Manitoba Invites Skilled Workers Through Overseas Program

Manitoba recently invited skilled workers from outside Canada to apply for provincial nomination. This move came through the Skilled Worker Overseas stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on April 17. A total of 27 candidates received Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs), which is Manitoba’s term for an official invitation.

To be chosen, applicants had to meet all the eligibility requirements of the stream. They also needed a minimum ranking score of 621 and must have been invited through a strategic recruitment initiative.

Among those invited, three candidates had valid Express Entry profiles along with job seeker validation codes.

The province also welcomed candidates already working in Manitoba. These individuals had to show they were fully licensed to work in their regulated fields. Manitoba recognized the efforts of those contributing to the local workforce.

So, what is a strategic recruitment initiative? These are special programs that help Manitoba employers find skilled international workers when they face a shortage of local talent. Employers must follow a specific process and meet all job criteria. Once approved, they can send candidate profiles to Manitoba’s Employer Services team.

To qualify under this program, candidates must show they plan to settle in Manitoba permanently. They also need a full-time, long-term job offer. There are several other conditions too.

Applicants should be between 21 and 45 years old. However, exceptions can be made if an employer specifically asks for someone outside this range.

Candidates must have completed post-secondary education, unless the employer allows on-the-job training. At least two years of recent, full-time work experience in a related job is also necessary.

Language skills are important. For jobs in TEER levels 0 to 3, candidates must score at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French. For TEER 4 or 5 jobs, a CLB 4 is the minimum requirement.

All applicants must score at least 60 points based on the MPNP assessment grid. This grid looks at age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Manitoba gives preference to those ready to settle outside the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region. People with strong ties to other provinces may not get selected. This is because they might move away after arriving, which could hurt Manitoba’s long-term plans.

This recent draw is part of Manitoba’s ongoing effort to attract international talent. The province wants workers who not only meet job needs but also show strong interest in staying and building a life in Manitoba.

As Manitoba continues to face labor shortages, these programs are essential. They support the economy and help local employers fill roles that are hard to staff with local talent.