Manitoba Holds Targeted Immigration Draw for Skilled Workers Overseas
Manitoba Holds Targeted Immigration Draw for Skilled Workers Overseas
In a focused effort to address workforce demands through international hiring, Manitoba conducted a new draw under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), spotlighting its commitment to attracting globally skilled talent through employer-linked recruitment efforts.
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 12, 2025
- Stream: Skilled Worker Overseas
- Invitations Issued: 36 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs)
- Lowest Ranking Score Invited: 613
- Express Entry Candidates Invite : 5
- (No candidates in this draw declared a valid Express Entry profile number or job seeker validation code)
Manitoba’s June 12 Immigration Draw: A Focused Approach
On June 12, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 36 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under the Skilled Worker Overseas category. This draw was not open to the general pool of applicants — instead, it specifically targeted individuals who had been identified via Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiative (SRI).
Among the invited applicants, 5 candidates had an active Express Entry profile and had submitted a valid job seeker validation code — a clear signal that Manitoba continues to tap into the federal immigration stream to enhance processing timelines and secure qualified candidates.
Behind the Strategic Recruitment Initiative (SRI)
To participate in the initiative, employers must:
- Follow Manitoba’s ABC Recruitment Framework to ensure transparency and alignment with provincial needs.
- Be hiring for positions that reflect genuine labor market shortages.
- Provide documentation and detailed profiles of candidates they wish to recruit internationally.
Provincial Quotas Tighten for 2025
The context surrounding this draw is especially important. In 2025, Manitoba — like many other Canadian provinces — has seen its nomination allotment reduced by the federal government. The province was allocated just 4,750 nominations for the year, down substantially from previous years.
As a result, Manitoba has shifted toward streamlined, employer-backed selections, ensuring that each nomination slot is utilized for maximum economic impact.
Meanwhile, other provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador have successfully negotiated increases to their allocations, signaling a broader shift in how nomination caps may be distributed based on provincial advocacy and needs.
The Role of Express Entry in Manitoba’s Strategy
Although the majority of the June 12 invitations were issued through the province’s internal selection system, a portion of the draw targeted Express Entry candidates, further integrating provincial and federal immigration streams.
Preparing for Future MPNP Draws: What Candidates Should Know
If you are considering applying to Manitoba through the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, here are some key strategies:
- Develop connections with Manitoba employers, particularly those active in sectors facing labor shortages.
- Create and maintain an active Express Entry profile, especially if you are eligible for Federal Skilled Worker or CEC streams.
- Demonstrate strong English or French language proficiency (through CLB scores).
- Align your experience and training with Manitoba’s in-demand occupations.
- Respond to recruitment initiatives and job fairs organized in collaboration with MPNP or local employers.
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
Conclusion
For foreign nationals seeking to settle in Manitoba, staying informed of these targeted draws and building connections with the local job market will be key to success in 2025’s competitive immigration landscape.
