Manitoba issues 96 invitations in latest MPNP draw
Manitoba conducted its 10th Provincial Nominee Program draw of 2026 on May 21, issuing 96 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled worker candidates. The selection focused on individuals previously invited through a strategic recruitment initiative.
The invitations were distributed across both pathways under the Skilled Worker Stream, reflecting ongoing efforts to target candidates with established connections to the province’s labour market.
This draw stands as one of the larger rounds held this year and continues a pattern of targeted selection introduced earlier in May.
- Date of draw: May 21, 2026
- Total LAAs issued: 96
- Program: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Streams included: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas
- TPP-linked invitations: 48
- Express Entry-linked invitations: 20
Details of the May 21 MPNP draw
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program issued a total of 96 invitations to candidates who had submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. All selected individuals had previously indicated that they received an invitation through a recognized strategic recruitment initiative.
Both Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas pathways were included in the draw. These pathways form part of the broader Skilled Worker Stream, which targets individuals with experience and ties relevant to Manitoba’s economic needs.
A significant portion of invitations were directed toward candidates associated with the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates. This group accounted for 48 of the 96 invitations issued.
The remaining invitations were distributed across several recruitment categories, reflecting different channels through which candidates may be identified and invited by the province.
Distribution by recruitment initiative
The allocation of LAAs across recruitment initiatives showed varying levels of participation. Employer Services accounted for 31 invitations, representing one of the largest segments outside of the temporary policy category.
Additional invitations were issued through community-based recruitment streams. Ethnocultural Communities received nine invitations, while both the Francophone Community and Regional Communities categories recorded four invitations each.
This distribution highlights the province’s use of multiple pathways to identify candidates with specific language skills, community ties, or regional employment potential.
Focus on Temporary Public Policy candidates
Half of all invitations issued in the May 21 draw were linked to candidates who had obtained Manitoba-specific work permits under the Temporary Public Policy (TPP). This policy was designed to facilitate temporary work authorization for individuals expected to become provincial nominees.
The emphasis on TPP candidates aligns with an earlier announcement made by Manitoba on May 1, which outlined plans to prioritize individuals holding these work permits in subsequent draws.
A previous round held on May 7 also reflected this trend, with a substantial share of invitations directed toward TPP-linked candidates. The continuation of this approach suggests a consistent application of the policy direction outlined at the start of the month.
Although the TPP has now expired, its impact continues to be reflected in current selection rounds due to the existing pool of eligible candidates.
Express Entry candidates included
Among the 96 invitations issued, 20 were granted to candidates who provided a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. These individuals are part of the federal Express Entry system but were selected through Manitoba’s provincial program.
Such candidates may be eligible for enhanced provincial nominations, which are processed in coordination with federal immigration systems.
Manitoba continues to draw from both base and enhanced nomination pathways, depending on candidate eligibility and program requirements.
Reasons some candidates were not invited
The province noted that not all candidates meeting the general criteria received an invitation in this round. Several common issues were identified in relation to incomplete or invalid information submitted in EOI profiles.
In some cases, candidates declared completion of a language test but failed to provide a valid test identification number, or the results had expired. In other instances, individuals indicated receipt of a recruitment invitation without including a valid reference number.
Additionally, candidates associated with the Temporary Public Policy may not have been selected if their Manitoba Support Letters were approved after June 30, 2025. The province indicated that invitations are currently being issued to individuals with earlier approval dates.
Overview of the Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker Stream under the MPNP includes two primary pathways: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas. Both pathways are designed to address labour market needs through the selection of individuals with relevant skills and experience.
Candidates in these streams must submit an Expression of Interest, which is then ranked based on a points-based system. Factors typically include education, work experience, language proficiency, and connections to Manitoba.
Those invited to apply receive a Letter of Advice to Apply, allowing them to submit a full application for provincial nomination. Additional details regarding scoring can be explored through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator, which outlines the points structure used in candidate ranking.
2026 MPNP activity and allocation
Manitoba continues to publish monthly data outlining program activity under the Skilled Worker Stream. These reports include figures on invitations issued, nominations granted, and applications in process.
From January to April 2026, the number of EOIs selected each month varied. January recorded 102 invitations, followed by 101 in February, 60 in March, and a notable increase to 340 in April.
The federal government has allocated 6,239 nomination spaces to Manitoba for 2026. Within the first four months of the year, the province issued hundreds of nominations monthly, maintaining steady progress toward its allocation.
Enhanced nominations, linked to the Express Entry system, accounted for a portion of these totals. Between January and April, 571 enhanced nominations were recorded.
Application volumes and processing status
The number of applications submitted to the MPNP fluctuated throughout early 2026. January saw 292 applications received, followed by 237 in February, 105 in March, and 109 in April.
At the same time, the inventory of applications under assessment declined significantly. The number of files in assessment or pending review dropped from 2,605 in January to 1,014 by April.
This reduction indicates ongoing processing activity within the program, although timelines for individual applications may vary depending on case complexity and documentation.
Refusals and decision outcomes
The province also reported monthly figures related to application refusals. These cases involve candidates who received an invitation, applied for nomination, but were not approved.
Refusals numbered 95 in January, decreased to 38 in February, and remained relatively steady at 35 in March before rising again to 95 in April.
These figures form part of the overall program reporting and provide insight into application outcomes alongside approvals and ongoing assessments.
Ongoing selection trends
Manitoba’s recent draws demonstrate a continued focus on targeted recruitment, particularly involving candidates with prior engagement through strategic initiatives or temporary policies.
The May 21 round reflects the province’s broader approach of aligning selection with labour market needs and existing candidate pools established through earlier policy measures.
As Manitoba continues its 2026 immigration program, further draws are expected to build on these patterns, including the prioritization of candidates with provincial connections or prior work authorization.
The May 21 draw, which issued 96 invitations with 48 linked to the Temporary Public Policy pathway, marks another step in this ongoing selection process.