Manitoba retires student pathway to permanent residence
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is closing the Career Employment Pathway (CEP) of its International Education Stream, effective immediately.
Former CEP candidates wishing to settle in Manitoba will need to pursue other pathways to permanent residence.
Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams
The MPNP announced this update on its official news webpage on June 11, 2026.
Moving forward, candidates with at least six months of in-province work experience can be considered for selection under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway, if eligible.
This change will allow students who graduated from a Manitoba designated learning institution and are currently working in the province to be prioritized in targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) draws.
With the closure of the CEP, Manitoba aims to establish "clear, consistent criteria for all Manitoba graduates," and better align education, work experience, and labour market needs.
Manitoba graduates with an active EOI under the CEP are urged to review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway, and update their profiles if they meet pathway criteria.
Candidates with an active EOI under the CEP should ensure that they have declared all Manitoba connections, including completion of post-secondary education in the province, when updating their profile.
Skilled Worker in Manitoba draws will continue to be conducted on a regular basis. To date in 2026, the province has held 11 draws targeting MPNP candidates through its Skilled Worker Stream.
The province notes that the Graduate Internship Pathway will continue to remain in place for eligible master's and doctoral graduates who complete a Mitacs internship.
Those who have questions or require assistance can reach out to the MPNP through its online contact form.
Eligibility requirements for the CEP vs the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway
For in-province graduates, eligibility criteria for the MPNP's Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway differs from the CEP in several ways:
| CEP | Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway | |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, 1-year contract for an occupation on the In-Demand Occupations List. Must be consistent with program of study. | Full-time, long-term offer after completion of 6+ months of continuous, full-time employment with the same employer prior to job offer. |
| Education | Completion of a full-time, in-province study program, 1 year/2 semesters in length, in the past 3 years. | N/A |
| Language proficiency | CLB/NCLC 7+ | Sufficient language proficiency to fulfil duties of job description + economically establish in Manitoba. |
| Settlement funds | - Readily available, liquid funds equivalent to low income cut-off requirements (6-month period); or - Full-time, long-term employment in Manitoba. | N/A |
| Settlement plan? | No | Yes |
| Career Employment Plan? | Yes—demonstrate opportunities for a successful career track in Manitoba. | No |
| Notes on qualification | Graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualify if possessing a TEER 0– 3 job offer, even if not related to studies. If in short-term study program, job offer must be consistent with studies. | Work experience gained while self-employed or engaged in full-time study does not count. |
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