Manitoba PNP Draw #263
Manitoba Issues New ITAs to Skilled Workers in January PNP Draw
Manitoba kicked off the year by strengthening its skilled immigration intake, issuing fresh invitations through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) at the end of January.
The latest selection round highlights the province’s continued focus on targeted recruitment to meet labour market demands across key sectors and communities.
Second Manitoba PNP Draw of the Year
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted its second immigration draw of 2026 on January 29, extending invitations to skilled worker candidates who had already established ties to the province through strategic recruitment efforts.
Unlike general invitation rounds, this draw specifically targeted applicants who indicated in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles that they were invited to apply by Manitoba under designated recruitment initiatives. These initiatives are designed to address workforce shortages and support economic development across the province.
Skilled Worker Stream Invitations Issued
A total of 47 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued under the Skilled Worker Stream, covering candidates in both:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Skilled Worker Overseas
Breakdown by Recruitment Initiative
- Employer Services: 24 invitations
- Regional Communities: 4 invitations
- Ethnocultural Communities: 2 invitations
- Francophone Community: 3 invitations
- Temporary Public Policy (TPP) for Work Permit Facilitation: 14 invitations
This distribution shows a strong emphasis on employer-supported applicants, particularly those already connected to Manitoba’s job market.
Express Entry Candidates Included
Among the 47 invited candidates, six applicants had active Express Entry profiles and provided valid job seeker validation codes. These individuals may benefit from faster permanent residence processing if they later receive a federal invitation through Express Entry.
Manitoba’s 2026 Immigration Trend So Far
With this draw, Manitoba has now issued 102 LAAs in 2026 across two draws. Both rounds have heavily prioritised candidates selected through the Employer Services recruitment initiative, signalling that Manitoba is continuing its employer-led immigration strategy rather than broad-based draws.
Regulated Occupations Under Closer Review
Manitoba also confirmed that some candidates invited in this draw indicated they were employed in regulated occupations and held the required licenses to work in the province. However, the province cautioned that applications may be refused if applicants:
- Are not genuinely employed in a regulated occupation,
- Fail to provide proof of completing all licensing or certification requirements
Because the MPNP charges a non-refundable application fee of CAD 500, candidates who cannot meet these requirements are advised to carefully consider whether to proceed with their application.
Next Steps After Receiving an Invitation
Candidates who receive a Letter of Advice to Apply must submit a complete application within 60 days of receiving the invitation. Key application requirements include:
- Submission of all supporting documents in PDF or JPG format, each under 2 MB
- Documents must be in English or French
- Non-English or non-French documents must include notarised copies and certified translations
- All claims made in the EOI profile must be fully supported by evidence
Application Tracking and Updates
Applicants with successful submissions receive an MPNP file number via email within 48 hours. The online portal allows candidates to:
- Monitor application status
- Update personal information
- Add dependents
- Upload additional documents when requested
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
Skilled Worker – NB Graduates
- Graduation from a PGWP-eligible program at a New Brunswick DLI
- Full-time employment or a job offer from an eligible NB employer
Manitoba Draw Results by Recruitment Category
| Recruitment Category | LAAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Employer Services | 10 |
| Francophone Community | 27 |
| Regional Communities | 5 |
| Temporary Public Policy (TPP) | 21 |
The largest share of invitations went to Francophone candidates and individuals supported under Manitoba’s temporary work permit facilitation policy.
*Want to apply for MPNP? Let the universal adviser guide you through the process.
Manitoba’s Message to Skilled Workers
As labour shortages persist across healthcare, trades, and essential services, Manitoba’s selective immigration strategy is expected to remain a key pathway for skilled professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada.
