Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Located between the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan, the province of Manitoba is in many ways the gateway to western Canada.
With an economy based largely on natural resources and agriculture, it is a major driver of Canada’s wealth. Manitoba’s population of approximately 1.2 million is located largely in and around the capital city of Winnipeg. Manitobans benefit from tight-knit communities, a stable labour market, and sweeping natural wilderness.
The MPNP is Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Manitoba Provincial Nomination Certificate, which speeds up the overall immigration process.
There are three streams through which the province and potential candidates may immigrate to Manitoba, both through Express Entry and outside Express Entry:
- Skilled Worker Immigration Stream – including those in Manitoba and Overseas
- Business Investor Immigration Stream
- Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative – through the MPNP
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker categories operate through an ‘Expression of Interest’ system, whereby eligible candidates complete a series of questions online and are not required to upload supporting documentation before submitting their profile into the EOI pool. Profiles will be placed in the pool with other eligible candidates and you will receive a score based on the answers you provide. The MPNP will then rank you using several factors and if you are among the highest-scoring candidates, you may be invited to submit an application to the MPNP. There are no limits on the number of candidates who can submit an Expression of Interest and no deadline.
There are two pathways to Manitoba as a skilled worker, both of which operate under the MPNP Expression of Interest System.
Skilled Workers in Manitoba
Under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba category, applications are accepted from qualified temporary foreign workers and international student graduates who are currently working in Manitoba and have been offered a permanent, full-time job with their Manitoba employer. Unlike the other connections to Manitoba in the MPNP, Skilled Workers in Manitoba are not subject to a points-based assessment to determine their eligibility.
Skilled Workers Overseas
The Manitoba Skilled Worker overseas category uses a points-based system to assess candidates, who may be outside of Canada. Applications are accepted from qualified skilled workers who can demonstrate a strong connection to the province through family or friends (Manitoba Support), past education or employment (Manitoba Experience), or by invitation of the MPNP (Manitoba Invitation), and who score a minimum of 60 points according to five eligibility factors: age, language proficiency, work experience, education and adaptability.
Business Investor
Individuals who wish to invest in Manitoba can do so through this stream. This process operates on an ‘Expression of Interest’ system, whereby prospective applicants submit their intention to apply to the program, and the most qualified are invited to apply for immigration.
Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative
One particular initiative for immigration to Manitoba is the Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative. This rural town, situated 112 km southwest of Winnipeg, is actively looking for new immigrants in certain occupations. Immigration to Morden is conducted through the MPNP.