Manitoba Prioritizes International Graduates and Skilled Talent in Latest Draw
Manitoba Prioritizes International Graduates and Skilled Talent in Latest Draw
Manitoba has unveiled the results of its latest immigration selection round under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), extending a total of 492 invitations to candidates across two immigration streams. The province continues to align its immigration strategy with its long-term settlement and labour market objectives by selecting applicants with family links and strategic value to Manitoba communities.
This latest selection round took place on May 1, 2025, and focused exclusively on skilled workers outside Canada.
- Draw Highlights by Stream
- Date of Draw: June 26, 2025
- Stream: Skilled Worker and International Education
- Invitations Issued: 492 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs)
- Lowest Ranking Score Invited: 712
- Skilled Worker Stream : 14
- International Education Stream : 478
- (No candidates in this draw declared a valid Express Entry profile number or job seeker validation code)
Manitoba’s Family-Centric Approach to International Graduates
A significant portion of the invitations — 478 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) — were issued under the International Education Stream (IES). This draw specifically prioritized former international students who had completed their education in Manitoba and had close relatives already living in the province.
To qualify for this invitation round, applicants needed to:
- Fulfill all criteria under the IES category
- Demonstrate a strong family connection in Manitoba through a Canadian citizen or permanent resident relative.
Eligible relatives include:
- Siblings
- Parents or grandparents
- Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews
- First cousins
This draw did not reflect any changes to the stream’s standard eligibility but reinforced Manitoba’s intention to encourage immigration through established family networks.
Selective Invitations Through Strategic Skilled Worker Programs
Beyond the IES, Manitoba also issued 14 invitations through its Skilled Worker Stream, targeting individuals identified via strategic recruitment initiatives. These candidates were selected based on their specialized skills, alignment with community or employer needs, and their ability to adapt to Manitoba’s socio-economic environment.
Here’s how the 14 invitations were distributed:
| Recruitment Program | Invitations |
|---|---|
| Employer Services | 5 |
| Francophone Community Engagement | 5 |
| Regional Immigration Campaigns | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity Programs | 1 |
Candidates invited through these initiatives needed to score at least 712 points on Manitoba’s assessment grid. These selections underscore the province’s focus on attracting talent not just to urban hubs but also to regional areas and underrepresented communities.
What This Draw Signals About Manitoba’s Immigration Goals
- Community Anchoring : Encouraging former international students with local family ties to remain in Manitoba long-term.
- Strategic Hiring : Supporting employers and regional authorities in attracting and retaining talent through tailored recruitment efforts.
- Cultural Inclusion : Enhancing the diversity of Manitoba’s immigrant population through initiatives focused on Francophone and ethnocultural groups.
Rather than solely filling job vacancies, Manitoba aims to foster inclusive and sustainable growth by building communities around long-term support systems, regional development, and social integration.
Next Steps for Selected Candidates
- Proof of relationship to their Manitoba supporter;
- Settlement support plan from the relative
- Evidence of long-term residence in the province by the supporter.
Those unable to meet these requirements may be advised to decline the invitation to avoid processing issues.
What This Means for International Applicants
Prospective applicants are advised to assess their qualifications carefully and explore connections that may align them with Manitoba’s immigration strategy — whether through family, former education or employment, or direct employer engagement.
Implications for Future Applicants
- Attend MPNP-endorsed recruitment events or exploratory visits
- Align work experience with Manitoba’s in-demand occupations
- Build strong ties to the province (family connections, previous study or work experience in Manitoba)
- Ensure their profile meets the highest standards in terms of education, work experience, and language ability
Final Thoughts
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