The Manitoba PNP, or Provincial Nominee Program, offers immigrants looking to move to the province different pathways to permanent residence in Canada. And those who use the PNP as their pathway to PR tend to have a good chance of success. In fact, in 2021 the approval rate for PNP applicants was 98%.

Manitoba PNP Streams

Manitoba has three PNP streams:

- Skilled Worker Stream.

- International Education Stream.

- Business Investor Stream.

Manitoba’s PNP data shows that the province sends the most nominations to applicants in the Skilled Worker streams. In 2021, almost 95% of nominations went to applicants in this category.

Skilled Worker Manitoba PNP Stream

Manitoba’s skilled workers PNP stream is designed to help the province meet the needs of local employers, based on the skilled needed in the local labour market. In 2021, the occupation categories that attracted the most nominations under the Manitoba PNP were:

1. Sales and service occupations.

2. Trades, transport, and equipment operators and related occupations.

3. Business, finance, and administration occupations.

The pathway has two different streams for internationally trained and experienced workers:

Skilled Workers in Manitoba

The Skilled Workers in Manitoba category is for internationally trained workers who have developed a strong connection to Manitoba through at least six months of qualifying employment. Typically, this category applies to temporary foreign workers, such as:

· TFWs who are working for an employer who received a positive LMIA to bring them to Canada;

· Individuals who came to Canada on the International Mobility Canada permit; or

· International students who have completed their studies and are working on a PGWP.

The requirements for eligible work vary for international students who completed their post-secondary program in another province or territory in Canada.

Skilled Workers Overseas

The Skilled Workers Overseas program is a Manitoba PNP pathway that supports applicants who can demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba through their local connections with family or friends or previous work experience or education in Manitoba. Certain workers who are invited directly as part of a strategic recruitment initiative may also become permanent residents through this pathway.

This pathway is different from many other provinces and Canada’s federal program, since it allows friends and distant relatives to become a Manitoba Supporter. Manitoba Supporters are established residents who are willing and able to endorse an applicant’s plan to move to Manitoba.

To be clear – the endorsing of an application is not the same as sponsoring an application like you would for family sponsorship. Instead, it is a way of showing strong ties to the existing community in Manitoba.

Manitoba PNP International Education Stream The International Education Stream offers three pathways for international students who completed their post-secondary education in Manitoba.

Career Employment Pathway

The Manitoba PNP Career Employment Pathway is for international graduates who:

- Completed an eligible course of one-year or longer;

- Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Manitoba;

- Have an eligible job offer; and

- Completed their studies within the past three years.

The job offer must be for at least one year and for an in-demand occupation that is closely related to the applicant’s Manitoba education.

Graduate Internship Pathway

Manitoba’s Graduate Internship Pathway is for international graduates of Master or Doctoral programs who have completed an eligible Accelerate or Elevate internship in Manitoba.

It is designed to be a faster nomination pathway for graduates who are contributing to industry innovation in Manitoba. Applicants do not need to have a job offer and can apply immediately after graduating. However, applicants without a job offer must show adequate financial resources.

International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot PNP Program was announced in November 2018 and was initially intended to be a 2-year pilot. However, it remains open in 2022. It allows up to 20 international students per year to pursue business ownership instead of employment.

Business Investor Stream

The Business Investor stream is a pathway for qualified business investors and entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Manitoba. There is a general stream, as well as a dedicated stream for farm investors.

There were just six business nominations in 2021. Moreover, the business investor category has a lower approval rate than any other category of the Manitoba PNP – just 78%.

Last year, Manitoba saw business investment in its:

- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector (2 nominations).

- Manufacturing sector (2 nominations).

- Accommodation and food services sector (1 nomination).

- Other services sector (1 nomination).

Manitoba PNP Entrepreneur Pathway

The Entrepreneur Pathway is for businesspeople who wish to move to Manitoba to start or buy a business or to become partners in an existing business. Successful applicants must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD.

Applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience as either a business owner or senior manager at a successful business. This experience must be within the past five years. They must also meet other eligibility criteria, including language, education, and investment requirements.

Farm Investor Pathway

The Farm Investor pathway highlights the importance Manitoba places on its agricultural industry. It is for individuals who wish to bring their proven farm business experience to Manitoba’s primary production sector.

Farm owners must intend to live on and actively participate in the farm’s operations in rural Manitoba. They must also meet other eligibility criteria, including language, net worth, investment, and experience requirements.

Trends in Manitoba PNP Draws 2022

Manitoba experienced its lowest unemployment rate on record in July 2022 – just 3.5%. The province is also experiencing high part-time employment and low youth unemployment. As a result, it is experiencing an incredibly tight labour market – which means there are good opportunities for immigrants.

In terms of the PNP draws so far this year, Manitoba is still issuing more letters of advice to apply for the PNP to skilled workers. The bulk of invitations in 2022 have been issued under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba category.

There have also been several special immigration measure draws specifically for Ukrainians, in response to the Russian war in Ukraine. The most recent special measure draw was on July 18, 2022, where 11 Ukrainian citizens were invited to apply.

Manitoba plans to suspend its PNP draws between September 15, 2022 and November 16, 2022 to implement the new NOC system.

Contact us if you are interested in immigrating to Manitoba.

Resources:

Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations List: https://immigratemanitoba.com/work-in-manitoba/in-demand-occupations/ Manitoba’s PNP Information Page: https://immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/

Manitoba’s July Labour Force Press Release: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=55769&posted=2022-08-05