Manitoba Expands Talent Search With Fresh Invitations to Skilled Workers
Manitoba Issues Fresh Invitations as Talent Search Expands
Manitoba continues to forge ahead in its long-term strategy for the workforce by issuing another round of invitations to skilled professionals both within and outside Canada. The latest selection under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program demonstrates the province’s continued push to attract talent that aligns with its economic priorities for 2025 and beyond.
A New Wave of Invitations Under the Skilled Worker Stream
On November 21, Manitoba issued another targeted invitation round under the Skilled Worker Stream, inviting those selected based on the province’s strategic recruitment for talent. Unlike general draws, selections have highly focused pools, relying on candidates who had previously participated in specific recruitment initiatives designed to address Manitoba’s labour shortages. A total of 35 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued under the four specialised initiatives:
| Recruitment Initiative | Number of LAAs |
|---|---|
| Employer Services | 18 |
| Francophone Community Engagement | 8 |
| Regional Community Outreach | 8 |
| Temporary Public Policy for Prospective PNP Candidates | 1 |
Five of the invited individuals also reported holding active Express Entry profiles with job seeker validation codes, adding a federal dimension to their provincial prospects.
Why Manitoba Is Prioritising Recruitment Initiative Candidates
Skilled Worker Stream: Employer-Driven and Strategic Recruitment Invitations
Another 279 letters of invitation were given to applicants who had received direct invitations from the MPNP within the Skilled Worker in Manitoba or Skilled Worker Overseas streams. The initiatives are customized vehicles to connect Manitoba employers, international skilled-in-demand communities.
| Strategic Recruitment Initiative | LAAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Employer Services | 45 |
| Francophone Community | 43 |
| Regional Communities | 8 |
| Ethnocultural Communities | 3 |
| Temporary Public Policy (TPP) | 180 |
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Understanding Manitoba's Strategic Recruitment Approach
1. What are Strategic Recruitment Initiatives (SRIs)?
SRIs are strategic initiatives through which the province nominates skilled individuals who can help address current labour gaps or contribute to Manitoba’s future demographic objectives. Applicants cannot apply to these initiatives directly, but rather are selected by officers of the MPNP through a range of engagement activities. If selected, an official Letter of Invitation has to be uploaded on the candidate’s EOI profile to be eventually included in future draws.
2. Recruitment Missions: Manitoba’s Global Talent Roadshows
From time to time, the MPNP partners with employers to host international recruitment missions. This introduces Manitoba’s job market to international talent while helping employers connect with workers who meet their staffing needs. Candidates interested in participating must monitor official MPNP announcements that may include such steps as:
- Signing up for an information session
- Completing a pre-screening form
- Submission of résumé and basic eligibility information
- Participation often results in interviews, job offers, and sometimes an invitation under the Skilled Worker Overseas pathway.
3. Exploratory Visits: A Sneak Peek into Manitoba Life
Exploratory visits give potential immigration candidates a chance to experience Manitoba before applying. These short, pre-arranged trips allow individuals to assess whether the lifestyle, job market, or community environments of the province align with their long-term goals. During the visit, applicants may:
- Meet employers or regulatory bodies
- Explore schools, housing, and local services
- Assess their integration prospects
- Sit for an interview with an MPNP officer
- Following this interview, a candidate may obtain an official invitation, which is then used as a formal link to Manitoba for immigration purposes.
Temporary Residence Applications
Visas for Visitors Abroad (TRV)
- India: Increased sharply from 28 to 58 days.
- Pakistan: Increased from 36 to 48 days.
- Nigeria: Down from 56 days to 32 days.
- Philippines: Shortened from 33 to 20 days.
- United States: Slight rise from 21 to 23 days.
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.
Manitoba’s Targeted Recruitment Efforts
Manitoba’s Continued Commitment to Targeted Immigration
