Your Gateway to a New Life in Manitoba
Explore the opportunities Manitoba offers through its Provincial Nominee Program
Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is tailored to meet the evolving economic and labor market needs of the province. By focusing on candidates with skills in high-demand sectors, the program aims to boost local industries and foster sustainable economic growth.
Program Overview
The initiative is anchored on a continually updated list of in-demand occupations. This ensures that selected candidates align with current market needs. Moreover, the program supports exploratory visits—especially for francophone skilled workers—to help ease their transition and integration prior to permanent settlement.
Immigration Pathways
Manitoba’s PNP offers several streams designed to accommodate a wide range of applicants:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
- Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- International Education Stream
- Business Investor Stream
Below, we focus on the two primary streams targeting skilled workers.
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
This pathway is dedicated to applicants whose skills and experience match the specific requirements of local employers. It prioritizes candidates with an established connection to Manitoba and is subdivided into two main routes.
a) Manitoba Work Experience Pathway
This route is designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have already accumulated work experience in Manitoba. The requirements differ based on whether the applicant’s occupation is listed as in demand.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Work Experience or Current Employment | Applicants must have a minimum of 6 months’ work experience in Manitoba for occupations on the in-demand list. For roles not listed or for out-of-province graduates, 12 months of experience is required, provided that the work permit and conditions meet provincial standards. |
| Employment Conditions | Candidates must be residing or working in Manitoba at the time of application and must possess a long-term, full-time job offer that complies with local wage and employment standards. The role should mirror conditions offered to citizens or permanent residents and must not be home-based, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or commission-based. |
| Language Proficiency | Language requirements depend on the National Occupational Classification (NOC): - Regulated Occupations: Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 - Compulsory Trades: Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 - Other NOC 0, A, or B Positions: Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 - Semi-Skilled Positions (NOC C or D): Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 Additional proficiency in a second official language (minimum CLB/NCLC 5) can result in extra points. |
| Adaptability | Applicants must clearly demonstrate their intent and ability to establish permanent residency in Manitoba. |
b) Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway
Aimed at attracting skilled workers from abroad, this pathway requires candidates to secure job offers from pre-approved Manitoba employers. The criteria include:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Relevant Work Experience | Candidates should have at least 2 years of pertinent work experience within the past 5 years, or an equivalent duration as determined by the employer. |
| Job Offer and Conditions | A long-term, full-time job offer that meets Manitoba’s employment standards is essential. The employer must be a registered business that has been operational in Manitoba for at least three years. As always, the role must not be home-based, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or commission-based, and must offer conditions similar to those for local workers. |
| Language Proficiency | The language standards are consistent with those of the work experience pathway, with the option for additional language training for semi-skilled positions if necessary. |
| Adaptability | Candidates must prove their commitment and capacity to settle in Manitoba. |
| Educational Background | Applicants are required to have post-secondary education or training relevant to the position. For roles that demand certification or licensure, candidates must undergo the appropriate assessments or examinations. In some semi-skilled cases (NOC C or D), formal education may be waived if specific training requirements are met. |
| Age Requirements | Eligible candidates must be between 21 and 45 years old. |
| Employer Eligibility | The recruiting employer must meet established criteria under strategic recruitment initiatives. |
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
This stream targets international professionals with skills in high demand in Manitoba. It provides two distinct pathways to facilitate immigration.
a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
Integrated with Canada’s Express Entry system, this route is for candidates already in the Express Entry pool who possess the skills, training, and experience needed in Manitoba.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Registration | Applicants must provide a valid Express Entry ID and a Job Seeker Validation Code to confirm their participation in the pool. |
| Work Experience | A minimum of 6 months’ work experience in a relevant occupation on the in-demand list is required. Additionally, a comprehensive career plan must be submitted. |
| Language Proficiency | Requirements differ based on occupation type: - NOC 0 or A Positions: Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 - NOC B Positions: Minimum CLB/NCLC 6 |
| Education | Completion of at least one post-secondary program (one year or more, or its Canadian equivalent) is necessary. For roles requiring certification, candidates must undergo the requisite assessments or examinations. |
| Age Criteria | Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. |
| Adaptability and Family Connection | Candidates should demonstrate the potential to integrate both economically and socially in Manitoba. This might include support from a close relative residing in the province or holding a valid provincial invitation. |
| Settlement Funds | Proof of sufficient liquid funds, as defined by the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for a six-month period, must be provided. |
b) Human Capital Pathway
This route is designed for skilled workers ready to quickly enter Manitoba’s workforce. It emphasizes the candidate’s economic potential and readiness for local employment.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | Applicants must present full-time work experience of at least six months in positions listed on the in-demand list. A complete career plan is also required. |
| Language Proficiency | The language benchmarks mirror those of the Express Entry pathway, with the possibility of additional points for proficiency in a second official language. |
| Education | A minimum of one year of post-secondary education (or its Canadian equivalent) is required, along with any necessary professional assessments for roles requiring certification. |
| Adaptability | Applicants should provide evidence of their commitment to becoming economically established in Manitoba. This can be shown through having close connections in the province, previous local education or work experience, or holding a valid provincial invitation. Additional points may be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner also meets specific educational and language standards. |
Conclusion
Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program is meticulously designed to address the province’s economic needs by offering varied pathways for skilled workers to attain permanent residency. Whether through established local work experience or via international recruitment channels like Express Entry and human capital pathways, the program aims to ensure a smooth and successful integration for new residents. Prospective applicants should review the eligibility criteria carefully and prepare comprehensive applications that clearly highlight their qualifications and commitment to contributing to Manitoba’s economic prosperity.
