The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) selects candidates for Manitoba immigration based on the province’s specific economic needs.
The program’s aim is to be flexible to Manitoba’s labour market and broader economic priorities. Those priorities are communicated to candidates via a regularly updated list of In-Demand Occupations.
Manitoba also welcomes exploratory visits from francophone skilled worker immigration candidates, aimed at helping them integrate quickly when they arrive permanently in the province. Find out the requirements for exploratory visits.
Each Manitoba immigration stream is outlined below.
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM) is based on the specific needs of Manitoba employers. SWM selects foreign-trained workers with the required skills and nominates them for Canada permanent residence. The stream prioritizes candidates with a strong attachment to Manitoba, with two pathways to Manitoba immigration.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO) includes both a dedicated Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.
It is aimed at international skilled workers with skills and training in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Priority is given to applicants and spouses with close family connections, plus the language proficiency, training and experience to find jobs quickly.
a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
For international candidates eligible under another MPNP stream, who also meet Express Entry criteria and have an active Express Entry profile.
Candidates need skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations, and a strong family connection to the province.
3. International Education Stream
The International Education Stream (IES) is dedicated to international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under IES, candidates are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination. It has three pathways:
a) Career Employment Pathway
The IES Career Employment Pathway will expedite nomination for international graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM subjects, with internships contributing to innovation. International graduate candidates with job offers in an In-Demand Occupation aligned with their qualifications no longer have to work for six months before applying.
4. Business Investor Stream
The Business Investor Stream is aimed at qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit and must have the intent and ability to start or purchase a business in Manitoba within two years of arrival. The stream abolishes a previous requirement for a $100,000 deposit with the Manitoba government. There are pathways for entrepreneurs and for farm investors.
a) Entrepreneur Pathway
For applicants wanting to open a business in Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement. Priority is given to candidates starting businesses outside Winnipeg.