Manitoba Pauses Employer-Driven Immigration Nominations Until August 5
Manitoba Pauses Employer-Driven Immigration Nominations Until August 5
The Government of Manitoba has implemented a brief suspension on new submissions through the Employer Services stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). This freeze began on July 4, 2025, and is scheduled to end on August 5, 2025.
The temporary measure is aimed at updating internal procedures and ensuring the province can better respond to employer and labour market needs with greater efficiency and clarity.
New Submissions on Hold Until Early August
During this pause, no new Employer Services applications will be accepted. This affects foreign nationals whose employers intended to initiate the nomination process between July 4 and August 5. These applicants will need to postpone submissions until the intake reopens.
However, applications already filed before the pause took effect will continue to be processed as planned, with no disruption expected for candidates currently under review.
What Is the Employer Services Stream?
Manitoba’s Employer Services stream is designed to allow local businesses to recruit international workers to fill occupations where there are genuine labour shortages. It provides a fast-tracked path for foreign talent to be nominated for permanent residence through a job offer supported by an eligible Manitoba employer.
This stream enables employers to address gaps in their workforce while giving skilled workers from abroad an opportunity to build their future in Manitoba.
Eligibility Criteria for Candidates
To receive employer-backed support through this stream, candidates must satisfy several core requirements, including:
- Age : Generally required to be between 21 and 45 years, though exceptions can be made depending on the employer.
- Relevant Experience : At least two years of experience in a related field or employer-specified work experience within the last five years.
- Job Offer : Must hold a valid offer of long-term, full-time employment that complies with Manitoba’s labor standards.
- Language Ability : Demonstrated language proficiency based on job classification:
- CLB 5 for higher-skilled roles (TEER 0–3)
- CLB 4 for entry-level or support roles (TEER 4–5)
- Education and Licensing : Completion of post-secondary studies or vocational training relevant to the occupation, with regulatory licensing required for roles governed by provincial bodies.
The job classifications follow Canada’s TEER system under the National Occupation Classification (NOC), which categorizes occupations based on skill level and training requirements.
Metro Areas Now Ineligible for Low-Wage LMIA Applications
The following Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) now fall under the exclusion list due to jobless rates exceeding the 6% threshold:
| Family Size | Minimum Required Funds (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (student only) | CAD $22,895 |
| 2 people | CAD $28,502 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,040 |
| 4 people | CAD $42,543 |
| 5 people | CAD $48,252 |
| 6 people | CAD $54,420 |
| 7 people | CAD $60,589 |
| Additional family member | CAD $6,170 |
These figures represent a significant increase from the earlier requirement of CAD $20,635 for a single applicant, which had been in effect since January 1, 2024.
Employer Qualifications and Role
Employers participating in this stream must meet specific criteria demonstrating their capacity to support international hiring. This includes a history of compliance with provincial employment standards, offering positions that meet or exceed industry norms, and having a genuine need for foreign recruitment.
Employers approved under this stream also play an active role in determining which candidates receive priority Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the MPNP.
What Happens Next?
With the application intake on pause, the MPNP is expected to use this time to optimize the stream’s infrastructure and better match qualified candidates with real labour demands. Once the window reopens on August 5, 2025, eligible candidates and employers will be able to proceed with new applications.
This brief suspension signals Manitoba’s continued commitment to fine-tuning its immigration programs and maintaining a sustainable and employer-responsive nomination process.
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