There was a flurry of activity in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) over the final days of 2016, with two draws for its Skilled Worker immigration stream taking place on December 21 and December 30. In total, 316 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued to eligible candidates who had previously made a formal 'Expression of Interest' in immigrating to the province. These individuals may now submit an application for a provincial nomination certificate. With this certificate, the individual, as well as his or her accompanying family members, may then apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Of the LAAs issued over these two draws, 115 were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category on December 21. A further 20 LAAs were issued under this sub-category nine days later.
The remaining 181 LAAs issued over this period were issued under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category on December 30 (no LAAs were issued under this sub-category on December 21).
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.
December, 2016 MPNP Draws
| MPNP Skilled Worker Sub-Category | Date of MPNP Expression of Interest Draw | Number of Letters Issued | Minimum Points Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Overseas | December 30, 2016 | 20 | 787 |
| Skilled Worker Overseas | December 21, 2016 | 115 | 605 |
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba | December 30, 2016 | 181 | 702 |
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba | December 21, 2016 | 0 | N/A |
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. 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.
Candidates who received an LAA under this sub-category in a recent MPNP draw were directly invited under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.
These initiatives include:
- Recruitment missions. These overseas employment/immigration fairs involve MPNP representatives interviewing foreign skilled workers and subsequently inviting them to apply after they have made a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) to the MPNP.
- Exploratory visits. The MPNP may invite people who have undertaken a pre-approved Exploratory Visit and passed an interview with a program official.
To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category and the points assessment system, click here.
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.
To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category, click here.
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.