If you want to live, work, or study in Canada, Manitoba is a great place to start.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) assists individuals in relocating to this province. It is a program that selects skilled workers, students, and business people who can help the local economy.
Why choose Manitoba?
- It’s safe and family-friendly
- Jobs are available in many fields
- Living costs are lower than in other big cities in Canada
- You can become a permanent resident faster through MPNP
MPNP is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada, especially if you have work experience, have studied in Manitoba, or want to start a business here.
- Purpose: The MPNP helps Manitoba choose skilled workers, graduates, and business people who can support the province’s economy.
- Main streams: The program has three main streams:
- Skilled Worker
- International Education
- Business Investor.
Manitoba – Quick Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot to get you acquainted:
- Country/Province: Canada / Manitoba
- Capital: Winnipeg
- Population: Around 1.4 million
- Weather:
- Winters can be chilly (ranging from -20°C to -5°C with plenty of snow)
- Summers are warm and pleasant (20°C to 30°C).
- Language:
English is the primary language, but Manitoba’s multicultural communities bring a rich tapestry of other languages to life. - Top Cities to Know
- Winnipeg
- Brandon
- Steinbach
- Thompson
🤗 Feel the Warm Welcome When You Arrive
Imagine stepping off the plane in Winnipeg on a crisp autumn afternoon. The air is fresh, and even strangers greet you with a friendly smile.
That was exactly Sara and her husband’s experience when they arrived from overseas. “It felt strange at first,” Sara shared, “but after just one week, our neighbor brought over homemade pie. That’s when I knew we’d made the right choice.”
Manitoba isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a community where life moves at a friendly, relaxed pace. It’s a place you can truly call home.
How Can You Start Your Journey to Manitoba? (Immigration Pathways)
There are several pathways to making Manitoba your new home:
Main Pathway:
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
This program lets Manitoba select skilled workers, students, or entrepreneurs ready to contribute to the local economy.
Express Entry to Manitoba
If you qualify for Canada’s federal Express Entry system, choosing Manitoba as your destination can sometimes speed up your application.
Study and Transition to Permanent Residency
Many come as students and later apply for work permits and permanent residency. Top schools include the University of Manitoba and Red River College.
Work Permits & Employer-Sponsored Programs
Got a job offer?
Your employer might assist with your work permit, and some in-demand jobs don’t require extensive experience.
Family Sponsorship
If you have close family in Manitoba who are citizens or permanent residents, they could sponsor you to join them.
Update: October 2025 📢
Manitoba Minimum Wage to Increase on October 1, 2025
Effective October 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Manitoba will rise from CAD 15.80 to CAD 16.00 per hour. The change is aimed at ensuring fair compensation for workers in the province.
What is the MPNP?
The MPNP is like a special invitation from the province of Manitoba.
Manitoba is one of Canada’s provinces, similar to a state in other countries.
PNP stands for Provincial Nominee Program.
The MPNP allows Manitoba to choose people from other countries who can help the province grow by working, studying, or starting a business.
How Does it Work?
Manitoba looks for people who:
- Have job skills
- Studied in Manitoba
- Want to start a business in the province
If you’re a good fit, Manitoba will nominate you.
This nomination makes your permanent residence application faster and easier.
Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) means you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, long term.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) |
| Purpose | To help skilled workers, students, and business people move to Manitoba |
| Who Can Apply | Foreign workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs |
| Main Categories | Skilled Worker, International Education, Business Investor |
| Key Benefit | Faster path to Canadian permanent residency |
| Processing Time (after nomination) | Around 6 months (may change) |
| Language Requirement | From CLB 4 to CLB 7, depending on the stream |
| Job Offer Requirement | Needed for some streams (not all) |
| Permanent Residency | Yes, you can apply for PR after nomination |
| Provinces & Territories Involved | Only Manitoba |
📢 Latest News and Updates
- New Draws in July 2025
- Manitoba continues to invite skilled workers and international graduates through regular draws. In July:
- Skilled Workers needed scores above 670
- The International Education stream issued many invitations
- Work Permit Extensions (April 2025)
MPNP candidates can now apply for a 2-year work permit extension under a new temporary policy. This gives more time to live and work in Manitoba while applying for permanent residency. - New Video Guide Available (July 2025)
A short video guide explains how to apply for MPNP, now available on the official website in simple English.
MPNP Main Streams
There are 3 main streams:
1. Skilled Worker Stream
For people who:
- Have work experience (in Manitoba or from outside)
- Have a job offer or strong connection to Manitoba
- Want to live and work in the province long term
Two options:
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba – for people already working in Manitoba
- Skilled Workers Overseas – for people with ties to Manitoba (family, study, work)
2. International Education Stream
For international students who:
- Graduated from a school in Manitoba
- Have skills the province needs
- Want to stay and work in Manitoba after finishing school
3. Business Investor Stream
For business people who:
- Want to invest money in Manitoba
- Have experience running or managing a business
- Plan to live in Manitoba and manage a business there
Who Can Apply for MPNP?
You can apply for the MPNP if you want to live and work in Manitoba and meet the basic requirements.
Here’s who can apply:
1. Skilled Workers
You can apply if you:
- Have work experience (in Manitoba or abroad)
- Have a job offer in Manitoba or a strong connection to the province
- Want to settle in Manitoba long-term
2. International Students
You can apply if you:
- Graduated from a school in Manitoba
- Have the skills needed in the province
- Want to stay and work after your studies
3. Business People
You can apply if you:
- Have business experience
- Want to start or buy a business in Manitoba
- Have enough money to invest and live in the province
❌ Remember:
To apply, you also need:
- Language skills (English or French)
- Enough money to support yourself and your family
- A strong plan to stay in Manitoba
💡 Remember: Not everyone needs a job offer, but having one can help your application.
Documents You’ll Need (Paperwork Checklist!)
To apply for the MPNP, you must show who you are, what skills you have, and why you want to live in Manitoba. Here’s a simple checklist of the most common documents you may need:
- Personal Documents:
- Passport (valid and not expired)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applying with a spouse)
- National ID card (if available)
- Language Proof:
- IELTS or CELPIP test results (for English)
- TEF results (for French, if available)
- Must be less than 2 years old
- Education Documents:
- Diplomas or degrees (high school, college, or university)
- Transcripts
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – if required
- Work and Job Documents:
- Letters from past employers (showing job title, time worked, duties)
- Job offer from a Manitoba employer (if you have one)
- Resume/CV
- Financial Proof:
- Bank statements:
- Proof of savings or income
- You must show you can support yourself and your family in Manitoba
- Connection to Manitoba (if applying from outside):
- Letters from family or friends living in Manitoba
- Proof of past work or study in Manitoba
- Invitation from a Manitoba recruitment event (if any)
- For Business Applicants (extra):
- Business ownership documents
- Proof of investment funds
- Business plan
Fees
- Application fee: CAD 500
- This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
- No fee for creating an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
Other Costs
- Language test (IELTS or CELPIP): around CAD 300
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD 200 to 300
- Police and medical exams: CAD 200 to 400
- Proof of settlement funds: depends on your family size (example: for 1 person, around CAD 13,757 as of 2025)
These are the main costs and timelines you should expect. Always check the official MPNP website for the latest updates.
✅ Living in Manitoba: What to Expect
Life here offers a great balance between city excitement and peaceful living.
- Housing: Affordable apartments and houses are available
- Transport: Public buses serve the cities, though many prefer owning a car
- Healthcare: Free for residents under Manitoba Health insurance
- Education: Free public schools for children
- Community Life: Cultural festivals, sports, and outdoor activities keep things lively
Winnipeg is Manitoba’s bustling cultural and economic center, while smaller towns offer a quieter, friendlier atmosphere.
Tips for Newcomers: Overcoming Challenges Together
Moving comes with challenges, but you’re not alone. Here’s how to handle some common ones:
- Cold Winters: Temperatures can dip below -20°C. Dress warmly, and maybe try winter sports! It’s a fun way to embrace the season.
- Job Hunting: Networking is essential. Attend local events and connect with community groups.
- Cultural Differences: Newcomer support programs help you make friends and settle in faster.
Final Thoughts
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a great opportunity for skilled workers, international students, and business people who want to start a new life in Canada. It offers a fast and straightforward pathway to permanent residency, with strong support from Manitoba for those who can contribute to the province’s growth.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are prepared with the necessary documents, the process can be smooth and rewarding. Keep in mind that patience is key; the entire process may take time, but it’s worth it for the chance to settle in beautiful Manitoba.
If you’re ready to explore your options, fill out our free assessment form today! We’ll guide you through the process and help you start your new life in Manitoba.
FAQ
It’s Manitoba’s way of selecting immigrants with the skills and experience the province needs. You apply through it to get nominated for permanent residency.
Absolutely! It’s known for friendly communities, affordable living, and strong job markets.
Winters can be very cold with snow, but summers are warm and pleasant, you get to enjoy all four seasons.
Winnipeg is the largest, but Brandon, Steinbach, Winkler, and Niverville are great too.
Yes! Many come on work or study permits and work while applying through programs like MPNP or Express Entry.
Check online job sites, community centers, and Manitoba’s official immigration website. Networking helps a lot.
It’s more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, especially for housing.
English is main, but French and many others flourish thanks to Manitoba’s multicultural population.
Yes! Manitoba offers many settlement programs, language classes, and community supports to help newcomers settle comfortably.
You qualify if you have skills, work experience, or education that match Manitoba’s needs. The MPNP evaluates applicants based on factors like age, work experience, education, and language ability.
Once you submit your application, it typically takes around 6 months for Manitoba to process it and send you a nomination.
Not always! A job offer will help, but there are other ways to qualify, such as having a connection to Manitoba through family, study, or previous work experience.
It’s best to have at least a basic level of English or French. However, if your language skills are below the required level, you may still be eligible for certain streams depending on your work experience or connection to Manitoba.
After receiving your nomination from Manitoba, you can apply to the federal government for permanent residency. This step may take up to 18 months.
The application fee for MPNP is CAD 500. Other costs include language tests, educational credential assessments, and medical or police checks.
