Manitoba is known for its culture, northern climate, and natural landscape, and it is one of the major provinces in Canada. It is bordered by Ontario and Saskatchewan and is known to be an immigrant-friendly province. The province is an affordable place to settle in, with plenty of opportunities and a highly driven and innovative habitat. Winnipeg, the capital city, is known to be the third most liveable city in Canada and an ideal place for newcomers. Manitoba, one of the prairie Canadian provinces, was one the first provinces to initiate the provincial nominee program in 1998. There are over 200 different languages spoken across the province, English being the primary language spoken. It is a great place for newcomers looking for new employment, setting up a business venture, or starting a new life in the “Keystone State.”
Manitoba PNP, or the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), is the first Canada PNP program to be introduced. The program was initially launched to promote the economic conditions of the province through immigration. The province invites around 5,000 immigrants annually through the MPNP program. Newcomers named the province one of Canada's most immigrant-friendly and affordable places to settle. The retention rate of Manitoba is high, with around 90% of immigrants choosing to stay back in the province after immigrating. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a provincial nominee pathway that allows eligible foreigners to become Canadian residents. Skilled workers, business investors, recent graduates, and entrepreneurs can apply to the MPNP program.
Candidates who submit an EOI and enter the selection pool are awarded points based on the factors below. The candidate’s profile is allotted points based on language proficiency, age, education, and other factors, with a maximum of 1000 points. Candidates with a high score are then given a nomination letter and invited to apply for Canada PR.
The table below has a complete breakdown of the Manitoba PNP points calculator:
Assessment Factor | Ranking Points |
Factor 1: Language Proficiency | |
First Official Language | |
CLB 8 or higher | 25 per band |
CLB 7 | 22 per band |
CLB 6 | 20 per band |
CLB 5 | 17 per band |
CLB 4 | 12 per band |
CLB 3 or lower | 0 |
Second Official Language | |
CLB 5 or higher (overall) | 25 |
Maximum Points | 125 |
Factor 2: Age | |
18 | 20 |
19 | 30 |
20 | 40 |
21 to 45 | 75 |
46 | 40 |
47 | 30 |
48 | 20 |
49 | 10 |
50 or older | 0 |
Maximum Points | 75 |
Factor 3: Work Experience | |
Less than 1 year | 0 |
1 year | 40 |
2 years | 50 |
3 years | 60 |
4 years or more | 75 |
Fully recognized by provincial licensing body | 100 |
Maximum Points | 175 |
Factor 4: Education | |
Master’s degree or Doctorate | 125 |
Two post-secondary programs of at least 2 years each | 115 |
One post-secondary program of three years or more | 110 |
One post-secondary program of two years | 100 |
One-year post-secondary program | 70 |
Trade Certificate | 70 |
No formal post-secondary education | 0 |
Maximum Points | 125 |
Factor 5: Adaptability | |
Connection | |
Close relative in Manitoba | 200 |
Previous work experience in Manitoba (6 months or more) | 100 |
Completed post-secondary program in Manitoba (2 years or more) | 100 |
Completed post-secondary program in Manitoba (one year) | 50 |
Close friend or distant relative in Manitoba | 50 |
Manitoba Demand | |
Ongoing employment in Manitoba for 6 months or more with long-term job offer from the same employer | 500 |
Invitation to Apply under a Strategic Initiative 500 | |
Regional Development | |
Immigration destination in Manitoba is outside of Winnipeg | 50 |
Maximum Points | 500 |
Factor 6: Risk Assessment | |
Close relative in another province and no close relative in MB | 0 |
Work experience in another province | -100 |
Studies in another province | -100 |
Previous immigration application to another province | 0 |
Maximum Points Factor 6 | -200 |
Maximum Overall Points: 1000 |
Manitoba majorly offers three different immigration programs for individuals who wish to apply for the MPNP program. Interested candidates can apply for Canadian residency through the program via any of the below listed MPNP streams:
The table below has the general requirements for the Manitoba PNP streams.
Stream | Category | Is a job offer required? | Additional Requirements |
Skilled Worker in Manitoba |
Manitoba Work Experience Pathway |
Yes |
Have qualified work experience, |
Must be residing and employed in Manitoba. | |||
Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway | Yes | Have qualified work experience, | |
Skilled Worker Overseas |
Manitoba Express Entry Pathway |
No |
Have an active Express Entry profile with a valid Job Seeker Validation Code. |
Meet the minimum language proficiency (CLB 6 for NOC B, and CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A); | |||
Have sufficient funds for a six-month time frame. | |||
Human Capital Pathway |
No |
Fulfill the language proficiency (CLB 5 for NOC 0, A or B; CLB 6 for Compulsory Trades; CLB 7 for a Regulated Occupation); | |
Have done at least one post-secondary program that is of a one-year duration; | |||
If the occupation requires certification or licensure, you must appeal to the regulatory body to evaluate your qualifications; | |||
Have sufficient funds for a six-month time frame. | |||
International Education Stream |
Career Employment Pathway |
Yes |
Have completed graduation (minimum of 1 or 2 semesters) from a post-secondary institution in the recent three years in Manitoba |
Fulfill the minimum language proficiency of CLB 7; | |||
Have a full-time employment offer for a minimum of 12 months from an authorized employer in any In-Demand Occupation. | |||
Have sufficient funds for a six-month time frame or be working in a full-time long-term role in Manitoba; | |||
Must reside in Manitoba at the time of applying for the program and application submission. | |||
Graduate Internship Pathway |
No |
Have a master’s or doctoral degree in the recent three years in from Manitoba. | |
Fulfill the minimum language proficiency of CLB 7; | |||
Has completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate (including Accelerate Entrepreneur) internship in any of the eligible industries and research enterprises in Manitoba; | |||
Have sufficient funds for a six-month time frame or be working in a full-time long-term role in Manitoba; | |||
Must reside in Manitoba at the time of applying for the program and application submission. | |||
International Student Entrepreneur Pathway |
No |
Must present a proper business plan; | |
Should operate the business in Manitoba on a daily basis for a minimum of 6 months before getting a nomination; | |||
Have ownership of a minimum of 51% of the business; | |||
Must meet the language requirement of CLB 7; | |||
Completed a full-time post-secondary education program in Manitoba that is of at least 2 years; | |||
Must be aged between 21 and 35 years; | |||
Have sufficient funds for a six-month time frame; | |||
Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) open work permit; | |||
Has resided in Manitoba since graduation; | |||
Has the intention to continue to live in the province | |||
Have a Business Performance Agreement that is signed and valid after the approval. | |||
Business Investor Stream |
Farm Investor Pathway |
NA |
Have a minimum of three years of experience in farm business management or farm ownership and operation; |
Have English or French language proficiency; | |||
Make an investment of at least CAD300,000; | |||
Have the intention to set up a farming business in rural area of Manitoba | |||
Present a plan for the farm business; | |||
Do a visit for the research of the Farm Business; | |||
Have the intention to reside on the farm and take part in the management activities of the business; | |||
Have a minimum net worth of at least CAD 500,000. | |||
Entrepreneur Pathway |
NA |
Have at least three years of active business owner, or senior management experience in the recent five years; | |
Fulfill the minimum language proficiency of CLB 5; | |||
Have a certificate equal to the Canadian high school certificate; | |||
Make an investment of CAD 250,000 if the business is in Winnipeg area, or an investment of CAD 150,000 if the business is outside the Winnipeg area; | |||
The business should be able to have at least one job vacancy for a Canadian citizen or PR holder in Manitoba; | |||
Present a business plan; | |||
Conduct a visit for Business Research that is not more than 12 months before the EOI submission; | |||
Sign a Business Performance Agreement after the approval of the application; | |||
Have a minimum net worth of CAD 500,000. |
Manitoba’s skilled worker stream was designed to fulfill the needs of the employers in Manitoba. Skilled, experienced workers who contribute to the labor market requirements can apply for the stream. Selected applicants are then nominated, enabling them to apply for PR, settle, and seek employment in Manitoba permanently. The Skilled worker stream is classified into two programs:
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba, or the SWM pathway, is for individuals currently employed in Manitoba. Interested applicants must show proof of ongoing employment as your source of connection to the province.
The general requirements for the SWM stream are as follows:
To be eligible for the SWM stream, one must fulfill the criteria given below:
Qualifying employment:
Note: Self-employment, unauthorized work, and work done during full-time studies will not be considered while calculating the period of qualified work experience in Manitoba.
To be able to qualify as a temporary foreign worker, one must fulfill the below criteria:
Note: Individuals exempt from needing a work permit to work in the province are ineligible to apply for this category.
To be able to qualify as an international student working graduate, one must fulfill the below criteria:
Note: The Skilled Worker overseas pathway or the stream under the Business Investor Stream is for international graduates who fail to fulfill the conditions required to apply as an international student working graduate.
Candidates who wish to apply for the Skilled Worker overseas (SWO) must have evidence of strong connection or ties to Manitoba. The provincial connection can be through:
The general requirements for the SWO stream are as follows:
To be eligible for the SWO stream, one must fulfill the criteria for the below categories:
Manitoba Support:
A settled resident of Manitoba who is a relative or friend of the applicant and willing to endorse or sponsor the applicant's plan to settle in Manitoba can be considered under the Manitoba support.
To be considered eligible as a Manitoba support, the relative or friend must fulfill the below criteria:
To be considered eligible as a close relative, the Manitoba support must be related to the primary applicant in any of the below ways:
Note: Distant relatives and friends who are currently supporting another provincial nominee or MPNP applicant or anybody under any of the other Canadian immigration programs would be ineligible.
Your Manitoba supporter cannot, and the MPNP will not accept a Settlement Plan Part 2 signed by the following:
Manitoba Experience:
Any past experience gained in Manitoba, including that as an international student or foreign worker, can be considered part of the Manitoba Experience.
To be considered eligible for the Manitoba work experience as a temporary foreign worker, you must fulfill the below criteria:
To be considered eligible for the Manitoba study experience as an international student, you must fulfill the below criteria:
Note: Study programs or courses related to languages may not be authorized.
Manitoba Invitation:
Qualifying candidates who receive an Invitation to apply (ITA) via any Strategic Recruitment Initiatives through the regular MPNP can be considered under the Manitoba Invitation.
To be considered eligible for the Manitoba invitation, one must fulfill the below criteria:
You can calculate your score as an overseas skilled worker using the points grid given below:
Factor 1: Language Proficiency | |
Language proficiency | Points awarded |
First language | |
CLB 8 or higher | 20 |
CLB 7 | 18 |
CLB 6 | 16 |
CLB 5 | 14 |
CLB 4 | 12 |
CLB 3 or lower | 0 |
Second language | |
CLB 5 or higher | 5 |
Maximum points | 25 (25% of total) |
Factor 2: Age | |
[The points for the age factor is calculated as per the date the MPNP receives your application] | |
Age | Points awarded |
18 | 4 |
19 | 6 |
20 | 8 |
21 to 45 | 10 |
46 | 8 |
47 | 6 |
48 | 4 |
49 | 2 |
50 or older | 0 |
Maximum points | 10 (10% of total) |
Factor 3: Work Experience | |
Points related to work experience depends on documents related to full-time employment in the recent five years. Full-time jobs with duration of six continuous months or more are considered. | |
Years of work experience | Points awarded |
Less than one year | 0 |
One year | 8 |
Two years | 10 |
Three years | 12 |
Four years or more | 15 |
Maximum points | 15 (15% of total) |
Factor 4: Education | |
Points for education depend on documents related to education and/or training programs that were completed from recognized educational institutions. The completed program must meet the eligibility requirements and have a certificate, diploma or degree. | |
Highest level of education | Points awarded |
Master's degree or doctorate | 25 |
Two post-secondary programs of at least two years each | 23 |
One post-secondary program of two years or longer | 20 |
One one-year post-secondary program | 14 |
Trade certificate | 14 |
No formal post-secondary education | 0 |
Maximum points | 25 (25% of total) |
International students graduating from designated and eligible post-secondary institutions in Manitoba can apply for the International Education Stream (IES). The IES is classified into three major streams:
Note: International students who have completed their graduation in other Canadian provinces may not qualify for the IES stream; they can, however, apply for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba program
Graduates with post-secondary education looking for long-term job opportunities in an in-demand occupation in Manitoba can apply via the Career Employment pathway. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility can apply for the MPNP after graduating and securing an employment offer.
Note: Students who have graduated from any other Canadian province and are currently unemployed can apply for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba program.
To be eligible for the Career employment stream, one must fulfill the criteria given in the table below:
Criterion | Requirements |
Education | Have graduated from a registered post-secondary institution in Manitoba in the last 3 years. The study program must be full-time with a minimum of two semesters or one year-duration |
Official Languages Proficiency | Score a minimum of CLB/NCLC 7. |
Current Employment in Manitoba |
Have a full-time employment offer from a registered Manitoba employer with at least 12 months of contract in any occupations listed on the In-Demand Occupations List of Manitoba. The employment must align with your studies in Manitoba. |
Must be working a full-time job in Manitoba with a registered work permit | |
Settlement Funds | Have proof of funds equal to the requirements of Low income cut-off (LICO). The proof of funds must be available from independent sources for at least six months (or). Show proof that you work in a full-time, long-term job role in Manitoba. |
Adaptability |
Must be living in the province while applying for the program. |
Show proof of intention to continue living in the province after receiving a nomination. This includes submitting a Career Employment Plan that displays the many career opportunities in Manitoba. |
The Graduate Internship Pathway is designed for International graduates with a Master's or Doctoral degree. International students can get faster nomination routes via internships, contributing to industrial innovation and growth within Manitoba. Graduates who have done an Elevate or an Accelerate internship in Manitoba with Mitacs can apply for the MPNP after graduation. A job offer is not mandatory when applying for the program.
To be eligible for the Graduate Internship stream, one must fulfill the criteria given in the table below:
Criterion | Requirements |
Education | Have done Masters or Doctoral degree programs in Manitoba in the last three years. |
Official Languages Proficiency | Score at least CLB/NCLC 7 (or equivalent) |
Internship in Manitoba | Have done a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate (including Accelerate Entrepreneur) internship with a registered and qualifying industry and research company in Manitoba. |
Employment in Manitoba | Job offer is not mandatory at the time of applying |
Settlement Funds |
Have proof of funds that align with the Low income cut-off (LICO) requirements. Proof of funds for independent sources of finance for at least six months should be provided |
OR | |
Be working in a long-term and full-time job role in Manitoba. | |
Adaptability |
Must be in Canada and living in Manitoba during the application. |
Must show proof of intention to continue living in Manitoba after receiving a nomination. It includes a Career Employment Plan submission showing Manitoba's many career opportunities. |
The ISEP selects 20 qualifying international students who have completed their graduation in Manitoba and are allowed to seek entrepreneurship rather than employment. The program chooses only 20 students per annual year. Selected applicants who fulfill the Business Performance Agreement conditions then receive a nomination for permanent residence.
Note: International students who have graduated from other Canadian provinces may qualify to apply via the Entrepreneur Pathway in the Business Investor Stream.
To be eligible for the ISEP program, one must fulfill the criteria given in the table below:
Criterion | Requirements |
Business Experience |
You must have a business plan included in your application. |
You must have regularly operated a business as a senior manager from the place of business in the province for at least 6 months before getting nominated. It should also align with the Business Performance Agreement (BPA) requirements. | |
Have ownership of at least 51% of the business equity | |
Official Languages Proficiency | Score at least CLB/NCLC 7. |
Education |
Have done a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba with a duration of at least 2 years |
Any experience (Studies and work/business) gained outside of Canada will be an added advantage but is not one of the eligibility requirements. | |
Age | Must be aged between 21 to 35 years |
Adaptability |
Must have a valid open work permit while applying |
Have resided in Manitoba continuously since graduating | |
Show proof of intention to continue to live in the province after receiving a nomination. | |
Net Worth/Settlement Funds |
Deposit is not mandatory. |
Having a minimum net worth is not an eligibility requirement. | |
Have proof of liquid funds that align with the Low income cut-off (LICO) requirements. The proof of funds must be given for independent finance resources for at least 12 months. | |
The application must include a verification report, which the MPNP must receive within 120 days of getting an LAA. | |
Business Performance Agreement | A Business Performance Agreement (BPA) must be signed and submitted after the application is approved. |
The steps to apply are similar for the International Education Stream (Excluding the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot) and the Skilled Worker Stream.
You can follow the below steps to apply for the MPNP program under the streams mentioned above:
Step 1: Create an EOI profile
Step 2: Submit an application form after receiving a LAA (Letter of Advice to Apply)
Step 3: Get your application examined
Step 4: Receive a nomination
Step 5: Apply for Canada PR within 180 days of receiving a nomination
Through the Business Investor stream, eligible business entrepreneurs and investors are nominated and recruited, provided they have the capability and intention to set up or purchase a business establishment in Manitoba. The BIS is classified into two major streams:
The Entrepreneur Pathway is for qualified businessmen who want to settle in Manitoba and start a new business, buy an existing one, or partner with a business. Candidates must enter the country with a temporary work permit.
To be eligible for the Entrepreneur pathway, one must fulfill the criteria given in the table below:
Business experience:
Criterion | Minimum Requirement |
Business Experience |
Have at least of 3 years of full-time professional experience in the last 5 years as a business owner or as a member of the senior management in a successful company/business. Note: Business owners can score more points compared to senior managers. |
Business owners need a minimum of 1/3% ownership to secure the points | |
Language Proficiency | Must score at least CLB/NCLC 5. |
Education | Have the minimum education level that is equal to the Canadian high school standards |
Net Worth |
Have a minimum net worth of CAD 500,000 that is verified by the MPNP |
A verification report must be attached to the application when submitting your application to the MPNP. | |
Business Investment |
Businesses in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region must have an investment of CAD 250,000 |
Businesses outside of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region must have an investment of CAD 150,000 | |
The investment of business must be put into an MPNP-defined eligible business. | |
The business must be able to create at least one job for a PR HOLDER or Canadian Citizen (excluding close relatives and owners of the company) | |
Information related to the business Investment must be mentioned in a business plan, which is an important part of the application. |
Business visit:
Criteria | Preferred requirements |
Business Research Visit |
It is advised to conduct an exploratory visit to Manitoba in-person. |
The research for the business visit must be done not more than 12 months before the EOI submission. | |
You can take part in information sessions for the BIS while undertaking your business research visit in Manitoba. | |
Adaptability |
Points will be allotted to you if: |
Your spouse scored CLB/NCLC 5 or more; | |
You or your spouse have a score of CLB/NCLC 5 or more in the second official language; | |
You or your common-law partner/ spouse have a close relative residing in Manitoba for over 12 months. | |
Your child must be registered in a recognized educational institution in Manitoba and have been receiving full-length professional, academic, or vocational training for a minimum of six months before the EOI submission date. | |
You or your spouse or common-law partner has completed a full-time study program of a minimum of 12 months from a post-secondary institute in Manitoba. You or your spouse or common-law partner must complete it after turning 17 with a valid study permit. | |
You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner have completed at least six months of full time work in Manitoba. | |
A letter of reference along with a copy of the work permit must be given. |
You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Entrepreneur stream:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible to apply after conducting a thorough business research
Step 2: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to MPNP
Step 3: Obtain a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA)
Step 4: Submit the MPNP application
Step 5: Set up your business in Manitoba and complete the Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
Step 6: Receive the Certificate of Nomination from the MPNP
The Farm Investor pathway is for candidates with established experience in farm business and sufficient funds to invest, with plans of setting up and operating a farm business in a rural region of Manitoba. Applicants selected for the stream are expected to set up a farm business that manufactures products that align with the farm industry of Manitoba. The type of investment and operation is consistent with the province's statistics while also being suitable for the farm industry of Manitoba.
Note: Business operations related to Agriculture that are not manufacturing primary goods may be eligible for the Entrepreneur pathway.
To be eligible for the Farm Investor pathway, one must fulfill the criteria given in the table below:
Criterion | Requirements |
Farm Business Experience | Have at least 3 years of experience in farm ownership and operation, with documents as proof. |
Official Languages Proficiency | You must have English or French language proficiency if you receive an invitation to attend a FIP interview |
Farm Business Investment |
Invest at least CAD 300,000. |
The investments for the Farm business should be made in assets that are defined as eligible by the MPNP. | |
A proper business plan for the farm business must be included in the application. | |
Farm Business Research Visit | Supervise a farm business research visit to Manitoba. |
Farm Business Activities |
The entity of the farm business must be ongoing and recurring business activities in rural Manitoba. |
You must reside on the farm and actively take part in managing the farm business on a daily basis from within Manitoba. | |
The business must be set up in an active primary agriculture production that is viable economically. | |
Economic Establishment Adaptability | Show proof that you have adaptability skills, farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological-based farming methods |
Net Worth |
Have a minimum net worth of CAD 500,000 |
A verification report must be attached along with the application |
You can follow the steps given below to apply for the Farm Investor pathway:
Step 1: Do groundwork and research about the farm businesses in Manitoba
Step 2: Fill up the Farm Business concept forms and interest guidelines
Step 3: Submit the completed forms to the MPNP
Step 4: Apply to the MPNP
Step 5: Receive a nomination letter
Step 6: Apply for Canada PR
Step 7: Set up your farm business in Manitoba
The IRCC also offers other economic and federal immigration programs for candidates who wish to immigrate to Manitoba. Individuals who want to move to Manitoba as non-economic immigrants (Spouses, family members of PR holders, or Canadian citizens) can be eligible via the Federal Family Class.
The alternative immigration pathways for Manitoba are as follows:
IRCC has issued Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in 2024 through Skilled Worker, International Education, and Skilled Workers Overseas streams.
Month | No. of draws | Total no. of Invitations |
December | 1 | 399 |
November | 2 | 553 |
October | 2 | 487 |
September | 2 | 554 |
August | 3 | 645 |
July | 2 | 287 |
June | 3 | 667 |
May | 3 | 1,565 |
April | 2 | 690 |
March | 1 | 104 |
February | 2 | 437 |
January | 2 | 698 |
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