Manitoba Kicks Off 2025 Canada Immigration Draw with First Invitations

In a landmark move, Manitoba has officially launched its first Expression of Interest (EOI) draw of 2025 under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), prioritizing candidates from the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams. The January 9th draw resulted in 197 invitations, setting a powerful tone for aspiring immigrants to Canada for the year ahead.

Key Highlights of the January 2025 Draw

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: This category prioritized applicants who or whose spouses had completed post-secondary education in Manitoba, with 145 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) issued. The lowest-ranked candidate for this stream received a score of 838.
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: For the first time, the draw focused on candidates who indicated Winkler as their intended Manitoba destination, issuing 52 LAAs, with the lowest-ranked candidate receiving a score of 615.

Moreover, 52 of the 197 LAAs were granted to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.

These targeted draws are part of Manitoba’s commitment to attracting skilled workers who meet the province’s labor market needs and strengthen its economy. If you’re aiming for Canadian permanent residency through the MPNP, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for each stream.

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM)

If you’re already working in Manitoba or have a job offer from a Manitoba employer, the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream could be your gateway to permanent residency. This stream includes two primary pathways:

Manitoba Work Experience Pathway: Available to those with Manitoba work experience, including temporary workers and international graduates.
Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway: Ideal for individuals who already have job offers from approved Manitoba employers while residing overseas.

Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO)

For skilled workers residing outside Canada, the Skilled Worker Overseas stream offers two main routes:

Manitoba Express Entry Pathway: Designed for candidates who meet Express Entry criteria and have skills in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations and close family ties in the province.
Human Capital Pathway: Targets skilled workers with experience in in-demand occupations, emphasizing their ability to secure employment in Manitoba upon arrival.

International Education Stream (IES)

Graduates from Manitoba’s educational institutions have various pathways to permanent residency through the International Education Stream. The three pathways include:

Career Employment Pathway: For those who complete a qualifying program from a Manitoba institution and secure a job offer in an in-demand occupation.
Graduate Internship Pathway: Available to Masters and Doctoral graduates who have completed internships through Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate, even without a job offer.
Student Entrepreneur Pathway: This is for graduates who have operated a business in Manitoba for at least six months post-graduation and have no specific net worth requirement.

Why Should You Consider Manitoba for Immigration?

Manitoba continues to demonstrate its role as a thriving province for skilled workers, offering numerous opportunities for domestic and international applicants. The first region-specific Manitoba immigration draw strongly indicates the province’s dedication to tailoring its immigration policies to meet regional labor needs, like those of Winkler.

Stream-Specific Details

Stream	Pathways	Eligibility Criteria	Key Highlights
Skilled Worker in Manitoba	Manitoba Work Experience Pathway	Open to individuals already working in Manitoba or international graduates with any occupation.	Work experience or post-secondary education in Manitoba enhances eligibility.
	Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway	Job offers from approved Manitoba employers are required.	Ideal for overseas candidates with confirmed employment offers from the province.
Skilled Worker Overseas	Manitoba Express Entry Pathway	Applicants must meet Express Entry criteria, have in-demand skills, and have family ties to Manitoba.	Applicants are prioritized based on alignment with provincial labour market needs.
	Human Capital Pathway	Targets applicants with experience in in-demand occupations who can secure jobs upon arrival in Manitoba.	Strong focus on overseas skilled workers with the potential for immediate integration into the workforce.
International Education	Career Employment Pathway	Requires completing a Manitoba program and securing a job offer in an in-demand occupation.	Focus on retaining graduates with high-demand skills within the province.
	Graduate Internship Pathway	Open to Masters and Doctoral graduates who have completed internships through Mitacs programs.	No job offer is required, but academic excellence and internship completion are essential.
	Student Entrepreneur Pathway	For graduates who have successfully operated a business in Manitoba for six months post-graduation.	No net worth requirement, fostering entrepreneurship among international students.

How Prestige Law Can Help You Navigate the MPNP

At Prestige Law, we understand the intricacies of Canadian immigration law, including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. If you plan to apply for permanent residency through the MPNP, our team of legal experts can guide you through the process, helping you meet the necessary criteria and maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re a skilled worker, international graduate, or entrepreneur, we provide personalized advice and support for your immigration journey.

Contact Us Today!

For detailed information on the MPNP and the latest immigration updates, visit Prestige Law. Let us help you take the next step toward your future in Manitoba and Canada.

FAQs

1. What is the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)?

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is an immigration program that allows the province to nominate skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs for Canadian permanent residency. It focuses on meeting Manitoba’s economic and labor market needs.

2. What was unique about Manitoba’s first immigration draw of 2025?

January 9, 2025, the drawing was the first to prioritize region-specific candidates. It targeted applicants under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams, specifically focusing on those declaring Winkler as their destination in Manitoba.

3. How many invitations were issued in this draw?

197 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued across the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas streams.

4. What were the minimum scores required for this draw?

Skilled Worker in Manitoba: 838 points.
Skilled Worker Overseas (Region-Specific: Winkler): 615 points

5.What is the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream?

This stream is designed for individuals already working in Manitoba or those with a job offer from a Manitoba employer. It includes two pathways:

Manitoba Work Experience Pathway: This is for those already working in Manitoba or international graduates, regardless of occupation.
Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway: For individuals with job offers from approved Manitoba employers while living overseas.

6. What is the Skilled Worker Overseas stream? This stream targets skilled workers outside Canada who can demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba through family, education, work, or region-specific settlement plans. The January 2025 draw specifically focused on applicants declaring Winkler their intended destination.

7. Were Express Entry candidates included in this draw?

Yes, 52 of the 197 invitations were issued to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes.

8. What is the International Education Stream (IES)?

The IES is dedicated to retaining graduates of Manitoba’s educational institutions. It offers three pathways:

Career Employment Pathway: For graduates with job offers in in-demand occupations.
Graduate Internship Pathway: For Masters or Ph.D. graduates who completed internships through Mitacs programs, even without a job offer.
Student Entrepreneur Pathway: For graduates who operated a business in Manitoba for six months post-graduation.

9. What does a region-specific immigration draw mean?

A region-specific immigration draw focuses on candidates intending to settle in a particular area. In this draw, applicants planning to reside in Winkler were prioritized under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

10. Why should I consider applying through Manitoba’s immigration programs?

Manitoba offers diverse pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. Its programs are tailored to address labour market needs, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking Canadian permanent residency.

11. How can Prestige Law help with my Manitoba immigration application?

Prestige Law specializes in Canadian immigration services, including MPNP applications. We provide:

Personalized guidance on choosing the right stream.
Comprehensive document preparation and submission.
Support in meeting region-specific requirements.
Legal expertise to maximize your chances of success.

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