Manitoba Ends Student Pathway To Permanent Residence

Manitoba has ended one of its main immigration routes for international students seeking permanent residence. The province has closed the Career Employment Pathway (CEP) under its International Education Stream, effective immediately.

The update was announced by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on its official website on June 11, 2026. Students who previously applied under this pathway will now need to use other available immigration streams to stay in the province.

Shift To Skilled Worker Pathway

With the closure of the CEP, Manitoba will now consider eligible graduates under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway.

To qualify, candidates must now have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience in Manitoba with the same employer before receiving a job offer.

The province says this change is meant to help prioritize international graduates already working in Manitoba. These candidates may be selected in targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) draws if they meet the updated requirements.

Purpose Behind The Change

Manitoba says the decision is aimed at creating clearer and more consistent rules for graduates. The province also wants to better align education, work experience, and labour market needs.

Officials believe the updated system will make it easier to identify candidates who are more likely to settle successfully in Manitoba’s workforce.

What Happens To Current Applicants

International graduates who already have an active EOI under the CEP are advised to review their eligibility for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway.

They are also encouraged to update their profiles, including all Manitoba connections such as education completed in the province.

Manitoba has confirmed that Skilled Worker in Manitoba draws will continue regularly. So far in 2026, the province has conducted 11 draws under this stream.

Other Pathways Still Available

While the CEP has been closed, other immigration options remain open.

The Graduate Internship Pathway will continue for eligible master’s and doctoral graduates who complete a Mitacs internship.

Applicants seeking assistance can contact the MPNP through its online support system.

Key Differences Between Old And New Rules

The old CEP required a full-time one-year job offer in an occupation linked to a graduate’s studies, along with higher language requirements and proof of settlement funds.

The new Skilled Worker pathway focuses more on real work experience in Manitoba. It does not require a job offer aligned to studies, but it does require proven employment history in the province.

Officials also note that self-employed work or full-time study does not count toward eligibility.