The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a provincial program that allows prospective immigrants with certain beneficial skills to obtain a Manitoba Provincial Nomination certificate (MPNC). An MPNC speeds up the immigration application process. There are three "streams" through which a prospective immigrant can qualify under the MPNP: skilled worker, business investor, or Morden community driven immigration initiative.
Skilled Worker Stream
The skilled worker category utilizes an "Expression of Interest" system, which consists of a series of online questions. The applicant's answers are scored, and those with the highest scores are invited to submit an application to the MPNP. There is not limit on the number of applicants under the skilled worker stream and they can apply at any time. There are two types of skilled workers that can apply: skilled workers in Manitoba and skilled workers overseas.
Skilled workers overseas are workers living outside of Canada who can demonstrate significant connections to Manitoba. Significant connections can be established through the support of family or friends, previous work experience or education in Manitoba, or an invitation to apply from the MPNP. These workers are subject to a points-based system that takes into account factors such as age, language proficiency, and work experience.
Skilled workers in Manitoba are qualified temporary foreign workers and international student graduates who are working in Manitoba and have been offered a permanent job. Unlike skilled overseas workers, skilled workers in Manitoba are not subject to a points-based assessment in order to qualify for the program. They must meet certain requirements, such as having a permanent full-time job offer from their employer, speaking job-ready English or French, and having a valid Work Permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Individuals who should not apply through the skilled worker stream are self-employed individuals, independent contractors, or live-in caretakers. Additionally, temporary foreign workers employed in another province should not apply. Finally, spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents should not apply for citizenship through this stream.
Business Investor Stream
The business investor stream allows Manitoba to recruit qualified business people who intend to make a significant investment in the province and hold an active managerial role. The investment can be in a new or existing business. The business investor stream also utilizes an "Expression of Interest" system where the prospective immigrant expresses his or her interest in applying. The top qualifying interested applicants are invited to apply. The qualification process is points based, like skilled overseas workers.
One large barrier to this program is the requirement that the applicant must have a personal net worth of at least $350,000 (CAD). The applicant must also have at least three years experience of successful business ownership acting as a senior manager. Also, the applicant must demonstrate the desire and ability to reside in Manitoba along with all of his or her dependents.
Refugees and individuals living illegally in Canada should not apply for the business investor stream. Additionally, individuals intending to start a primary production farming operation should not apply under this stream.
Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative
The Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative (MCDI) acts to identify new permanent residents to Manitoba under the MPNP. Morden is a city located 112 km southwest of Winnipeg with a population of 9,000. It has an unemployment rate of around 10 percent. The MCDI favors immigrants who have experience living in rural areas. Candidates for the MCDI program must have skills in one of the following occupations: cabinetmaking, manufacturing, factory sewing machine operators, and heavy vehicle mechanics.
Qualified candidates will settle in Morden. Applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old with at least two years of full-time work experience. They must intend to settle in Morden, along with having the financial ability to do so with their dependents. The financial requirement is $10,000 for the applicant and $2,000 for each dependent.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice on any topic, including the Provincial Nominee Program. You should not base any decision on the contents of this article. Rules and legislation change frequently and this article may not be up to date. Please consult a lawyer regarding this matter.