Manitoba Holds Record Immigration Draw of 2026, Issuing 308 LAAs

Manitoba’s immigration system made headlines with its biggest draw of the year so far. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued a total of 308 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in a single day on April 23, 2026. This draw was divided into two different selection categories, making it a significant event for both skilled workers and those in specific health-related jobs.

A Record-Breaking Immigration Draw

The MPNP's latest draw, Expression of Interest (EOI) Draw #269, was the largest of 2026, with 308 LAAs distributed. This impressive number reflects Manitoba’s growing efforts to attract skilled workers to meet the province's job market needs.

Two Main Selection Categories

The LAAs were issued under two main categories, each with different eligibility requirements:

1. Occupation-Specific Selection (Health Jobs)
   A total of 192 candidates were selected in this category. These individuals are currently working in Manitoba in health-related occupations (listed under the National Occupational Classification’s (NOC) category 3). To qualify, applicants had to meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba program and prove their current employment in one of the specified health professions.
   
   Notably, candidates under the International Education Stream (IES) were not considered in this part of the draw.
   
2. Strategic Recruitment Selection
   The remaining 116 LAAs were issued through the Skilled Worker Stream. This stream focuses on both local and overseas skilled workers who have been invited by the MPNP through specific recruitment initiatives. These initiatives are designed to meet the province’s most urgent workforce needs.
   
   The strategic recruitment category included candidates in the following initiatives:
   
   • Employer Services: 61 LAAs
   • Francophone Community: 15 LAAs
   • Ethnocultural Communities: 14 LAAs
   • Regional Communities: 14 LAAs
   • Temporary Public Policy for Work Permits: 12 LAAs
3. This category saw a significant increase from the last draw on April 9, 2026, where only 32 LAAs were issued through strategic recruitment initiatives.
   

Key Takeaways from the Draw

For those who didn’t receive an LAA but believe they met the selection criteria, there are a few things to check. The MPNP suggests that candidates may not have been selected if they didn’t submit valid English or French language test results or if they failed to enter an Invitation to Apply (ITA) correctly in their EOI.

If this applies to you, it’s recommended to update your EOI with the correct information so that you may be considered in future draws.

Manitoba’s Ongoing Efforts to Attract Talent

This large draw highlights Manitoba’s continued push to bring skilled workers into the province. With demand high in sectors like healthcare and across various other industries, these draws aim to fill essential roles and support the local economy.

The MPNP’s strategic recruitment initiatives help ensure that the province continues to meet its economic and community needs by welcoming newcomers with the skills and experience needed to thrive in Manitoba.