The Complete Guide to Manitoba Immigration Pathways

Manitoba is a grassland in the middle of Canada. Its diverse landscape offers the most breathtaking views, with more than 100,000 lakes surrounding the state. With a population of 1,342,153, the province has, over the years, become quite multicultural and is now home to people from across the globe.

If the vast prairies, vibrant cities, and welcoming communities of Manitoba, Canada, are calling your name, you're not alone. This central Canadian province offers a thriving economy, affordable living, and an inclusive atmosphere, making it a prime destination for aspiring immigrants. But how do you turn your dream into reality? Let's explore the diverse pathways to becoming a permanent resident of Manitoba, Canada, and make this beautiful province your home.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) fast-tracks your path to Canadian permanent residency through three targeted streams. Skilled professionals with in-demand jobs or Manitoba connections can jump-start their journey via the Skilled Worker Pathway.

International graduates with provincial work experience can utilize the International Education Stream, while seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can access the Business Investor Stream. With diverse options, streamlined processing, and a welcoming provincial government, the MPNP opens the door to building your Canadian dream in beautiful Manitoba.

Skilled Worker Pathway

Through the Skilled Workers Stream, trained and experienced workers who can fill the skill gaps in the province can be nominated for permanent residency. The two pathways for this are the Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas programs.

Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM)

Manitoba's Skilled Workers MPNP nominates applicants with strong ties to the province. This could be due to continuous employment and having sufficient skills, education, work experience, and proficiency in the official languages. Candidates must contribute to the region's economy and community simultaneously.

Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO)

Manitoba, Canada’s MPNP for Skilled Workers Overseas nominates candidates who can prove a connection to the province via family, having studied or worked in the province, or the direct receipt of an Invitation to Apply from the MPNP Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

International Education Stream

Manitoba allows international students in Canada to stay in the province and obtain Canadian permanent residency. This is done through the International Education Stream (IES) for international graduates in Manitoba. There are three speedy pathways to getting a nomination:

• The Career Employment Pathway,
• The Graduate Internship Pathway, and
• The International Student Entrepreneur Pathway.

International students in Canada who have graduated in other Canadian provinces don't qualify under this stream but can apply via the updated Skilled Worker In Manitoba Stream. Let's see how these pathways assist international students who obtain qualifications in Manitoba.

The Career Employment Pathway

The Career Employment Pathway speeds up nomination pathways for graduating students with skills in demand in the province. If you meet the criteria, you'll qualify to apply for the MPNP as soon as you've completed your studies and received an offer of employment.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Graduation from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba within the last three years is a prerequisite
• A minimum language proficiency level of CLB/NCLC 7 is essential
• A full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer. The offer should have a minimum 1-year contract, and the occupation must align with Manitoba's In-Demand Occupations List
• Be actively employed full-time in Manitoba with a valid work permit when your application undergoes assessment
• Settlement funds equivalent to the low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources over six months
• Residency in Manitoba at the time of application

NOTE: If you are an international student in Canada who graduated in a different Canadian province and are not employed in an in-demand profession, you could qualify under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway.

The Graduate Internship Pathway

The Graduate Internship Pathway is a sped-up route to nomination for international students and master's and doctoral graduates. This can be done using internships through which they contribute to innovation in Manitoba. Graduates who complete internships in Manitoba may submit applications for the MPNP immediately after graduation, even if they don't have an offer of employment.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Completion of a master's or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past three years is mandatory
• A minimum CLB/NCLC 7 (or equivalent) Canadian official language proficiency level is required
• Successful completion of a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate (including Accelerate Entrepreneur) internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba is a prerequisite.
• Unlike some programs, you are not obligated to have a job offer at the time of application.
• Proof of liquid funds equivalent to low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources over six months.
• Alternatively, being employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba satisfies this requirement.
• Residency in Manitoba at the time of application is essential. Additionally, you must express the intent to continue residing in Manitoba post-nomination. This includes submitting a Career Employment Plan, outlining opportunities for a successful career track in Manitoba.

The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)

In Manitoba, the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot will give as many as 20 international students who've graduated in the province the chance to start a business instead of working. As soon as a candidate meets the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement, they can earn a nomination for Canadian permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria:

• As part of your Manitoba immigration application, a business plan is a requisite. Operating the business as a senior manager daily from the Manitoba-based establishment for at least six months before nomination is mandatory, aligning with the stipulations of your Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
• Additionally, you must hold a minimum 51% business equity ownership.
• Attaining a minimum CLB/NCLC 7 proficiency level in a Canadian official language is essential.
• Completion of a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba lasting at least two years. While studies or work/business experience outside of Canada are viewed as beneficial, they are not mandatory eligibility requirements.
• You must fall within the age range of 21 to 35 years.
• A valid open work permit during application is crucial.
Continuous residence in Manitoba since graduation is required, demonstrating your commitment to the province.
• Although a minimum net worth is not a strict eligibility criterion, it will be considered in evaluating your potential to execute your business plan successfully.
• Liquid funds equivalent to low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources over twelve months must be demonstrated.
• A verification report, along with the application, must be submitted to the MPNP within 120 days of receiving your Letter of Approval to Apply (LAA).
• Post-approval of your application, signing a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) is mandatory.

Business Investor

The Business Investor Stream (BIS), is used for recruitment and nominations of qualified business investors and entrepreneurs from around the world who have the intention and skills to establish or buy a business in Manitoba.

The two Manitoba immigration pathways for this are the Entrepreneur Pathway for applicants who want to open a business here, and the Farm Investor Pathway, for applicants who wish to to a farm in rural Manitoba.

The Entrepreneur Pathway (EP)

Through the updated Entrepreneur Pathway, Manitoba can recruit and nominate eligible business people from across the globe who want to open or buy a business after arriving in Canada on a temporary visa. Candidates won't have to pay a deposit to the province's government. Note that as an applicant, you no longer have to pay a deposit of 100,000 CAD to the Manitoba Government.

Eligibility Criteria

• You will have to have work experience of no less than three years within the last five years, either running a business or managing one. It is important to note that business owners earn more points than high-level managers. If you are a business owner, you must own no less than a third of a business to be eligible for points.
• You must have a least a high school education
• For language proficiency, you must have a minimum CLB/NCLC 5
• While there is no age requirement, points are given to candidates aged 25 to 49 years old
• Your net worth must be at least 500,000 CAD
• A minimum investment of 250,000 CAD is required for businesses in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, while at least 150,000 CAD is needed for a business outside the region. The business will have to provide an employment opportunity for at least one Canadian Citizen or someone with Manitoba permanent residency.
• You are advised to factor in a business research business to Manitoba no more than one year before submitting your Expression of Interest.

The Farm Investor Pathway (FIP)

The updated Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) is for people with farming experience and enough money to invest and start a farming enterprise in Manitoba. The business will have to be in line with the province's farming sector.

Eligibility Criteria

• You will have to have owned a farm for no less than three years and must have the documents to prove this
• You'll have to be proficient in at least one of Canada's two official languages
• You'll have to make an investment of at least 300,000 CAD
You'll have to do a Farm Business Research Visit to Manitoba. You'll have to apply for a six-month visitor's visa
• Your net worth will have to be no less than 500,000 CAD. The MPNP is allowed to request proof of this. The verification report and your application must be submitted to the MPNP within three months of receiving an Invitation to Apply

Federal Immigration Pathways to Manitoba

Express Entry System

The Express Entry system stands as a pivotal and streamlined approach to managing immigration applications for skilled workers seeking to make Canada their home. This innovative online system, administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has revolutionized the way candidates are selected for immigration to Canada. You can apply to one of three Express Entry programs.

Family Sponsorship Program

Family sponsorship in Canada is a significant aspect of the country's immigration policy, emphasizing the importance of family reunification. Through family sponsorship, a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor you to live in Canada.

Your sponsor must be 18 or older. Family members that can be sponsored include:

• Spouses
• Common-law or conjugal partners
• Dependent children
• Parents, and grandparents

How to Apply to a Manitoba Immigration Pathway

The Skilled Worker Stream and the International Education Stream (excluding the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot) have the same application process. You must follow the steps below to apply:

• Step 1: Set up your Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
• Step 2: Once you receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), submit a full application to the MPNP. An MPNP officer will assess this.
• Step 3: Obtain a nomination by the MPNP.
• Make a separate application to the Government of Canada for Canadian permanent residency within 180 days from the date of your nomination.

NOTE: Pathways under the Business Investor Stream have a different, separate process that does not use the MPNP Online portal.

FAQs

What Types of Fees do I Have to Pay When I Apply to the MPNP?

You must pay a non-refundable application fee of 2,500 CAD. If you secure a nomination, you'll also have to pay Federal Immigration processing and the Right of Permanent Residency Fees.

Will the MPNP Grant me an Invitation Letter to Help me Get a Visitor Visa for my Business Research Visit in Manitoba?

No. It is your responsibility to apply for a visitor's visa to Canada. The MPNP will not provide an invitation letter.