On this page, you will find detailed information about all the pathways available through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) Pathway: Eligibility and Requirements
2. Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) Pathway: Eligibility and Requirements
3. Career Employment Pathway Eligibility Criteria
4. International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Eligibility Criteria
5. Entrepreneur Pathway Eligibility Criteria
6. Farm Investor Pathway Eligibility Criteria
7. Graduate Internship Pathway Eligibility Criteria

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1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) Pathway: Eligibility and Requirements

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) Pathway requires you to demonstrate an established connection to Manitoba through ongoing employment.

Ongoing Manitoba Employment

This means you must:

• Hold a valid work permit.
• Be employed full-time by a Manitoba company for at least six consecutive months as a temporary foreign worker or an international student graduate.
• Have received a long-term, full-time job offer from the same employer.

If you are eligible for a temporary work permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) as a temporary foreign worker. Visit the IRCC website for work permit options.

Qualifying Employment

To qualify:

• Your employer must be incorporated or registered by or under an act of the legislature of a province or the Parliament of Canada and operating as a business that has an established production capability, plant or place of business in Manitoba.
• The  employer must prove their ability to offer you full-time, long-term employment.

Ineligible Work Experience:

• Self-employment or independent contracting.
• Unauthorized work.
• Employment gained while studying full-time (e.g., co-op placements).
• Roles as business owners, owner-operators, or those working as independent contractors.

Note: A work permit support letter will only beissued if there is a clear employee-employer relationship.

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International Students from Other Provinces

If you graduated from a post-secondary program in another Canadian province, you must work for a Manitoba employer for at least one year to apply under this pathway.

Temporary Foreign Workers

To qualify:

• The long-term job offer must come from your current employer, where you’ve worked full-time for the required duration.
• You must meet the job’s qualifications, including necessary education, training, or licensing.
• You must demonstrate job-ready English or French proficiency.
• Your connection to Manitoba must be stronger than any ties to other provinces.
• You must submit a Settlement Plan detailing your intention to live and work in Manitoba permanently.

Note: Individuals who don’t need a work permit (e.g., Ministers of Religion) cannot apply under this category.

Ineligible Employment: Work-study programs.

International Student Working Graduates

Only graduates from Manitoba post-secondary institutions are eligible. To apply:

• You must have completed a full-time, academic or vocational program (minimum one academic year, excluding language programs) and received a diploma, degree, or certificate.
• You must have worked full-time for at least six consecutive months for the same employer on a valid post-graduation work permit.
• Your employer must offer you a long-term, full-time job.
• You must demonstrate stronger ties to Manitoba than to any other province.
• You must submit a Settlement Plan and meet the language requirements for the job.

PGWP Extension: Some graduates may be eligible for an 18-month extension of their Post-Graduation Work Permit. Check the IRCC website for updates.

Settlement Plan means your intention and plan to live, work and establish your work and family life in Manitoba as a permanent resident.

Who Cannot Apply to the MPNP?

You are ineligible if:

• You are a refugee claimant or involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
• You are a live-in caregiver currently in Canada.
• You are a temporary foreign worker residing in a province other than Manitoba.
• You are the spouse of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and cannot address the reasons for refusal.
• You have an active immigration application with another provincial or federal program (an Express Entry profile is not considered an application).
• You or your spouse already have an active MPNP application.

If you don't meet the conditions under this pathway, consider other streams, such as the Skilled Worker Overseas Pathway or Business Investor Stream.

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2. Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) Pathway: Eligibility and Requirements

The Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) Pathway helps skilled workers establish themselves in Manitoba through one of the following connections:

1. Manitoba Support: Family or friends in Manitoba.
2. Manitoba Experience: Past education or work experience in Manitoba.
3. Manitoba Invitation: An invitation directly from the MPNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

In addition to having one of these connections, you must score at least 60 points based on five factors: language proficiency, age, work experience, education, and adaptability. Without a connection to Manitoba, you are ineligible to apply, regardless of your points.

Types of Connections to Manitoba

1. Manitoba Support

A Manitoba Supporter is a friend or relative in Manitoba who endorses your settlement and employment plan.

Eligibility Requirements for a Manitoba Supporter:

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Resided continuously in Manitoba for at least one year (proof required, e.g., Manitoba Health Card).
• Must have close ties to you and Manitoba.
• Must show past success in helping other applicants establish themselves in Manitoba.

For close relatives, both the applicant and the Supporter must provide documents proving their familial relationship. Close relatives may support the application of more than one skilled worker at a time provided they satisfactorily demonstrate their ability to do so.

Who Can Be a Close Relative?

To be considered a close relative, a Manitoba Supporter must be related to the applicant (or the applicant’s spouse) as their

• Sister/Brother
• Niece/Nephew (child of your sibling)
• Aunt/Uncle (sibling of your parent)
• First Cousin (child of your aunt/uncle)
• Parent (mother or father)
• Grandparent (grandmother or grandfather)

Who Cannot Be a Supporter?

• Children cannot support their parents.
• Spouses cannot act as supporters.

For friends/distant relatives, their household must not currently support another immigration applicant.

Ineligible Supporters:

• Paid immigration representatives.
• Canadian elected officials or their staff.
• Anyone without a familial or friendship connection to you.

Your Supporter must keep their contact information updated with the MPNP. Failure to do so may result in application refusal.

2. Manitoba Experience

You can qualify through past work or study in Manitoba.

Temporary Foreign Workers:

• Worked full-time for at least six consecutive months with a Manitoba employer.
• Required to provide a signed reference letter on company letterhead and a copy of your Manitoba work permit.

International Students:

• Completed an authorized program at a Manitoba post-secondary institution (language programs excluded).
• Must submit study permits, transcripts, and completion certificates.

3. Manitoba Invitation

Candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)through Strategic Recruitment Initiatives.

Recruitment Missions:

• MPNP collaborates with Manitoba employers to recruit skilled workers abroad.
• ITA is issued after an interview with MPNP officers during these missions.

Exploratory Visits:

• Pre-arranged trips to Manitoba to explore communities, jobs, and settlement     opportunities.
• Visit must be pre-approved by the MPNP.
• ITA is issued after completing the visit and MPNP interview.

Eligibility for Exploratory Visits:

• Aged 21 to 45.
• No stronger connections to other provinces.
• Completed at least one year of post-secondary education.
• Minimum two years of full-time work experience in the past five years.
• Ability to meet job requirements in Manitoba, including certification for regulated occupations.
• Achieved at least CLB 5 on an approved language test within the last two years.
• Must submit a Settlement Plan showing your intent to settle in Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children support their parents?
No. Children living in Manitoba cannot support their parents' applications.Instead, parents may apply under the Federal Family Class. Visit IRCC’swebsite for more information.

Can spouses support each other?
No. If you are married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you are not eligible for the MPNP. However, you may apply under IRCC’s Spousal Sponsorship program.

Important Notes

• The MPNP is not a sponsorship program.
• Applicants must demonstrate employability, adaptability, and sufficient settlement     funds.
• Exploratory visits and invitations do not guarantee approval.
• MPNP decisions are independent of federal permanent residence application decisions.

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3. Career Employment Pathway Eligibility Criteria

Education

• You must have graduated within the last 3 years from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba.
• Program must be full-time and at least 1 year (2 semesters) in length.‍

‍Official Languages Proficiency

• Minimum level of CLB/NCLC 7.

Current Employment in Manitoba

• You must have a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer.
• Job offer must
   
  • Be for at least 1 year.
   
  • Be in an occupation listed on Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations List.
   
  • Align with your completed program of studies in Manitoba.
 
• You must be working full-time in Manitoba with a valid work permit at the time your application is assessed.

Note: Graduates from Manitoba degree programs qualify if they have a job offer in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation(previously NOC 0, A, or B) on the In-Demand Occupations List.

Settlement Funds

• You must demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) - for a 6-month period OR

• Be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba.

Adaptability

• You must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application.
• Demonstrate intent to continue living in Manitoba after nomination by submitting a Career Employment Plan outlining career opportunities in the province.

Additional Note:
Some international graduates may qualify for an extension of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 18 months. Refer to IRCC updates for more information.

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4. International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Eligibility Criteria

Business Experience

• Business Plan: Required as part of the application.
• Management: You must operate the business as a senior manager daily from the     business location in Manitoba for at least 6 months before nomination. This must align with your Business Performance Agreement (BPA) requirements.
• Ownership: You must own at least 51% of the business equity.

Official Languages Proficiency

• Minimum level of CLB/NCLC 7.

Education

• You must have completed a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba of at least 2 years in duration.
• Additional Experience: Studies and/or work/business experience outside of Canada is beneficial, but not required.

Age

• You must be between 21 and 35 years of age.

Adaptability

• You must hold a valid open work permit at the time of application.
• You must have continuously resided in Manitoba since graduation.
• Demonstrate intent to stay in Manitoba after nomination.

Net Worth/Settlement Funds

• Deposit: No deposit required.
• Net Worth: Minimum net worth is not required, but your net worth and sources of funds will be assessed to evaluate your ability to execute the business plan.
• Liquid Funds: Must show liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for a 12-month period.
• Verification: Your personal net worth will be verified by an MPNP-approved third-party. A verification report must be submitted within 120 days of receiving your Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA).

Business Performance Agreement (BPA)

• If your application is approved, you must sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) before receiving an approval-in-principle letter from the MPNP to implement your business plan.

Additional Note:
International graduates may be eligible for an extension of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 18 months. See IRCC updates for more information.

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5. Entrepreneur Pathway Eligibility Criteria

Business Experience

• Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience in the past 5 years as:
   
  • An active business owner (higher points awarded).
   
  • A senior manager in a successful business.
 
• Business owners must own at least 33 1/3% of the business to qualify for points.

Language Proficiency

• Minimum level of CLB/NCLC 5.

Education

• Minimum education level: Canadian high school equivalency.

Net Worth

• Minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD.
• Net worth must be verified by an MPNP-approved third party.
• Verification report must be submitted within 120 days of receiving the Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA).

Business Investment

• Minimum investment:
   
  • $250,000 CAD for businesses in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.
   
  • $150,000 CAD for businesses outside this region.
 
• Investment must be in an eligible business as defined by MPNP.
• Business must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident in Manitoba (excluding the owner and their close relatives).
• Business Plan: Must outline the investment details and is a required part of the application.

Business Research Visit (Preferred)

• An in-person exploratory visit to Manitoba is recommended.
• The visit should be conducted no more than 1 year prior to the submission of your Expression of Interest (EOI).
• During the visit, you can attend Business Investor Stream (BIS) information sessions to learn about doing business in Manitoba.

Adaptability

• Points are awarded if:
   
  • Spouse has CLB/NCLC 5 or higher.
   
  • You or your spouse have CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in the second official language.
   
  • You or your spouse have a close relative residing in Manitoba for more than 1 year.
   
  • Your child is enrolled in a Manitoba educational institution and pursuing full-time studies for at least 6 months.
   
  • You or your spouse have completed at least 1 year of full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Manitoba (with a valid study permit).
   
  • You or your spouse have completed 6 months of continuous full-time      employment in Manitoba (with a reference letter and valid work permit.

Age

• No specific age requirement, but points are allocated to candidates between 25 to 49 years of age.

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6. Farm Investor Pathway Eligibility Criteria

Farm Business Experience

• Minimum 3 years of farm ownership and operation experience.
• Experience must be supported by verifiable documents.

Official Languages Proficiency

• Language skills in English or French are considered important for adaptability.
• If invited to a Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) interview, you must conduct it in either French or English.

Farm Business Investment

• Minimum investment of $300,000 CAD.
• Investment must be used to establish a farming business in rural Manitoba.
• Investments must be in eligible tangible assets as defined by the MPNP.
• A detailed farm business plan is required as part of the application.
• Investments made solely for passive income or speculative purposes are not eligible.

Farm Business Research Visit

• You must conduct a farm business research visit to Manitoba to explore farming opportunities and gain industry insight.

Farm Business Activities

• The farm business must have ongoing and recurring activities in rural     Manitoba.
• You are required to:
   
  • Live on the farm.
   
  • Actively manage the farm business on a daily basis from within Manitoba.
 
• The farm must be involved in active primary agriculture production and be economically viable.
• You must conduct value-added farm business activities in Manitoba.
• Speculative activities and using third-party farm managers are not eligible.

Economic Establishment Adaptability

• You must demonstrate adaptability by showcasing:
   
  • Practical farming skills.
   
  • Technical knowledge.
   
  • Experience in technology-based farming practices that are applicable to Manitoba’s farm production industry.

Net Worth

• Minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD.
• The MPNP may require a third-party verification of your net worth and financial information.
• If requested, the verification report must be submitted within 120 days of receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA).

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7. Graduate Internship Pathway Eligibility Criteria

Education

• You must have completed a Master’s or Doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years.

Official Languages Proficiency

• Minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 7 (or equivalent).

Internship in Manitoba

• Completion of a Mitacs Elevate or Mitacs Accelerate (including Accelerate Entrepreneur) internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba.

Employment in Manitoba

• No job offer required at the time of application.

Settlement Funds

You must meet one of the following:

• Liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for independent financial resources for a 6-month period.

OR

• Be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba.

Adaptability

• Must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application.
• Show intent to continue residing in Manitoba after nomination by submitting a Career Employment Plan that demonstrates opportunities for a successful career path in Manitoba.

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