Maple News reports that Manitoba has issued a new round of invitations to skilled workers, both domestically and internationally, as part of its ongoing efforts to address regional labour market needs through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
In a draw held on November 21, the MPNP extended a total of 35 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) through its Skilled Worker Stream. These selections were made via the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas pathways, specifically targeting candidates identified under Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives (SRIs).
The breakdown of the 35 invitations is as follows:
– Employer Services: 18 invitations
– Francophone Community: 8 invitations
– Regional Communities: 8 invitations
– Temporary Public Policy stream: 1 invitation
Strategic Recruitment Initiatives are specialized programs developed by Manitoba to attract highly qualified candidates who meet the province’s economic and demographic needs. These initiatives allow Manitoba to select workers that align with its current labour shortages and immigration objectives. Notably, candidates cannot apply directly to these initiatives; instead, the province identifies suitable applicants through recruitment missions or exploratory visits.
This latest draw reflects a consistent trend in 2023, with Manitoba giving preference to candidates identified through targeted recruitment. These candidates are being prioritized for settlement by the second half of 2025, as the province continues to build a strong, skilled workforce to support economic growth.
Among the 35 candidates selected, five had declared a valid Express Entry profile and included a job seeker validation code, enhancing their eligibility and future immigration prospects at the federal level.
The MPNP has reminded applicants that not receiving an LAA despite meeting criteria could be due to missing or outdated information. This includes expired language test results, unverified test scores, or failure to provide a valid invitation number linked to a strategic recruitment initiative.
For applicants seeking nomination through the MPNP, it is crucial to ensure that all information in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile is accurate and up to date. Proper documentation, especially for language proficiency and invitations, is essential for consideration.
As Provincial Nominee Programs evolve into more targeted and responsive immigration tools, Manitoba’s latest draw showcases how provinces are shaping their workforce pipelines through detailed planning and direct recruitment strategies.