincial Nominee Program. Also in 2009, more than 200 international students were nominated for Canadian permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program, representing a three-fold increase since 2005.

Manitoba’s very successful Province Nomination Program is proving Manitoba is a destination of choice. By providing international students with top-quality education, Manitoba also provides businesses with access to highly skilled and well-trained employees.

“International students bring many benefits to our economy and communities, and we want to ensure we can continue to attract and retain the best and the brightest,” said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger.