Manitoba PNP Draw 2026: First Invitations for Skilled Workers
Manitoba PNP Kicks Off 2026 with First Skilled Worker Draw – Here’s What You Need to Know
Manitoba has officially launched its immigration year with the first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2026. Held on January 15, this draw focused on skilled workers who were directly invited through the province’s strategic recruitment initiatives. If you’ve been keeping an eye on immigration opportunities in Manitoba, this update is for you!
Key Highlights
- Manitoba issued a total of 55 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in its first 2026 draw.
- Candidates were selected under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams.
- All invited candidates had a connection to Manitoba through strategic recruitment initiatives.
- “Employer Services” was the top pathway, accounting for 38% of all invitations.
- 10 LAAs went to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes.
- This draw marks a slower start compared to January 2025, which saw 197 invitations.
Inside Manitoba’s First PNP Draw of 2026
On January 15, Manitoba held its first Expression of Interest (EOI) draw of the year, targeting skilled workers who had been pre-selected through recruitment efforts. A total of 55 candidates received LAAs under the Manitoba PNP, kicking off what promises to be another year of tailored immigration pathways for in-demand workers.
This draw, officially named EOI Draw #262, focused solely on applicants who indicated they had been invited through a strategic recruitment initiative. This means the province specifically targeted these candidates because of their ties to Manitoba, such as job offers, community connections, or participation in recruitment events.
Which Streams Were Used?
Invitations were sent through two familiar pathways within the Skilled Worker Stream:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Skilled Worker Overseas
Both streams are designed to help Manitoba select foreign talent that aligns with the province’s labour market needs and community-building goals.
Breakdown of Strategic Recruitment Initiatives
Let’s take a closer look at how the 55 LAAs were distributed across Manitoba’s recruitment initiatives:
| Strategic Recruitment Initiative | LAAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Employer Services | 21 |
| Francophone Community | 7 |
| Regional Communities | 15 |
| Ethnocultural Communities | 9 |
| Temporary Public Policy (TPP) | 3 |
As seen above, the Employer Services initiative led the pack, providing opportunities to 21 skilled workers. This highlights the province’s continued focus on employers and the importance of job offers in the nomination process. Regional and ethnocultural communities also played a big role in this draw, supporting Manitoba’s push for community-based immigration strategies.
Express Entry Candidates Also Invited
Interestingly, 10 of the total LAAs were issued to individuals who had a valid Express Entry profile and job seeker validation code. This shows that Manitoba is still aligning some of its nominations with the federal Express Entry system, giving candidates a faster route to permanent residency.
How This Draw Compares to Last Year
Manitoba wrapped up 2025 with a strong record of nominations, but this first draw in 2026 is noticeably smaller. By comparison, the first draw of 2025 (EOI Draw #236) saw 197 invitations handed out. So, what’s changed?
While there’s no official explanation, it’s possible the province is adjusting its strategy to focus more on targeted recruitment and smaller, more strategic selections. It’s also worth noting that this year’s draw came a bit later in January than usual, perhaps hinting at evolving timelines or refined selection processes.
Didn’t Receive an LAA? Here’s Why That Might Be
If you submitted an Expression of Interest and believe you met the criteria—but didn’t get an invitation this time around—don’t lose hope just yet. According to the MPNP, here are a few common reasons why eligible applicants might not receive an LAA:
- You listed an approved English or French language test, but didn’t include a valid test number or your results were expired.
- You claimed to have been invited under a strategic recruitment initiative but entered an invalid invitation number.
It’s always a good idea to double-check your EOI profile for accuracy and completeness. Even small errors can prevent you from being selected.
What’s Next for Manitoba Immigration?
With a strong focus on recruiting talent through employer partnerships and community connections, Manitoba’s PNP is shaping up to continue prioritizing those with a clear path to settlement and success in the province.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Manitoba through one of its skilled worker pathways, now’s the time to ensure your profile is up to date and strategically positioned. You can also estimate your potential score with the Manitoba PNP points calculator to see where you stand.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re already in Manitoba or living overseas, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program offers a promising path to permanent residence for skilled workers with the right ties to the province.
Want to see if you qualify? Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams and take the next step toward your Canadian immigration journey.
Stay tuned for updates and future draw results — and don’t forget to check out our guide on how to improve your EOI profile for better chances in the next round!
