How to apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Canada offers many opportunities for newcomers to build a career, raise a family, and contribute to their community. While many individuals thinking of moving to Canada initially consider moving to Ontario or British Columbia, there are also exciting opportunities in lesser-known provinces. One of those is the province of Manitoba, which is located in the heart of Canada.

Manitoba is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. The province has a population of approximately 1.4 million, and around 800,000 live in the capital city of Winnipeg. According to the 2016 Canadian census, Manitoba is home to many immigrants from countries like the Philippines, India, Eritrea, Syria, China, and more. Some of the most important economic industries in Manitoba include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, creative industries, education, energy and environment, and financial services.

Newcomers wishing to start a new life in Canada may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The criteria for each PNP program vary depending on the economic needs of the province or territory. Newcomers wishing to move to Manitoba can apply through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

Here’s what you need to know about the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program and how to apply.

In this article:

Overview of Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
How to qualify for a Manitoba PR nomination through MPNP
Step-by-step application process for MPNP
Where to get more information on MPNP

Want to know more about moving to Canada?
See Frequently asked questions about immigration to Canada to learn more about your options.

Overview of Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is a provincially run nominee program for newcomers who wish to live and work in the province. The program is designed to accelerate the immigration process for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the economy in Manitoba.

There are three main MPNP streams that you can apply for permanent residence (PR) under:

Skilled Workers Stream: for foreign skilled workers who have the skills needed to fill jobs in the local labour market and wish to make an ongoing contribution to Manitoba’s economy and community.
International Education Stream (IES): for international graduates from a college or university in Manitoba who wish to live and work in the province and are seeking a faster pathway to PR nomination.
Business Investor Stream (BIS): allows Manitoba to nominate and recruit international business investors and entrepreneurs wishing to start or purchase a business in Manitoba.

How to qualify for a Manitoba PR nomination through MPNP

Depending on your qualifications, education, work experience, or entrepreneurial skills, there are several pathways that you can apply for.

Requirements for pathways under Skilled Workers Stream

Pathway	Criteria	Mandatory requirements
Skilled Workers in Manitoba	For applicants who have a strong connection to Manitoba through ongoing employment, skills, education and training and can make an immediate and ongoing contribution to the economy and local community. Note: This program is accepting Expression of Interest applications only.	Must have ongoing employment in a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba and have completed at least six months continuous full-time employment with that company as a temporary foreign worker or international student working graduate from a Manitoba post-secondary institution International graduates from a post-secondary program in another Canadian province who wish to apply for this category must have first been working for their Manitoba employer for at least 12 months Must have necessary qualifications for the job position, including training or education and any required licence or certification Demonstrate you have the English or French proficiency to fulfil the duties of the job description Connection to Manitoba through employment must be stronger than ties to another province in Canada Intend to live and work in Manitoba as a permanent resident Must provide documented proof of settlement funds. However, the MPNP will consider your current income when assessing the recommended funds. The following are not eligible: Temporary foreign workers currently residing and working in a different province Individuals who have an active immigration application with another provincial or federal immigration program (except Express Entry)
Skilled Workers Overseas	For experienced foreign workers who have the skills needed in the local labour market and wish to settle and work in Manitoba. Applicants must demonstrate an established connection to the province through: Support of family or friends (Manitoba Support) Previous education or work experience in Manitoba (Manitoba Experience) Through an Invitation to Apply as part of the Strategic Recruitment Initiative (Manitoba Invitation). Note: This program is accepting Expression of Interest applications only.	For Manitoba Support: Supporter for your application must be a close relative, friend, or distant relative who is able to support your plan for settling and finding employment in Manitoba For close family: supporters must provide documents proving their relationship. For friends or distant relatives: they must not be currently supporting the settlement of another MPNP applicant Supporter must prove they reside in Manitoba and have been living continuously in the province for at least one year Supporter must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Supporter must demonstrate that any previous applicants they supported have been successful Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient language skills, education, age and adaptability according to the MPNP self-assessment worksheet You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP. For Manitoba Experience: If you previously lived in Manitoba as a temporary foreign worker, you must have worked full-time for a Manitoba employer for at least six consecutive months and must submit a letter of reference from your previous employer and a copy of a work permit proving that you worked in Manitoba If you previously completed an authorized education or training program at a post-secondary institution in Manitoba (Language studies are not considered) as an international student, you must submit your study permit, academic transcripts and the certificate, diploma, or degree you received Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient language skills, education, age and adaptability according to the MPNP self-assessment worksheet You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP. For Manitoba Invitation: You must receive an Invitation to Apply from the MPNP. You must be aged between 21 to 45 Demonstrate you do not have a stronger connection to another province in Canada Demonstrate the employability and adaptability requirements of all MPNP applicants Have completed at least one year post-secondary education or training and received a diploma, degree or certificate Have worked at least two years full-time in the past five years and can demonstrate your ability to find a job in that occupation Intend to live and work in Manitoba as a permanent resident Have a language score of the equivalent to at least CLB 5 within the past two years You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Pathway

Criteria

Mandatory requirements

Skilled Workers in Manitoba

For applicants who have a strong connection to Manitoba through ongoing employment, skills, education and training and can make an immediate and ongoing contribution to the economy and local community.

Note: This program is accepting Expression of Interest applications only.

Must have ongoing employment in a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba and have completed at least six months continuous full-time employment with that company as a temporary foreign worker or international student working graduate from a Manitoba post-secondary institution
International graduates from a post-secondary program in another Canadian province who wish to apply for this category must have first been working for their Manitoba employer for at least 12 months
Must have necessary qualifications for the job position, including training or education and any required licence or certification
Demonstrate you have the English or French proficiency to fulfil the duties of the job description
Connection to Manitoba through employment must be stronger than ties to another province in Canada
Intend to live and work in Manitoba as a permanent resident
Must provide documented proof of settlement funds. However, the MPNP will consider your current income when assessing the recommended funds.

The following are not eligible:

Temporary foreign workers currently residing and working in a different province
Individuals who have an active immigration application with another provincial or federal immigration program (except Express Entry)

Skilled Workers Overseas

For experienced foreign workers who have the skills needed in the local labour market and wish to settle and work in Manitoba.

Applicants must demonstrate an established connection to the province through:

Support of family or friends (Manitoba Support)
Previous education or work experience in Manitoba (Manitoba Experience)
Through an Invitation to Apply as part of the Strategic Recruitment Initiative (Manitoba Invitation).

Note: This program is accepting Expression of Interest applications only.

For Manitoba Support:

Supporter for your application must be a close relative, friend, or distant relative who is able to support your plan for settling and finding employment in Manitoba
For close family: supporters must provide documents proving their relationship.
For friends or distant relatives: they must not be currently supporting the settlement of another MPNP applicant
Supporter must prove they reside in Manitoba and have been living continuously in the province for at least one year
Supporter must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Supporter must demonstrate that any previous applicants they supported have been successful

Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient language skills, education, age and adaptability according to the MPNP self-assessment worksheet
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

For Manitoba Experience:

If you previously lived in Manitoba as a temporary foreign worker, you must have worked full-time for a Manitoba employer for at least six consecutive months and must submit a letter of reference from your previous employer and a copy of a work permit proving that you worked in Manitoba
If you previously completed an authorized education or training program at a post-secondary institution in Manitoba (Language studies are not considered) as an international student, you must submit your study permit, academic transcripts and the certificate, diploma, or degree you received

Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient language skills, education, age and adaptability according to the MPNP self-assessment worksheet
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

For Manitoba Invitation:

You must receive an Invitation to Apply from the MPNP.
You must be aged between 21 to 45
Demonstrate you do not have a stronger connection to another province in Canada
Demonstrate the employability and adaptability requirements of all MPNP applicants
Have completed at least one year post-secondary education or training and received a diploma, degree or certificate
Have worked at least two years full-time in the past five years and can demonstrate your ability to find a job in that occupation
Intend to live and work in Manitoba as a permanent resident
Have a language score of the equivalent to at least CLB 5 within the past two years
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Requirements for pathways under the International Education Stream

Stream	Criteria	Mandatory requirements
Career Employment Pathway	For post-secondary students who graduated in Manitoba and have a full-time job offer in an in-demand occupation consistent with their education.	Must have graduated in the past three years from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba and have completed a minimum of one year, two semesters, full-time coursework Must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 7 or equivalent Must have a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer with a minimum one year contract on the In-Demand Occupation list (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 – previously NOC skill type 0 or skill level A or B) that is consistent with your studies in Manitoba You must be working full-time in province at the time your application is assessed Demonstrate funds equivalent to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for a six-month period or must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba Must reside in Manitoba at the time of application and show intent to continue to reside in the province after your nomination You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.
Graduate Internship Pathway	For international student master and doctoral graduates who wish to contribute to industry innovation through internships in Manitoba.	You must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 7 or equivalent Completed a master or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past three years Completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba Demonstrate funds equivalent to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for a six-month period or must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba Must reside in Manitoba at the time of application and show intent to continue to reside in the province after your nomination You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.
International Student Entrepreneur Pilot	Provides an opportunity for international students who have graduated in Manitoba to pursue entrepreneurship rather than employment.	You must provide a business plan as part of the application You must operate the business as a senior manager on a daily basis in Manitoba for at least six months prior to nomination while on a valid temporary work permit, consistent with the requirements of Business Performance Agreement (BPA) You must own at least 51 per cent of the business You must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 7 or equivalent You must be between 21 and 35 You must have completed a full-time, in-person post-secondary program in Manitoba that is at least two years in duration You must demonstrate funds equivalent to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for a 12-month period You must have a valid work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the time of application You must have continuously lived in Manitoba since graduation Intend to continue to live and work in Manitoba after nomination You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Stream

Criteria

Mandatory requirements

Career Employment Pathway

For post-secondary students who graduated in Manitoba and have a full-time job offer in an in-demand occupation consistent with their education.

Must have graduated in the past three years from a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba and have completed a minimum of one year, two semesters, full-time coursework
Must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 7 or equivalent
Must have a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer with a minimum one year contract on the In-Demand Occupation list (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 – previously NOC skill type 0 or skill level A or B) that is consistent with your studies in Manitoba
You must be working full-time in province at the time your application is assessed
Demonstrate funds equivalent to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for a six-month period or must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba
Must reside in Manitoba at the time of application and show intent to continue to reside in the province after your nomination
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Graduate Internship Pathway

For international student master and doctoral graduates who wish to contribute to industry innovation through internships in Manitoba.

You must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 7 or equivalent
Completed a master or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past three years
Completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba
Demonstrate funds equivalent to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for a six-month period or must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba
Must reside in Manitoba at the time of application and show intent to continue to reside in the province after your nomination
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

Provides an opportunity for international students who have graduated in Manitoba to pursue entrepreneurship rather than employment.

You must provide a business plan as part of the application
You must operate the business as a senior manager on a daily basis in Manitoba for at least six months prior to nomination while on a valid temporary work permit, consistent with the requirements of Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
You must own at least 51 per cent of the business

You must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 7 or equivalent
You must be between 21 and 35
You must have completed a full-time, in-person post-secondary program in Manitoba that is at least two years in duration
You must demonstrate funds equivalent to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for a 12-month period
You must have a valid work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the time of application
You must have continuously lived in Manitoba since graduation
Intend to continue to live and work in Manitoba after nomination
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Requirements for pathways under the Business Investor Stream

Stream	Criteria	Mandatory requirements
Entrepreneur Pathway	For foreign business people who intend to move to Manitoba and establish, purchase, or become a partner in an existing business. Note: This program is accepting Expression of Interest applications only.	You must have a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the past five years as an active business owner or in a senior management role for a successful business Business owners must have at least 33.33 per cent ownership to qualify You must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 5 You must have a minimum of Canadian high school certificate or equivalent There is no minimum or maximum age, but ranking points are allocated to candidates aged between 25 to 49 Minimum investment of $250,000 CAD for businesses in the Manitoba Capital Region Minimum investment of $150,000 CAD for businesses outside the Manitoba Capital Region Proposed business must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Manitoba (excluding owners and/or close relatives) Submit a business plan as part of the application Applicant can conduct a business research visit no more than one year prior to submitting an EOI Personal net worth must be a minimum of $500,000 CAD and verified by a third-party supplier approved by the MPNP You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP Additional points will be allocated if: Your spouse has a CLB/NCLC Level 5 or higher You or your spouse have a CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in the second official language You or your spouse have a close relative currently residing in Manitoba for more than one year Your child is enrolled in an accredited Manitoba educational institution on a full-time basis for at least six months prior to submitting an EOI You or your spouse have completed at least one year full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Manitoba with a valid study permit You or your spouse have completed at least six months of continuous full-time employment in Manitoba and can provide a reference from the employer and a copy of your work permit.
Farm Investor Pathway (FIP)	For individuals with proven farm business experience and capital to invest, establish, and operate a farm in rural Manitoba that is consistent with the province’s current farm industry.	You must have a minimum of three years farm ownership and operation with supporting documentation If invited to attend a FIP interview, you will be required to conduct the interview in French or English Make a farm business investment of at least $300,000 CAD Establish a farm business in rural Manitoba Submit a farm business plan Must conduct a Farm Business Research Visit to Manitoba The farm business should have ongoing and recurring business activities in rural Manitoba Must live on the farm and actively participate in the management of the farm business on an ongoing basis in Manitoba Farm must be in active primary agricultural production and economically viable Must establish a value-added farm business in Manitoba, purely speculative activities or the use of third-party farm managers are not eligible Demonstrate adaptability related to farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological based farming practices Net value of at least $500,000 CAD which may have to be verified by an third-party service provider and submitted within 120 days of receiving your invitation to apply You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Stream

Criteria

Mandatory requirements

Entrepreneur Pathway

For foreign business people who intend to move to Manitoba and establish, purchase, or become a partner in an existing business.

Note: This program is accepting Expression of Interest applications only.

You must have a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the past five years as an active business owner or in a senior management role for a successful business
Business owners must have at least 33.33 per cent ownership to qualify
You must have a minimum language score of CLB/NCLC Level 5
You must have a minimum of Canadian high school certificate or equivalent
There is no minimum or maximum age, but ranking points are allocated to candidates aged between 25 to 49
Minimum investment of $250,000 CAD for businesses in the Manitoba Capital Region
Minimum investment of $150,000 CAD for businesses outside the Manitoba Capital Region
Proposed business must create or maintain at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Manitoba (excluding owners and/or close relatives)
Submit a business plan as part of the application
Applicant can conduct a business research visit no more than one year prior to submitting an EOI
Personal net worth must be a minimum of $500,000 CAD and verified by a third-party supplier approved by the MPNP
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP
Additional points will be allocated if:
- Your spouse has a CLB/NCLC Level 5 or higher
- You or your spouse have a CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in the second official language
- You or your spouse have a close relative currently residing in Manitoba for more than one year
- Your child is enrolled in an accredited Manitoba educational institution on a full-time basis for at least six months prior to submitting an EOI
- You or your spouse have completed at least one year full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Manitoba with a valid study permit
- You or your spouse have completed at least six months of continuous full-time employment in Manitoba and can provide a reference from the employer and a copy of your work permit.

Farm Investor Pathway (FIP)

For individuals with proven farm business experience and capital to invest, establish, and operate a farm in rural Manitoba that is consistent with the province’s current farm industry.

You must have a minimum of three years farm ownership and operation with supporting documentation
If invited to attend a FIP interview, you will be required to conduct the interview in French or English
Make a farm business investment of at least $300,000 CAD
Establish a farm business in rural Manitoba
Submit a farm business plan
Must conduct a Farm Business Research Visit to Manitoba
The farm business should have ongoing and recurring business activities in rural Manitoba
Must live on the farm and actively participate in the management of the farm business on an ongoing basis in Manitoba
Farm must be in active primary agricultural production and economically viable
Must establish a value-added farm business in Manitoba, purely speculative activities or the use of third-party farm managers are not eligible
Demonstrate adaptability related to farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological based farming practices
Net value of at least $500,000 CAD which may have to be verified by an third-party service provider and submitted within 120 days of receiving your invitation to apply
You must be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

Step-by-step application process for MPNP

To follow are the steps involved in applying for MPNP:

1.Confirm you qualify

Once you have identified which pathway you’d like to apply under, it’s important to make sure you meet all the mandatory requirements before completing your application and submitting an expression of interest.

2. All applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. To apply:

First, create a Government of Manitoba account
Sign in to your Government of Manitoba account to create an Expression of Interest
Select “Create an Expression of Interest” from the options provided
Complete the Expression of Interest
Note: If you’re applying to the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot, you must first send an email to MPNP-BusinessStream@gov.mb.ca to determine eligibility and understand the application process.

3. The highest-scoring qualified candidates with a connection to Manitoba will receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) and will be invited to submit an application to the MPNP.

- Log into your account to access the full MPNP application
- Fill out the MPNP Online application using Internet Explorer
- Submit all documentation required
- Pay a non-refundable fee of $500 CAD per application with a Visa or Mastercard credit card

4. You will receive an email from the MPNP within 8 hours with your MPNP application file number. The MPNP aims to assess all applications within six months.

For the Entrepreneur Pathway, the MPNP has launched an interim process for applying until technical changes are made to the MPNP Online system. Applicants must use the forms available on the MPNP website. The process includes:

- Self-assess eligibility for the program and business research
- Submit your Expression of Interest to the MPNP
- Receive an LAA and submit your complete application
- The MPNP will assess your application
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) and obtain a work permit
- Establish your business in Manitoba and fulfil the BPA
- The MPNP will make a final recommendation

5. For the Farm Investor Pathway, the MPNP has launched an interim process for applying until the technical changes are made to the online system. Applicants must use the forms available on the MPNP website. The process includes:

- Complete a Farm Investor Pathway Interest Guidelines Form
- Research proposed farm business in Manitoba
- You may need to complete a Farm Business Concept Form
- Submit the following forms to the MPNP
  - Interest Guidelines Form
  - Farm Business Concept Form
  - Code of Conduct for Immigration Representative, if applicable
- If you receive a LAA to the MPNP, you may be required to verify your net worth and financial information
- Submit your full application to the MPNP
- Your application will be assessed by the MPNP and may include an interview
- If you are approved for nomination, you will need to sign a Deposit Agreement and send a deposit of $75,000 CAD.
- Apply for permanent residence
- Establish your farm business in Manitoba.

For more information, view the Farm Investor Pathway Guideline kit.

6. Apply for permanent residence

If your application is successful, the last step is to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. It will be up to the Government of Canada to make the final decision on your permanent residency.

Where to get more information on MPNP

For more information on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, call toll-free 1-800-665-8332 or telephone 2042-945-2806, email immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca or visit their website.

If you’re looking for information on your application for permanent residence, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada online or call toll-free 1-888-242-2100.

The MPNP process may seem daunting, as there are a number of options and steps involved. However, if you follow the instructions provided by the provincial government and consult with authorized immigration representatives, you’ll be able to realize your dream of settling in Manitoba.

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.