Manitoba issues 29 invitations in latest MPNP draw

Manitoba issues 29 invitations in latest MPNP draw

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted a new round of invitations on February 12, issuing 29 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled worker candidates. Invitations were extended through both the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas categories.

The draw targeted individuals engaged in the province’s ongoing strategic recruitment initiatives, which aim to address labour shortages in key sectors and support regional economic priorities.

• 29 skilled worker candidates received LAAs on February 12.
• Invitations issued under multiple strategic recruitment initiatives.
• Six candidates held valid Express Entry profiles.
• Streams included Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas.
• Employer, Francophone, and regional recruitment efforts featured prominently.

Draw results and breakdown

The MPNP allocated invitations across various strategic recruitment initiatives. Eight candidates were selected through the Employer Services stream, 14 through the Francophone Community initiative, three from Regional Communities, one from Ethnocultural Communities, and three under the Temporary Public Policy facilitating work permits for prospective nominees.

Of the 29 selected candidates, six reported active Express Entry profiles, aligning with federal immigration pathways that connect provincial nominations to permanent residence applications.

Understanding strategic recruitment initiatives

Strategic recruitment initiatives are focused hiring programs designed to help Manitoba employers fill persistent labour gaps. Through these initiatives, the MPNP supports businesses that can demonstrate an immediate need for specific skill sets unavailable in the provincial labour market.

These programs allow employers and communities to collaborate with the province to recruit foreign talent. The initiatives also enable Manitoba to target candidates with qualifications that match local workforce needs, contributing to long-term economic development.

How candidates are identified

Potential candidates are often recruited following exploratory visits or during international recruitment missions organized by the MPNP. During these events, immigration officers conduct interviews with foreign nationals who express interest in settling and working in Manitoba.

Applicants who meet program requirements and demonstrate a connection to the province may receive an invitation to apply for nomination through the Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

Eligibility and selection process

To participate in a recruitment mission or exploratory visit, foreign nationals generally need to be between 21 and 45 years old, possess post-secondary education or equivalent training, and have at least two years of relevant full-time work experience within the last five years.

Minimum language requirements apply, with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 for occupations in Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0–3, and CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 roles. Employers can request exceptions in specific cases.

Preference can be given to those intending to live and work outside Winnipeg, while applicants with strong ties to other provinces may be assessed for retention risk. Once invited, candidates must submit a profile to the MPNP, demonstrating both eligibility and intent to settle in Manitoba.

Nomination and federal application

After receiving an LAA, candidates submit a full application for provincial nomination. Successful nominees obtain a nomination certificate from Manitoba, which can add 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if they are part of the Express Entry system.

With a provincial nomination, candidates can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs.

Program background

Established to support Manitoba’s workforce needs, the MPNP continues to serve as a key immigration pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. The program allows the province to select candidates most likely to settle successfully and contribute to the local economy.

Through initiatives such as employer partnerships and targeted community engagement, Manitoba maintains a steady approach to attracting newcomers who align with labour market demands. A detailed overview of the program’s criteria and scoring is available via the Manitoba PNP points calculator.

Ongoing relevance

The February 12 draw highlights Manitoba’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers from both within Canada and abroad. As labour needs evolve, strategic recruitment initiatives remain central to the province’s approach to sustainable immigration planning.

Further updates on provincial draws and nomination trends are expected to follow as Manitoba continues its regular selection rounds under the MPNP.