Manitoba Issues First Regional Invitations in 2025 Immigration Draw

On January 9, 2025, Manitoba held its first immigration draw of the year under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The draw targeted applicants in the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams, issuing a total of 197 invitations.

The MPNP’s Skilled Worker in Manitoba category prioritized individuals with post-secondary education completed within the province. In this stream, 145 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were distributed. The lowest-ranked applicant in this category had a score of 838.

In a new twist to the provincial immigration process, the Skilled Worker Overseas stream focused specifically on candidates who had declared Winkler as their intended destination in Manitoba. This regional draw saw 52 LAAs issued, with the lowest-ranked score set at 615. This marked the first time Manitoba has included region-specific invitations in its immigration draw.

Out of the total 197 LAAs issued, 52 were extended to individuals who had an active Express Entry profile, as well as a job seeker validation code. Express Entry candidates, who meet specific criteria for Canadian immigration, were given priority in this latest draw.

For those interested in the various pathways and eligibility requirements of the MPNP, the draw provides clear insight into what future applicants need to know to navigate the process. Below, we’ll break down the details of the available streams and categories for prospective immigrants.

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM)
This stream is designed for individuals who are currently working in Manitoba or those who have a job offer from an employer within the province. There are two primary pathways under this stream:

1. Manitoba Work Experience Pathway: This is aimed at individuals already employed in Manitoba, either on temporary permits or as international graduates. Applicants do not need to be working in a specific in-demand occupation.
2. Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway: Available to those who possess a job offer from a Manitoba employer while residing outside Canada.

Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO)
The SWO is meant for skilled workers living abroad who wish to immigrate to Manitoba. This stream offers two options:

1. Manitoba Express Entry Pathway: For candidates who meet the criteria of another MPNP stream and also satisfy the Express Entry requirements. Eligible applicants must have skills that align with Manitoba’s in-demand occupations and must have close family ties within the province.
2. Human Capital Pathway: This pathway targets skilled workers with experience in Manitoba’s in-demand occupations and assesses their potential to find work once they arrive in the province.

International Education Stream (IES)
The IES is available to international graduates who have completed their education in Manitoba. It provides three different pathways:

1. Career Employment Pathway: For graduates who have completed a qualifying program at a Manitoba institution and have received a job offer in an in-demand occupation. Applicants must live in Manitoba.
2. Graduate Internship Pathway: Aimed at master’s and doctoral graduates who have completed internships through Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate. This pathway does not require a job offer.
3. Student Entrepreneur Pathway: This option targets graduates who have operated a business in Manitoba for six months after graduation. There are no specific net worth requirements, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs who wish to establish themselves in the province.

The January draw reflects Manitoba’s efforts to continue its flexible approach to immigration, responding to the evolving needs of the province. By focusing on both skilled workers already in the province and those looking to settle in specific regions like Winkler, the government aims to fill labor gaps and stimulate regional development.

With the evolving immigration landscape, Manitoba’s efforts to introduce targeted, region-specific draws in 2025 are a significant development. By focusing on the needs of both large cities and smaller communities, this approach is expected to better align skilled workers with job opportunities that will benefit the province's economy.