Manitoba recently conducted a significant draw through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), issuing 161 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) on July 18. This draw provides numerous opportunities for international graduates and skilled workers to settle in Manitoba, contributing to the province’s economic growth and diversity.
International Education Stream (IES)
The International Education Stream is a key focus of Manitoba’s immigration strategy, designed to retain international graduates who have studied at Manitoba institutions. In this draw, the IES received 109 LAAs. This allocation reflects the province’s commitment to supporting the transition of these graduates into the local workforce. By targeting graduates, Manitoba ensures that these individuals, who are already familiar with the local culture and job market, can seamlessly integrate and contribute to the community.
Skilled Workers Overseas (Strategic Recruitment Initiative)
A total of 52 LAAs were issued to candidates under the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, specifically through the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. This initiative is aimed at attracting skilled workers from abroad who can fill gaps in the local labor market. Candidates needed to meet a minimum score requirement of 645 points to qualify, highlighting the competitive nature of this stream. This approach allows Manitoba to address specific labor shortages by recruiting talent with the necessary skills and experience.
Express Entry Candidates
In addition to the LAAs issued through the main streams, 16 candidates with valid Express Entry IDs and job seeker validation codes also received invitations. Express Entry is a federal system that manages applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. By aligning provincial draws with the federal Express Entry system, Manitoba can attract highly qualified candidates who are already on track for permanent residence in Canada.
Latest Manitoba Draw Details
| Stream | Letters of Advice to Apply | Score of Lowest Ranked Candidate |
| International Education Stream | 109 | – |
| Skilled Workers Overseas | 52 | 645 |
Manitoba’s MPNP offers several pathways tailored to different categories of skilled workers, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the province’s economic needs.
Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM)
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream is an excellent option for those currently employed in Manitoba or those who have a job offer from a local employer. This stream includes two distinct pathways:
- Manitoba Work Experience Pathway: This pathway is available to individuals who are already working in Manitoba on temporary permits or as international graduates. Unlike other streams, it does not require the occupation to be in demand, making it more accessible for a broader range of applicants.
- Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway: This pathway targets individuals with job offers from approved Manitoba employers but who are residing overseas. It provides a direct route for employers to recruit skilled workers from abroad, ensuring that labor market needs are met efficiently.
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO)
The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream is specifically designed for skilled workers abroad. It offers two primary routes:
- Manitoba Express Entry Pathway: This pathway is for candidates who qualify under another MPNP stream and meet the Express Entry criteria. Candidates must have skills in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations and close family ties to the province. This route facilitates the attraction of highly skilled individuals who have a connection to Manitoba and are likely to integrate well.
- Human Capital Pathway: This pathway targets skilled workers abroad who have experience in In-Demand Occupations. It emphasizes the potential of these individuals to secure employment in Manitoba upon their arrival, ensuring that they can contribute to the local economy quickly and effectively.
International Education Stream (IES)
The International Education Stream is dedicated to retaining graduates from Manitoba’s educational institutions. It offers three distinct pathways to accommodate the diverse needs of international graduates:
- Career Employment Pathway: This pathway requires the completion of a qualifying program from a Manitoba institution and a job offer in an In-Demand Occupation. Candidates must also reside in Manitoba. This pathway ensures that graduates can transition smoothly into the local workforce.
- Graduate Internship Pathway: Available to Masters and Doctoral graduates who have completed internships through Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate programs. Notably, this pathway does not require a job offer, making it accessible for highly educated individuals who have demonstrated their potential through internships.
- Student Entrepreneur Pathway: This pathway is for graduates who have completed a program in Manitoba and have operated a business in the province for six months post-graduation. It requires residency in Manitoba but does not impose a specific net worth requirement, encouraging entrepreneurial graduates to establish their businesses in the province.
Manitoba’s recent draw under the MPNP highlights the province’s strategic approach to immigration. By targeting international graduates and skilled workers, Manitoba aims to address labor market needs, support economic growth, and foster community development. The diverse pathways available through the MPNP ensure that a wide range of candidates can find opportunities to contribute to Manitoba’s vibrant economy and society.
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