Manitoba issues 72 invitations in latest MPNP draw
Manitoba has conducted a new Expression of Interest (EOI) draw under its Skilled Worker Stream, extending invitations to candidates both within the province and abroad. The draw, held on February 26, 2026, included applicants identified through various strategic recruitment initiatives.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) confirmed that 72 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were distributed through two pathways of the Skilled Worker Stream: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas.
- 72 LAAs issued on February 26, 2026
- Invitations divided between Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams
- Employer Services initiative accounted for 55% of invitations
- 11 recipients held valid Express Entry profiles
- Draw limited to candidates invited via strategic recruitment or the temporary public policy initiative
Details of the February 26 draw
According to the provincial program, 72 invitations were issued through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas pathways. The majority—40 invitations—were extended under the Employer Services initiative, followed by 12 through Ethnocultural Communities, eight through Regional Communities, seven under the Temporary Public Policy (TPP), and five through Francophone Community recruitment.
Manitoba reported that 11 of the invited candidates had declared valid Express Entry profile numbers and job seeker validation codes. Only applicants who had received a direct invitation through a strategic recruitment event or the TPP were considered in this round.
Temporary Public Policy background
The Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates allowed provinces to support open work permits for certain PNP applicants meeting specific criteria. The policy concluded on December 31, 2025, after Manitoba had accepted new support letter applications until December 15, 2025. The online submission form closed the following day.
The initiative was designed to assist foreign nationals who were preparing to apply for a provincial nomination while maintaining legal work authorization in Canada.
Strategic recruitment initiatives explained
Strategic recruitment initiatives are programs used by Manitoba to identify and invite skilled workers who can contribute to local labour needs or help meet demographic objectives. These measures target both domestic and international candidates whose profiles align with Manitoba’s economic priorities.
Invitations through these initiatives are issued at the program’s discretion and cannot be requested independently. Eligible candidates are selected through activities such as recruitment missions or exploratory visits organized by the MPNP, during which program officers may conduct interviews and issue invitation letters to create candidate profiles.
Typical eligibility requirements
The program outlines several common criteria for participants in recruitment missions or exploratory visits. These generally include being between 21 and 45 years of age, having at least one year of post-secondary education or training, and demonstrating two years of full-time work experience within the past five years.
Candidates must also show that they do not possess stronger ties to another province and must provide language test results meeting at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in each ability area. Tests must have been taken within the previous two years.
Manitoba’s approach to skilled immigration
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program plays a central role in attracting skilled workers to address labour market shortages. Through its EOI system, eligible candidates submit profiles and may later receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination based on Manitoba’s labour demands and targeted recruitment priorities.
By focusing on strategic recruitment, Manitoba continues to match candidates with employer and community needs across sectors. The province’s use of multiple pathways under the Skilled Worker Stream reflects an effort to maintain a balanced approach between locally employed workers and international recruits.
Context and significance
Draws such as the one held on February 26 are part of Manitoba’s ongoing efforts to sustain population growth and support key industries. The issuance of LAAs underlines the province’s intention to continue selecting candidates who fit its specific economic and community development strategies.
Regular EOI draws enable Manitoba to manage its nomination allocation efficiently, aligning provincial selection with evolving national immigration priorities under Canada’s broader immigration framework.
Continued monitoring and future updates
As provincial nominee programs remain a major component of Canada’s immigration system, updates on subsequent MPNP draws and related policies are expected to continue providing insight into regional labour strategies and immigration trends. Observers can refer to official provincial releases for the latest confirmed results and procedural details.
For more information on program streams and eligibility factors, readers can explore additional coverage of Canadian immigration and provincial nominee initiatives.