In our previous newsletter, we outlined an immigration initiative from Morden, Manitoba — The Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative — as part of an article on immigration to rural communities in Canada. This week, we are providing a more detailed guide on how to immigrate to Canada through the Morden immigration initiative.

Due to the fact that the Morden initiative targets a specific set of occupations, candidates who may not be eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) may be eligible to apply within the scope of the Morden initiative, which identifies potential candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

Here are the criteria for Morden’s Community Driven Immigration Initiative. Candidates must:

• Be between 21 and 45 years of age;
• Have no other connection to other parts of Canada (i.e. through friends, relatives, or previous employment or education);
• Have completed a post-secondary education or training program of at least one year duration, for which they received a diploma, certificate, or degree;
• Have at least two years of full-time work experience in the past five years;
• Have passed a General IELTS test with a minimum score of 5 in each band;
• Have the genuine intention and ability to economically establish themselves and settle in Morden; and
• Have settlement funds as required by the MPNP ($10,000 for the Principal Applicant and $2,000 for each dependent). This is in addition to any funds needed for exploratory visit expenses.

Candidates must also fall within one of the targeted occupations. The Morden immigration initiative works with local employers to identify these targeted occupations and satisfy local labour market needs:

• Cabinetmakers;
• Welders;
• Automotive mechanics;
• Manufacturing (specifically at entry level);
• Factory sewing machine operators, and
• Childcare/daycare workers.

The initiative will favour candidates who have experience of living in a rural area, with the ability to adapt to culture and climate. Candidates who fulfil the criteria and have been selected as potential immigrants to Morden under the initiative will be required to make an exploratory visit to the area. The main purpose of the visit is to pass the MPNP interview, though making local contacts and seeking employment opportunities are also suggested.

Here is some background information about Morden:

• Population: 9,000
• Unemployment rate: 3.1%
• January average daily temperature: -16°C, July average daily temperature: 20.5°C
• Location: 112 km from Winnipeg, just north of the US border
• Designated a “Cultural Capital of Canada” in 2008
• Time zone: Central Time Zone
• Incorporated: May 1, 1885

To find out if you are eligible for the Morden Immigration initiative under the MPNP or any other of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment today.

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