Continually striving to be a more attractive destination for Canadian immigrants, Manitoba has been investing in programs and support systems for newcomers.

The elements of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) reflect the province’s community values. The MPNP is unique in that, among its six streams, two of them offer priority assessment to applicants who have either family or community ties to the province. The thinking is that, if new immigrants can settle in areas where they have family and/or a community support group, their transition into Canadian society and the Canadian workforce will be smoother.

Additionally, the Manitoba government has been investing in settlement services for immigrants in an effort to retain these new residents and to encourage continued immigration to the province. The recently unveiled Manitoba Settlement Strategy will increase settlement supports to newcomers in both metropolitan and urban areas. The program involves increased pre-arrival information and orientation as well as on-arrival assessment and community services. In addition to improvements in English training services, the program also ensures access to specialized programs to connect new families with neighbourhood support groups.

To be nominated under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to establish themselves permanently in Manitoba and must meet the requirements of one of the Priority Assessment streams, the General stream, or the PNP Immigration Program for Business stream.

Priority Assessment Stream – Applicants may qualify for priority assessment under one of the following four streams:

1. Employer Direct Stream: Applicants must have a permanent full-time job offer in Manitoba and must have the training, work experience, licensing, and language ability required for the position. Manitoba employers must first apply to the MPNP for pre-approval of job offers.
2. International Student Stream: Upon completion of a post-secondary program in Manitoba, applicants must be working in Manitoba on a post-graduation work permit and must have a permanent full-time job offer from a Manitoba employer.
3. Family Support Stream: Applicants must have an Affidavit of Support from a close family member in Manitoba and must meet the minimum requirements for education, work experience, age, and language ability.
4. Community Support Stream: Applicants must have a Letter of Community Support from an established community organization that has signed a Community Support Agreement with the MPNP. They must meet the minimum requirements for education, work experience, age, and language ability.

General Stream – Those who do not qualify for Priority Assessment may be eligible for the General Stream of the MPNP, which works on a points system. Applicants obtain points for education, work experience, age, language ability, and adaptability. They also must provide either:

• Proof of a close family member in Manitoba or;
• Two Affidavits of Support from distant relatives or close friends in Manitoba or;
• Proof of at least six months previous full-time work in Manitoba or;
• Evidence of a completed (non-language training) education program in Manitoba.

PNP Immigration Program for Business – Applicants must have previously visited Manitoba and have the intent to purchase or establish a business in Manitoba or to become partners in an existing business. They must have previous business experience and meet minimum requirements for personal net worth and amount of equity investment in Manitoba.