Maple News reports that the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted its fifth draw of 2024 on March 11, inviting 299 immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination. The draw targeted skilled workers both in Manitoba and overseas, as well as international graduates, underlining the province’s commitment to attracting talent aligned with its labor market needs.
Invitations, known as Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs), were distributed across three streams. The Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream received the largest share, with 261 candidates invited who had a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 459. The Skilled Workers Overseas stream saw just 3 candidates selected, each requiring a notably high score of at least 728. Meanwhile, 35 invitations went to candidates under the International Education Stream, which is aimed at international graduates from post-secondary institutions in Manitoba.
Of the 299 invited candidates, 35 were also registered under Canada’s Express Entry system—a federal pathway that manages permanent residency applications for skilled workers. These Express Entry candidates benefit notably from a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly boosting their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Express Entry remains a key driver of skilled immigration to Canada. Candidates are ranked using the CRS, which evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. Those who receive a provincial nomination alongside their Express Entry profile are nearly guaranteed to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in subsequent federal draws.
To be considered for nomination under the MPNP, candidates must first register an Expression of Interest with Manitoba. Their profiles are then scored out of a possible 1,000 points based on human capital metrics and connection to the province, including factors such as work experience in Manitoba, education, and family ties.
The MPNP’s Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams are designed to support provincial labor market needs by selecting candidates who are most likely to successfully settle and contribute to the local economy. With consistent draws and increasingly strategic selection criteria, Manitoba continues to strengthen its immigration framework and attract a global talent pool.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on updates related to Provincial Nominee Programs and immigration pathways across Canada.