BREAKING NEWS: MPNP PNP Latest Draw #268
Manitoba Conducts First April 2026 PNP Draw, Invites Skilled Workers
The province of Manitoba has launched its first immigration selection round of April under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, issuing invitations to foreign skilled workers across multiple targeted recruitment pathways.
The latest development highlights the province’s continued focus on strategic hiring initiatives to address labour shortages and attract globally skilled talent.
Overview of the April 9 Draw
During the Expression of Interest (EOI) Draw #268, Manitoba issued a total of 32 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to eligible candidates.
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Skilled Worker Overseas
A total of 32 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued in this round, marking the province’s first draw for April. Only candidates who had been directly invited by the MPNP through strategic recruitment initiatives were considered in this selection.
Distribution of Invitations by Recruitment Initiative
- Employer Services: 10 invitations
- Francophone Community: 7 invitations
- Ethnocultural Communities: 5 invitation
- Regional Communities: 5 invitations
- Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates 5 invitations
The Employer Services initiative accounted for the largest share of invitations, contributing approximately 31% of the total LAAs issued in this round.
Comparison with Previous Draw
When compared to the previous draw held on March 12, 2026 (EOI Draw #267), where 46 candidates were invited, the latest round reflects a 30% decline in invitations issued.
Despite the drop in numbers, Manitoba’s cumulative invitations for the year have reached 281 LAAs, indicating steady immigration activity in 2026.
Express Entry Candidates Included
Out of the 32 invitations issued:
- 8 candidates had a valid Express Entry profile
- These candidates also provided a valid job seeker validation code
This shows Manitoba’s continued alignment with federal immigration pathways while maintaining its independent selection priorities.
Why Some Eligible Candidates May Not Have Received an Invitation
- Submission of invalid or expired language test results (English or French)
- Failure to include a valid test number in the Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Entering an incorrect or invalid invitation number under a strategic recruitment initiative
Applicants facing these issues are encouraged to update their EOI profiles with accurate information to improve their chances in future draws. The system guides for each field to help candidates enter correct details.
Understanding Strategic Recruitment Initiatives
Strategic recruitment initiatives are a key component of Manitoba’s immigration strategy. Through these programs:
- The MPNP conducts international recruitment missions
- Manitoba employers connect directly with foreign skilled workers
- Candidates receive information about job opportunities and immigration pathways
Interested applicants must monitor official MPNP announcements and follow specific instructions, which may include:
- Registering for recruitment events
- Submitting resumes and eligibility details
- Participating in interviews or employer interactions
Only candidates formally invited through these initiatives become eligible for selection in such targeted draws.
What Are Exploratory Visits?
An exploratory visit is another pathway that allows prospective immigrants to establish a connection with Manitoba before applying.
Key Features of Exploratory Visits:
- A short, pre-arranged trip to the province
- Helps candidates assess their ability to live and work in Manitoba
- Enables MPNP officials to conduct preliminary interviews and assessments
Activities During the Visit:
- Researching job markets and employment opportunities
- Meeting potential employers
- Consulting regulatory bodies for licensed professions
- Exploring housing, schools, and community life
To participate, candidates must submit a request to the MPNP. If approved, they receive an official invitation along with further instructions. Importantly, it is not the visit itself, but the formal invitation issued afterward, that establishes the required connection to Manitoba for immigration purposes.
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.
Final Takeaway
The latest MPNP draw reflects a targeted and selective approach, focusing on candidates with direct links to Manitoba through recruitment initiatives. While the number of invitations was lower than the previous round, the province continues to prioritize employer-driven hiring, community-specific needs, and strategic immigration planning.
With multiple pathways such as recruitment missions and exploratory visits, Manitoba remains committed to attracting skilled professionals who can contribute to its regional and economic growth.
Source: immigratemanitoba.com
