Manitoba’s economy is growing faster than the national average and so too are the number of jobs available for foreign nationals hoping to immigrate to Canada and settle in that Prairie province.
In its Provincial Economic Forecast – Better, but Not Strong, TD Economics notes many of Manitoba’s employers are struggling to find enough workers to fill the available jobs.
“Worker shortages appear most pronounced in trucking, healthcare, construction, and accommodation/food services, and these pressures should keep hiring on the uptrend in these industries,” notes TD Economics.
“Along with tax cuts rolled out in recent years, this should keep household spending growing at a moderate rate, likely outdoing Canada’s gain.”
The latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data reveals permanent immigration to Manitoba rose by 14.9 per cent last year as the province welcomed 24,910 new permanent residents, up 3,230 from the 21,680 the previous year.
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Manitoba also welcomed 28,670 temporary foreign workers under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and another 3,025 through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The province also issued 19,200 study permits to international students last year.
In its Provincial Economic Forecast – Better, but Not Strong, TD Economics forecast Manitoba’s economic growth this year and in 2025 will result in the GDP rising by 1.2 and 1.4 per cent respectively.
With that anticipated growth in the Manitoba economy, foreign nationals may want to consider immigration to that province which they can do through Canada’s two-tier immigration system.
It allows foreign nationals to gain their permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system’s Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) of the 10 Canadian provinces.
Through its Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), the province selects candidates for Manitoba immigration based on the province’s specific economic needs.
Those streams are:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- International Education Stream
- Business Investor Stream
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.
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The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM) is based on the specific needs of Manitoba employers and 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.
Manitoba Work Experience Pathway Requirements
| Work Experience in Manitoba OR Current Employment in Manitoba |
Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) and International Students: Manitoba graduates in occupations on Manitoba’s published In-Demand Occupations list who have worked a minimum of 6 months in Manitoba (the job is not necessarily related to your field of study);
OR International Students: Out-of-province graduates in occupations on Manitoba’s published In-Demand Occupations list who have worked a minimum of 12 months in Manitoba (the job is not necessarily related to your field of study); OR Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in occupations not on Manitoba’s published In-Demand Occupations list who have worked a minimum of 12 months in Manitoba with an LMIA-supported or LMIA exempt work permit; OR International Students: Manitoba Graduates in occupations not on Manitoba’s published In-Demand Occupations list who have worked a minimum of 12 months in Manitoba. |
| Additional Employment Requirements | You must be residing and/or working in Manitoba at the time of application;
You must have a long-term, full-time job offer that meets Manitoba’s employment and wage standards for the occupation; Your working conditions consistent to those of Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents of Canada; and Your position is not home-based, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or commission-based. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed NOC:
Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 for Regulated Occupation Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 for Compulsory Trades Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 for all other NOC 0, A, or B occupations Points are awarded for second official language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 5 |
| Adaptability | You must demonstrate the ability and intent to reside in Manitoba. |
Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway is for applicants from overseas with job offers from approved Manitoba employers.
Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway Requirements
| Work Experience | Minimum of 2 years in the past 5 years of employment experience relevant to the occupation being recruited, or other relevant experience identified by the employer;
OR Relevant experience as identified by the employer if other than 2 years. |
| Additional Employment / Job Offer Requirements | You must have a long-term, full-time job offer that meets Manitoba’s employment and wage standards for the occupation;
The employer has a registered commercial business that has been operating in Manitoba for at least the three years immediately preceding the application; Your working conditions consistent to those of Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents of Canada; and Your position is not home-based, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or commission-based. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed NOC:
Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 for Regulated Occupation Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 for Compulsory Trades Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 for all other NOC 0, A, or B occupations |
| Adaptability | You must demonstrate the ability and intent to reside in Manitoba. |
| Education | You must have post-secondary education and/or training related to the occupation being recruited or identified by the employer.
If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have their qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination. For NOC C or D occupations, the MPNP reserves the right to select individuals with no post-secondary education, providing they possess the required training for the job according to employer requirements and NOC description. |
| Age | Applicants must be aged 21-45. |
| Employer Eligibility for Strategic Recruitment Initiatives | Prospective employers must meet specific eligibility criteria. |
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.
The Manitoba Express Entry Pathway is 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.
Manitoba Express Entry Requirements
| Express Entry | Demonstrate acceptance into the Express Entry pool by providing a valid Express Entry ID and Job Seeker Validation Code. |
| Work Experience | Minimum of 6 months of work experience in an occupation on the In-Demand Occupations List.
You must submit a complete Career Plan. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed NOC:
Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 for NOC 0 or A Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 for NOC B |
| Education | Completed one post-secondary program of at least one year (Canadian equivalent).
If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have your qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination. |
| Age | Minimum age of 18 at the time of submission |
| Adaptability | Demonstrate the ability and intent to become economically established and reside in Manitoba;
AND Have the confirmed support of a close friend or relative who has resided in Manitoba for at least one year; OR Hold a valid Invitation to Apply issued by the MPNP. |
| Settlement Funds | Demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period. |
The Human Capital Pathway is for international skilled workers with skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Candidates must demonstrate the potential to find employment soon after they arrive in Manitoba.
Human Capital Pathway Requirements
| Work Experience | The employment experience declared for purposes of obtaining EOI and assessment points must be full-time and for a period of at least six months. There is no minimum but zero points will be awarded for less than one year of work experience in total.
Your work experience must be in an occupation on the In-Demand Occupations list. You must submit a complete Career Plan. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed NOC:
Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 for Regulated Occupation Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 for Compulsory Trades Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 for all other NOC 0, A, or B occupations Points are awarded for second official language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 5 |
| Education | Completed one post-secondary program of at least one year (Canadian equivalent).
If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have your qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination. |
| Adaptability | Demonstrate the ability and intent to become economically established and reside in Manitoba;
AND Have the confirmed support of a close friend or relative who has resided in Manitoba for at least one year; OR Previous post-secondary education completed in Manitoba within the past five years; OR Previous work experience in Manitoba within the past five years; OR Hold a valid Invitation to Apply issued by the MPNP. You may also be awarded Adaptability points if your spouse or common-law partner demonstrates a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and official language proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC 5. |
| Age | Minimum age of 18 at the time of submission; no maximum age but no points are awarded over 45 years of age. |
| Settlement Funds | Demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period. |
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:
- Career Employment Pathway
- Graduate Internship Pathway
- Student Entrepreneur 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.
Career Employment Pathway Requirements
| Education | You must have graduated in the past 3 years from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba (minimum one year, two semesters, full-time coursework). |
| Official Languages Proficiency | Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 (or equivalent). |
| Current Employment in Manitoba | You must have a full-time job offer from an eligible current employer, with a minimum 1-year contract on Manitoba’s published In-Demand Occupations list that are consistent with your completed training.
Note:
|
| Settlement Funds | You must demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period.
OR You must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba. |
| Adaptability | You must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application.
You must show the intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after nomination, including the submission of a Career Employment Plan demonstrating opportunities for a successful career track in Manitoba |
The Graduate Internship Pathway (GIP) targets masters and doctorate degree holders for expedited nomination through internships contributing to industry innovation in Manitoba.
Graduates who have completed Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate internships can apply when they graduate. They do not need a job offer.
Graduate Internship Pathway Requirements
| Education | Completed a master or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 (or equivalent). |
| Current Employment in Manitoba | If you have completed a master or doctoral program in Manitoba with a completed Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with eligible industry and research enterprises in Manitoba, you are not required to have a job offer at the time of application. |
| Settlement Funds | You must demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period.
OR You must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba. |
| Adaptability | You must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application.
You must show the intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after nomination, including the submission of a Career Employment Plan demonstrating opportunities for a successful career track in Manitoba. |
The Student Entrepreneur Pathway is aimed at international graduates from Manitoba institutions who want to start a business in the province.
The applicant must meet the terms of a Business Performance Agreement before being nominated for permanent residence.
Student Entrepreneur Pathway requirements
| Business Experience | A business plan is required as part of your application to MPNP.
You must operate the business as a senior manager on a daily basis from the place of business in Manitoba for at least 6 months prior to nomination while on a valid temporary work permit, consistent with the requirements of your Business Performance Agreement (BPA). Business equity ownership of at least 51% |
| Official Languages Proficiency | Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 (For this pathway only, IELTS – Academic is accepted in addition to other language proficiency tests). |
| Education | Complete a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba that is at least 2 years in duration. (distance learning or compressed academic programs are not eligible)
Studies and/or work/business experience outside of Canada will be considered as beneficial but are not an eligibility requirement. |
| Age | 21-35 |
| Adaptability | You must:
|
| Net Worth / Settlement Funds | A deposit is not required.
Minimum net worth is not an eligibility criterion; however, net worth/source of funds will be considered for the purpose of evaluating the potential for you to successfully execute on your business plan. You must demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off requirements for independent financial resources for a six-month period. Your personal net worth will be verified by a third-party supplier approved by the MPNP. A verification report, along with the application, must be submitted to the MPNP within 120 days of receiving your letter of advice to apply. |
| Business Performance Agreement | After an application is approved, a Business Performance Agreement must be signed prior to the MPNP issuing you a letter of support for applying for a work permit |
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.
The Entrepreneur Pathway is 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.
Entrepreneur Pathway Requirements
| Business Experience | Minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the past five years either as an active business owner or working in a senior management role of a successful business.
Business owners are given higher points in comparison to senior managers. Business owners must have at least 33 1/3% ownership to qualify for points. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 |
| Education | Minimum Canadian high school certificate equivalent |
| Age | No minimum or maximum age; however, ranking points are allocated to candidates 25 to 49 years of age. |
| Business Investment | Minimum investment is $250,000 for businesses situated in the Manitoba Capital Region.
Minimum investment is $150,000 if a business is situated outside of the Manitoba Capital Region. Business Investment must be made in an eligible business as defined by the MPNP. The proposed business must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Manitoba (excluding owners of the business and/or their close relatives). |
| Business Research Visit | A Business Plan is required and is an integral part of the application.
A business research visit allows the applicant to conduct extensive research of their future business investment or proposal. The Business Research Visit must be conducted no more than one year prior to the submission of your EOI. |
| Adaptability | Points will be allocated to you if:
AND/OR
OR
|
| Net Worth | Minimum of $500,000
Your personal net worth will be verified by a third-party supplier approved by the MPNP. A verification report, along with the application, must be submitted to the MPNP within 120 days of receiving your letter of advice to apply. |
| Business Performance Agreement | After an application is approved, a Business Performance Agreement must be signed prior to the MPNP issuing you a letter of support for applying for a work permit. |
The Farm Investor Pathway is for applicants wanting to open and operate a farm in rural 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.
Farm Investor Pathway Requirements
| Farm Business Experience | Minimum of three years of farm ownership and operation experience supported by verifiable documents. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | The Farm Investor Pathway recognizes language capabilities in either of Canada’s two official languages are an important adaptability skill that will accelerate your ability to become economically established in rural Manitoba.
If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be required to conduct the interview in either French or English. |
| Farm Business Investment | At least $300,000. You are expected to establish a farming business in rural Manitoba.
Farm business investments must be in eligible tangible assets as defined by the MPNP. A farm business plan is required and is an integral part of the application. Investments into a farm business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income or speculative purposes are not eligible |
| Farm Business Research Visit | You must conduct a Farm Business Research Visit to Manitoba. |
| Farm Business Activities | A farm business entity should have ongoing and recurring business activities in rural Manitoba.
You are required to live on the farm and actively participate in the management of the farm business on an ongoing basis from within Manitoba. The farm business must be in active primary agriculture production and economically viable. The MPNP requires you to conduct value-added farm business activities in Manitoba. Purely speculative activities or the use of third-party farm managers are not eligible under the MPNP. |
| Economic Establishment Adaptability | You must demonstrate adaptability, specifically relating to practical farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological based farming practices that will transfer directly to Manitoba’s current primary farm production industry |
| Net Worth | At least $500,000
The MPNP may request verification of your net worth and financial information by a designated third-party service provider. If requested, the verification report, along with your application, must be submitted to the MPNP within 120 days of receiving your Invitation to Apply. |
