the CanadaVisa Team - 30 January, 2017
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has performed the first 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) draw for skilled immigrants of 2017, the 26th since the system was first launched in 2015. The draw took place on January 27, when a total of 189 candidates who had previously submitted an EOI to the program were invited to apply based on their credentials under Manitoba's unique immigration points system. These candidates were issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), more informally known as an invitation.
Candidates eligible for one of the MPNP for Skilled Workers sub-categories are ranked according to system that awards up to 1,000 points to each candidate. Of the LAAs issued, 150 were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category, each of whom had at least 734 points in the MPNP ranking system for skilled workers.
The remaining 39 LAAs were issued to candidates in the Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category who had at least 707 points and who were directly invited by the MPNP under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.
These initiatives include:
The MPNP for Skilled Workers was established to help employers in Manitoba find foreign talent to complement their existing workforce. The government of Manitoba selects experienced workers who have made an Expression of Interest in immigrating to the province and who have the skills needed across the local labour market, and nominate them to receive a provincial nomination certificate from the MPNP. With this, the nominated person may then apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.
These immigration options may be particularly attractive to individuals who may not be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, as the eligibility requirements are different. For example, the MPNP awards points for language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 to candidates in certain occupations, a much lower threshold than what is required under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.
Under this sub-category of the MPNP, applications are accepted from qualified foreign workers and international student graduates who are currently working in Manitoba and have been offered a permanent job by their employer in Manitoba. Skilled Workers in Manitoba are not subject to a points-based assessment to determine their eligibility (though points are assigned to the candidate once he or she enters the pool of candidates)
Learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category.
This MPNP sub-category is for qualified skilled workers who may be outside Canada but who can demonstrate a strong connection to the province and its labour market. A points-based system is used to assess candidates according to factors such as age, language proficiency, work experience, education and adaptability.
In this category, a limited number of MPNP applicants may be nominated to have their application considered under the federal Express Entry system. In order to be eligible, applicants must:
The MPNP states that consideration under this initiative does not guarantee approval by the MPNP or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants nominated by Manitoba will have to provide evidence that they meet federal criteria when submitting their permanent residence application through Express Entry.
To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category and the points assessment system.
Population: 1.3 million
Capital and largest city: Winnipeg
Location: Manitoba is located in Central Canada and is considered one of the three "Prairie" provinces. Ontario lies to the east, with Saskatchewan sharing the western border. The US states of Minnesota and North Dakota are to the south, and the sparsely-populated north of the province has a long coastline on Hudson Bay leading to a border with the territory of Nunavut.
Economy: Manitoba’s principle industries are mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Traditionally farming has been a major occupation for Manitobans, and the rich farmlands in southern Manitoba produce wheat, barley, oats, sunflower, flax and canola crops, as well as dairy and livestock farms. From this agricultural base a considerable food processing industry has emerged. In addition, Manitoba is home to considerable manufacturing, aerospace and transportation industries. Winnipeg has a sizable financial and insurance industry, as well as government administration and services.
Climate: Manitoba is far from the moderating influences of mountain ranges or large bodies of water. Moreover, given its size, it experiences great variations in temperature. In Southern Manitoba, where the vast majority of the population resides, cold, snowy winters are the norm. Summers are typically hot and dry, with short transitional seasons ensuring that residents get a full four-season experience.
