Maple News reports that Manitoba has issued 393 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its final Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2023, held on December 30. The draw targeted candidates across three streams under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), signaling the province’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled international talent.
The majority of invitations—332 in total—were extended through the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream, with candidates required to meet a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 375. The Skilled Workers Overseas stream issued 35 invitations, but with a notably higher score requirement of 726. The International Education Stream, designed for international graduates from Manitoba institutions, invited 26 candidates without a minimum score requirement.
Of the total ITAs issued, 73 were given to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile. Express Entry is Canada’s federal application management system for skilled immigrants applying under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and adaptability. A provincial nomination from Manitoba boosts a candidate’s CRS score by 600 points, typically ensuring an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent federal draw.
Manitoba operates its immigration programs under the MPNP, which allows the province to recommend qualified candidates for permanent residence to the federal government. While provinces such as Manitoba cannot directly grant permanent residence, their nominations play a crucial role in fast-tracking an applicant’s journey to Canadian immigration.
To be considered for a provincial nomination from Manitoba, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Once in the pool, they are scored out of 1,000 points based on human capital factors such as education and work experience, as well as their connection to Manitoba—including previous work, education, or family ties in the province.
As 2023 comes to a close, Manitoba’s final draw demonstrates its strategy of selecting qualified workers who are likely to integrate and contribute to the province’s labor market. According to Maple News, the year-end draw reinforces Manitoba’s initiative to retain talent and strengthen its communities through targeted immigration programs.