In a recent development, Manitoba has once again taken proactive steps to address its labour market needs by inviting more skilled foreign workers through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The draw held on April 3, 2025, under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream focused on strategic recruitment, offering skilled professionals a valuable route to Canadian permanent residency. If you’re an international applicant looking to immigrate to Canada, this could be your opportunity to move forward with your application.
At The Immigration Professional, we specialize in helping eligible applicants take advantage of programs like the Manitoba PNP. BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation today.
Manitoba PNP Draw Highlights (April 3, 2025)
| Category | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score | Express Entry Candidates Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Overseas (Strategic Recruitment Initiative) | 4 | 721 | 0 |
Manitoba’s latest immigration draw was laser-focused, inviting only four candidates under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. Although small in number, these targeted draws are a testament to Manitoba’s efforts to bring in individuals who can meet its specific labour demands.
These candidates were not required to have an active Express Entry profile, indicating that Manitoba is open to applicants outside the Express Entry system when responding to labour shortages.
What is a Strategic Recruitment Initiative?
A Strategic Recruitment Initiative is Manitoba’s way of directly addressing skill gaps in its labour force. Employers in Manitoba who are struggling to find suitable local talent can collaborate with the MPNP to recruit skilled foreign workers internationally.
This initiative benefits international workers because:
- It fast-tracks the nomination process.
- It involves direct employer involvement.
- It enhances your chances of settling in Manitoba with a job offer already in hand.
To participate, employers must meet specific criteria and complete the ABC Recruitment Process, which is somewhat similar to getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Eligibility for Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (Strategic Recruitment)
To qualify for Manitoba PNP’s strategic recruitment stream, international workers must:
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | 21–45 years old (exceptions possible with employer justification) |
| Education | Completed post-secondary education if required by the role. Some roles allow on-the-job training. |
| Work Experience | At least 2 years of full-time experience in the last 5 years |
| Language Proficiency |
- CLB 5+ in all skills (TEER 0–3)
- CLB 4+ in all skills (TEER 4–5) | | Job Offer | Full-time, long-term or permanent position | | Settlement Plan | Demonstrate intention and ability to settle in Manitoba |
Understanding TEER Levels
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system uses TEER levels to categorize job roles based on education, training, experience, and responsibilities.
| TEER Level | Description |
| TEER 0 | Managerial occupations requiring high-level decision-making |
| TEER 1 | University degree usually required |
| TEER 2 | College diploma or apprenticeship training |
| TEER 3 | Postsecondary diploma or less than two years of training |
| TEER 4 | Secondary school and/or on-the-job training |
| TEER 5 | Short work demonstration or no formal education required |
Why Apply Through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment?
Applying through Manitoba’s strategic recruitment initiative offers multiple advantages:
- Direct access to Manitoba employers who are ready to hire.
- Lower competition compared to general draws.
- Simplified application process supported by The Immigration Professional.
Some additional points to keep in mind:
- Manitoba gives priority to candidates who intend to live outside the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.
- If you have ties to other Canadian provinces (such as education or work history), your application might be scrutinized more strictly for retention risk.
Is Manitoba’s Immigration Program Right for You?
If you are a skilled worker with experience in high-demand occupations, Manitoba could be your ideal gateway to Canada. With focused draws like the one on April 3, 2025, candidates not in the Express Entry pool still have an excellent chance to immigrate to Canada.
The Immigration Professional can help you navigate the complex MPNP process, from eligibility assessments to full application submissions. We ensure that your application aligns with both the province’s needs and Canadian immigration standards.
BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professional and let our experts guide you.
