At a press conference announcing the improvements, Wishart confirmed that a backlog of applications to the program — which stood at more than 5,100 applications in April 2016 — has now been cleared.
The MPNP, Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program, allows the province to select prospective immigrants with skills and experience targeted by the province, and to attract active investors in Manitoba's economy.
New Online Job Resource
A further improvement to the program comes in the form of an online resource listing in-demand jobs in the province, which is expected to be updated regularly based on labour market analysis and input from stakeholders. The province stated that “the list will help prioritize invitations to apply from the Expression of Interest pool based on whether the candidate has in-demand occupational skills, is currently employed in Manitoba or has a high potential for employment,” adding that the resource will be published after being approved by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
“Better information sharing and openness will improve service for applicants and ensure the respectability of this program moving forward,” said Wishart. “Our new online resource will include priority areas such as increased francophone and regional immigration.”
In a press release accompanying the announcement, it was revealed that the province expects approximately 170,000 jobs to open up between now and 2022, “with demand spread across multiple sectors including manufacturing, finance, services, trades and transportation, agri-business and information technology.” Wishart added that at least 25 per cent of projected job-openings are expected to be filled by immigrants.
International Students Recognized
Wishart also announced that new pathways would be introduced to enable international students in Manitoba to transition to permanent resident status. Such pathways are expected to include partnerships with post-secondary institutions, and support for international students to pursue study programs that will support careers in occupations in demand in the province. With more than 11,000 international students from 125 countries studying in Manitoba each year, Wishart stated his hope that “expanded outreach initiatives will encourage those interested to pursue careers and settle in this province.”
MPNP for Skilled Workers
The MPNP for Skilled Workers was established to help employers in Manitoba find foreign talent to complement their existing workforce. The government of Manitoba selects experienced workers who have made an Expression of Interest in immigrating to the province and who have the skills needed across the local labour market, and nominate them to receive a provincial nomination certificate from the MPNP. With this, the nominated person may then apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.
These immigration options may be particularly attractive to individuals who may not be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, as the eligibility requirements are different. For example, the MPNP awards points for language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 to candidates in certain occupations, a much lower threshold than what is required under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.
MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba
Under this sub-category of the MPNP, applications are accepted from qualified foreign workers and international student graduates who are currently working in Manitoba and have been offered a permanent job by their employer in Manitoba. Skilled Workers in Manitoba are not subject to a points-based assessment to determine their eligibility (though points are assigned to the candidate once he or she enters the pool of candidates)
Learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers in Manitoba sub-category.
MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas
This MPNP sub-category is for qualified skilled workers who may be outside Canada but who can demonstrate a strong connection to the province and its labour market. A points-based system is used to assess candidates according to factors such as age, language proficiency, work experience, education and adaptability.
To learn more about eligibility for the MPNP Skilled Workers Overseas sub-category and the points assessment system.
Manitoba Profile
Population: 1.3 million
Capital and largest city: Winnipeg
Location: Manitoba is located in Central Canada and is considered one of the three "Prairie" provinces. Ontario lies to the east, with Saskatchewan sharing the western border. The US states of Minnesota and North Dakota are to the south, and the sparsely-populated north of the province has a long coastline on Hudson Bay leading to a border with the territory of Nunavut.
Economy: Manitoba’s principle industries are mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Traditionally farming has been a major occupation for Manitobans, and the rich farmlands in southern Manitoba produce wheat, barley, oats, sunflower, flax and canola crops, as well as dairy and livestock farms. From this agricultural base a considerable food processing industry has emerged. In addition, Manitoba is home to considerable manufacturing, aerospace and transportation industries. Winnipeg has a sizable financial and insurance industry, as well as government administration and services.
Climate: Manitoba is far from the moderating influences of mountain ranges or large bodies of water. Moreover, given its size, it experiences great variations in temperature. In Southern Manitoba, where the vast majority of the population resides, cold, snowy winters are the norm. Summers are typically hot and dry, with short transitional seasons ensuring that residents get a full four-season experience.
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