Maple News reports that Manitoba has issued 218 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) through its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in a draw held on January 28. This marks the second round of MPNP invitations in the month, targeting skilled workers and international graduates seeking permanent residency in Canada.
The invitations were distributed across three key MPNP streams: Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas, and the International Education Stream. Of the total invitations, 178 were issued under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream, with a minimum required Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 518. The Skilled Workers Overseas stream saw 17 invitations issued to candidates who scored at least 681. Additionally, 23 invitations went to applicants under the International Education Stream, which does not disclose a minimum EOI score.
Notably, 13 of the 218 invited candidates had registered profiles in the federal Express Entry system. However, the MPNP emphasized that these candidates must possess a valid Express Entry ID, a job seeker validation code, and demonstrate experience in one of Manitoba’s in-demand occupations. Failure to meet these criteria may result in an automatic refusal.
Applicants in the Skilled Workers Overseas stream were considered only if nominated through a strategic recruitment initiative, which targets individuals directly invited by the MPNP. In some cases, candidates who scored above the cutoff were not selected due to issues such as providing an invalid language test number, having expired test results, or missing a valid invitation number. The MPNP encourages such candidates to update their EOI profiles with accurate information for consideration in future draws.
Importantly, individuals currently working—or intending to work—in regulated occupations within Manitoba were invited in this round. Nonetheless, the MPNP warned that applicants lacking proper licensing credentials may be declined unless they adequately prove their ability to meet provincial licensing requirements. Such candidates can also choose to decline the LAA if they anticipate such barriers.
Candidates eligible under the federal Express Entry system are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Although provincial nominations are distinct from Express Entry draws, obtaining a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence at the federal level.
Manitoba’s active use of its PNP highlights the province’s commitment to addressing specific labor market needs by attracting skilled professionals and international graduates poised to contribute to the local economy.
Maple News continues to monitor Canada’s evolving immigration landscape, with regular updates on provincial draws and federal selection rounds.