Last verified: June 29, 2026 · Official source: immigratemanitoba.com
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
What is the MPNP?
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) allows Manitoba to nominate skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors for Canadian permanent residence. The MPNP can operate as a Base stream (standalone, not connected to the federal Express Entry pool) or as an Enhanced stream (Express Entry–linked, adding +600 CRS points).
2026 approach: Manitoba has shifted away from broad highest-score draws toward targeted occupation-specific and Strategic Recruitment rounds — inviting candidates in specific fields Manitoba needs.
→ Express Entry overview → All provincial nominees
Streams at a glance
Skilled Worker Stream
The core MPNP stream for workers with skilled experience. Has two main categories:
Skilled Worker in Manitoba For temporary foreign workers currently living and working in Manitoba. You may be eligible if you have:
- A valid Manitoba work permit and job offer from your current Manitoba employer, or
- Work experience in Manitoba in an in-demand occupation
Skilled Worker Overseas For workers outside Canada (or in Canada but not currently in Manitoba). Requires:
- A valid Manitoba job offer, or
- A close connection to Manitoba (e.g., family, previous work in Manitoba), or
- An active Express Entry profile with skills aligned to Manitoba's priorities
Important 2026 change: Effective February 4, 2026, Manitoba updated how it selects candidates — draws are now more targeted and occupation-specific rather than pulling the highest-scoring profiles broadly. Monitor immigratemanitoba.com/draws for upcoming draw categories and scores.
International Education Stream
For international graduates who studied at a Manitoba post-secondary institution. Options include:
- Manitoba Graduate Pathway — graduates from approved Manitoba colleges and universities with a Manitoba job offer
- Career Employment Pathway — graduates who are working in Manitoba in an eligible occupation
Manitoba's international education stream can be a strong route for students who graduated from a Manitoba institution and have some post-graduation work experience in the province.
Business Investor Stream
For experienced entrepreneurs and investors who want to start or acquire a business in Manitoba. Requires a business plan, meeting minimum net worth thresholds, and an active participation commitment. This stream uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
Express Entry connection (Enhanced pathway)
Manitoba selects candidates with an active IRCC Express Entry profile and job seeker validation code in its Enhanced draws. A Manitoba nomination through the Enhanced pathway:
- Adds +600 CRS points to your federal Express Entry profile
- Results in a federal ITAITA: Invitation to Apply — IRCC's formal invitation to submit a PR application. You have 60 days to apply after receiving an ITA. at the next draw (virtually guaranteed)
- Does not require a separate provincial PR application
2026 draw activity: Manitoba held its largest MPNP draw of 2026 on May 7, 2026, issuing 326 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) — a significant share went to Express Entry-linked candidates. Manitoba has been active in 2026; check immigratemanitoba.com/draws for the latest.
How to apply
- Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) at immigratemanitoba.com — your score determines priority in draws.
- Wait for a draw or Strategic Recruitment invitation — Manitoba may also directly recruit in specific occupations or sectors.
- Receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) — you have a limited window to submit your full MPNP application.
- Apply for nomination — Manitoba reviews your application and, if approved, issues a provincial nomination.
- Apply to IRCC for PR — link the nomination to your Express Entry profile (Enhanced) or submit a direct PR application (Base).
What makes Manitoba's EOI score?
Manitoba's EOI scoring considers:
- Connection to Manitoba (family, work, education)
- Manitoba work experience
- Language ability
- Education
- Skilled work experience
- Presence of a qualifying Manitoba job offer
- Express Entry profile (for Enhanced pathway)
Having a Manitoba connection — particularly a family member, a former Manitoba employer, or prior Manitoba education — significantly boosts your EOI score.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MPNP linked to Express Entry?
Yes. Through the Enhanced pathway, an MPNP nomination adds +600 CRS points to your federal Express Entry profile. Manitoba also runs Base draws that lead to PR directly through IRCC.
Do I need a connection to Manitoba?
A Manitoba connection — close family, prior Manitoba work, or Manitoba study — significantly raises your EOI score, and the Skilled Worker Overseas stream generally requires a connection, a Manitoba job offer, or an aligned Express Entry profile.
How is the MPNP EOI scored?
Manitoba ranks Expression of Interest profiles on factors including connection to Manitoba, Manitoba work experience, language, education, skilled work experience, and whether you hold a qualifying Manitoba job offer. Estimate yours with the Manitoba MPNP calculator.
Does the MPNP require a job offer?
Not always — the Skilled Worker streams can rely on a Manitoba connection or an aligned Express Entry profile instead — but a qualifying Manitoba job offer strengthens your EOI.