The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) announced the results of its latest draw for the Skilled Workers Overseas stream on May 15. This round issued Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) for provincial nomination to a total of 62 eligible overseas skilled workers.
Notably, among the 62 invited candidates, eight declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job validation code. The minimum score for a candidate to be invited in this draw was 626.
A key detail highlighted is that candidates who submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for this stream were only considered if they were directly invited by the MPNP under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. This indicates that candidates already in the general EOI pool were not considered in this draw unless they received such a specific invitation.
Understanding Eligibility for the Skilled Workers Overseas Stream
Manitoba's Skilled Workers Overseas immigration pathway is available to foreign nationals currently residing outside Canada who can demonstrate an established and genuine connection to the province. This "Manitoba connection" can be established through one of the following:
- The support of family or friends residing in Manitoba;
- Previous in-province education or work experience; or
- Having received an Invitation to Apply directly from the MPNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.
Each type of provincial connection has specific requirements that must be met to qualify. In addition to having an established Manitoba connection, foreign nationals must achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 100 points on the province's assessment grid to be eligible for the Skilled Workers Overseas stream. The assessment grid evaluates five factors: adaptability, age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
In-depth Look: Manitoba's Strategic Recruitment Initiatives
The MPNP utilizes Strategic Recruitment Initiatives to assist Manitoba employers in recruiting qualified foreign talent to address labour gaps that cannot be filled locally.
These initiatives are designed for employers who can demonstrate an immediate and ongoing need for skilled workers that cannot be met through the local labour market. Employers must meet specific eligibility criteria for the positions they are hiring for and complete Manitoba's required ABC Recruitment process.
Following approval, employers can provide details of international candidates who meet the required program criteria (regarding age, education, work experience, and language proficiency). Candidates are required to have a full-time permanent or long-term job offer and an intent to reside in the province to be referred through these initiatives.
Priority under these initiatives is given to individuals intending to reside outside the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.
Candidates cannot self-select as eligible for this Manitoba connection; rather, they are identified as eligible by the MPNP.
This latest draw once again underscores Manitoba's continued need for overseas talent with specific skills and provincial connections, particularly those identified through employer-driven strategic recruitment, and provides a clear immigration pathway for eligible international applicants.
