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November 16, 2017 – The Manitoba immigration department has overhauled the structure of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, with new streams and an extensive new In-Demand Occupations list.
The MPNP structure includes a totally new International Education Stream, a renamed and repurposed Business Investor Stream, plus tweaks to the existing Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream and Skilled Worker Overseas Stream.
The overhaul comes following an agreement reached between the provincial and federal governments, as Manitoba looks to build on a 10-point plan for improving its economy.
A provincial statement said: “Each stream will include more flexible pathways to ensure that all provincial nominees are able to meet clearly defined labour market and economic needs in Manitoba.
“These priorities will be clearly communicated to potential MPNP applicants through a regularly updated In-Demand Occupations list.”
Priority will be given to francophone candidates who meet the requirements under any of the four streams.
The changes are to be made in phases, as outlined in the table below. Manitoba immigration officials say existing Expression of Interest profiles “will be assessed under the criteria in effect on the draw date”.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Timeline of Changes
Change | Date |
In-Demand Occupations list used to prioritize Expressions of Interest (EOI) for inviting applications from the Skilled Worker Overseas stream | Immediately |
“PNP-B” replaced by new Business Investor Stream | Immediately |
New Skilled Worker Overseas Stream – Manitoba Express Entry Pathway criteria in effect | January 18 |
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream – Manitoba Express Entry Pathway EOI draw | January 2018 |
Renewed Business Investor Stream (BIS) criteria in effect | Q1 2018* |
New International Education Stream (IES) criteria in effect | Q2 2018* |
Technical changes to MPNP Online application system | Q3 2018* |
Renewed Skilled Worker Overseas Stream criteria in effect | Q3 2018* |
Renewed Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream criteria in effect | Q3 2018* |
*Subject to change
How the New Manitoba Streams Will Look
1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM) is based on the specific needs of Manitoba employers. SWM selects foreign-trained workers with the required skills and nominates them for Canada permanent residence. The stream prioritizes candidates with a strong attachment to Manitoba, with two pathways to Manitoba immigration.
a) Manitoba Work Experience Pathway
For applicants currently working in Manitoba on temporary work permits, through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or as international graduates from any province. Candidates do not need to be working in In-Demand Occupations.
b) Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway
For applicants from overseas with job offers from approved Manitoba employers.
2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO) includes both a dedicated Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.
It is aimed at international skilled workers with skills and training in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Priority is given to applicants and spouses with close family connections, plus the language proficiency, training and experience to find jobs quickly.
a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
For international candidates eligible under another MPNP stream, who also meet Express Entry criteria and have an active Express Entry profile. Candidates need skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations, and a strong family connection to the province.
b) Human Capital Pathway
For international skilled workers with skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Candidates must demonstrate potential to find employment soon after they arrive in Manitoba.
3. International Education Stream
The International Education Stream (IES) is dedicated to international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under IES, candidates are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination. It has one pathway:
a) Career Employment Pathway
The IES Career Employment Pathway will expedite nomination for international graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM subjects, with internships contributing to innovation. International graduate candidates with job offers in an In-Demand Occupation aligned with their qualification no longer have to work for six months before applying,
4. Business Investor Stream
The Business Investor Stream is aimed at qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit, and must have the intent and ability to start or purchase a business in Manitoba within two years of arrival. The stream abolishes a previous requirement for a $100,000 deposit with the Manitoba government. There are pathways for entrepreneurs and for farm investors.
a) Entrepreneur Pathway
For applicants wanting to open a business in Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement. Priority is given to candidates starting businesses outside Winnipeg.
b) Farm Investor Pathway
For applicants wanting to open and operate a farm in rural Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement.
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