Manitoba invites 46 skilled workers in March 2026 draw
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted a new Expression of Interest (EOI) draw on March 12, 2026, issuing 46 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled worker candidates. The invitations were extended under the province’s Skilled Worker Stream as part of ongoing efforts to attract qualified professionals to Manitoba.
The draw targeted individuals who had received a direct invitation from the MPNP through one of its strategic recruitment initiatives or under a temporary federal public policy supporting work permit holders.
- Draw date: March 12, 2026 (EOI Draw #266)
- Total invitations issued: 46
- Streams involved: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas
- Largest share of invitations: Employer Services initiative (17 candidates)
- Five candidates held valid Express Entry profiles
- Total LAAs issued in 2026 so far: 249
Distribution of invitations
Of the 46 LAAs issued, the highest number went to candidates who declared participation in the Employer Services recruitment initiative, which accounted for 17 invitations. Other allocations included 12 invitations through the Francophone Community initiative, nine under Ethnocultural Communities, and six through Regional Communities. Two invitations were issued under the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates (TPP).
The TPP was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a time-limited policy enabling participating provinces to nominate foreign nationals for open work permits. Manitoba’s involvement with this measure concluded in December 2025.
Comparison with previous draws
The latest draw invited 36 percent fewer candidates than the February 26, 2026 round, which issued 72 invitations. Despite the smaller intake, Manitoba continues to focus its selection process on individuals engaged through strategic recruitment initiatives designed to address the province’s labour market needs.
With this draw, the cumulative number of LAAs issued through the MPNP in 2026 stands at 249. The Skilled Worker Stream remains the primary pathway through which invitations have been extended this year.
Program background
The MPNP is Manitoba’s main immigration pathway for skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors seeking permanent residence. Through the Skilled Worker Stream, the province nominates candidates who demonstrate strong ties to Manitoba and possess skills required by local employers. Applicants are ranked using a points-based system that evaluates work experience, education, language ability, and adaptability.
More details on eligibility and the points structure are available through the MPNP Points Calculator.
Strategic recruitment initiatives
Strategic recruitment initiatives are targeted selection efforts organized by the Manitoba government in collaboration with employers, community organizations, and regional partners. These initiatives aim to identify prospective immigrants with skills aligned to provincial workforce priorities, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and francophone settlement support.
Candidates who receive a direct invitation under such initiatives can register an Expression of Interest and may be prioritized in subsequent EOI draws.
Eligibility documentation and accuracy
The MPNP advises that candidates must ensure all information in their EOI profiles is accurate and verifiable. LAAs are not issued if test results are expired or if language test numbers and invitation codes are invalid. Each EOI submission includes help text explaining required data for each field.
Public relevance and next steps
The March 2026 draw underscores Manitoba’s continued use of strategic recruitment to address pressing labour market needs. By focusing on employer-driven and community-based recruitment, the province seeks to attract workers more likely to integrate quickly into local economies and communities.
Further details on future draws and program updates are expected as the province continues its regular EOI selection rounds throughout 2026.
Readers can explore related coverage and data tools tracking provincial nominee program trends across Canada.