Your Guide to Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Manitoba could be welcoming you through its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) when you have the right information. As one of the most established immigration pathways in Canada, the MPNP has been helping skilled workers, recent graduates, and entrepreneurs make Manitoba their home since 1998. Whether you’re seeking a new career, a safe place to raise a family, or a community where you can thrive, the MPNP offers the opportunity to turn your goals into reality. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

What is the MPNP?

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a key immigration initiative designed to meet the province’s economic needs by attracting skilled workers, professionals, and entrepreneurs. The program offers a pathway to permanent residency for those who can contribute to Manitoba's growing economy.

The MPNP operates through both base and enhanced streams. Enhanced streams align with the federal Express Entry system, providing candidates with an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. On the other hand, base streams require candidates to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Manitoba PNP Streams

The MPNP offers three main streams to help you immigrate and become a permanent resident of Canada:

Skilled Worker Stream

This stream is tailored to the needs of Manitoba employers and selects candidates with skills in demand in the local labor market. It includes two key pathways: Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) for those already employed in Manitoba, and Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) for applicants with relevant skills and experience from outside Canada. Both pathways require applicants to demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba, whether through employment, education, or other means.

International Education Stream

This stream is designed for international graduates from designated Manitoba post-secondary institutions, offering a faster route to nomination. It includes three pathways: Career Employment Pathway, for students with job offers in Manitoba; Graduate Internship Pathway, for graduates who have completed internships; and International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP), for graduates aiming to start a business in Manitoba. The program is also open to graduates from other Canadian provinces under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway, provided they meet specific criteria.

Business Investor Stream

This stream recruits and nominates business investors and entrepreneurs who can start or purchase businesses in Manitoba. It features two pathways: the Entrepreneur Pathway (EP), for those looking to open a business in Manitoba, and the Farm Investor Pathway (FIP), for those planning to establish and run a farm in rural Manitoba. Both pathways require significant investment and experience, with a focus on contributing to Manitoba’s economic growth.

How to Apply for MPNP

To apply under the Skilled Worker and International Education streams (excluding the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot), candidates must first create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. If invited, they can submit a full application to the MPNP. Successful applicants will receive a nomination, after which they have 180 days to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.

For the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot and the Entrepreneur Pathway, the process involves a self-assessment, business research, submission of an EOI, and, if successful, a detailed application process that includes signing a Business Performance Agreement and establishing the business before receiving the nomination.

The Farm Investor Pathway requires candidates to explore and research Manitoba’s farming environment, submit relevant forms, and if selected, complete the application process, including a mandatory farm business research visit and potentially signing a Deposit Agreement.

With the right guidance, you could be on your path to permanent residency in Manitoba. For expert immigration advice, connect with a trusted RCIC. If you’ve just arrived in Canada and need support, Thrive in Canada is here to help. Explore our website for resources to make your transition as smooth as possible!