Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway

Two pathways target investors and entrepreneurs in specific categories: the Entrepreneur Pathway, and the Farm Investor Pathway.

Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway

The Entrepreneur Pathway targets business people who wish to establish themselves in Manitoba, either by purchasing, starting, or becoming partners in an existing business. Potential candidates arrive in Canada on a temporary resident permit, and must buy, start, or join a business within 24 months of arrival in order to obtain permanent resident status.
The current application system for the Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway is expected to change as further updates to the MPNP are rolled out. Initially, these updates were scheduled to take place in 2018, but the MPNP renewal project has been delayed by several years.
As part of the “soft launch” of the Entrepreneur Pathway of the Manitoba Business Investor Stream stream, the province has implemented an interim application process, as outlined below. This process allows potential candidates to express their interest in the pathways through the submission of required forms, but the province has stated that after the upcoming changes to the MPNP are fully implemented, the process will be online.

Step 1: Be eligible for the Entrepreneur Pathway

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements outlined in the table below, potential applicants must complete a self-assessment form that assesses eligibility over four human capital factors (age, education, business experience, and language proficiency), four investment factors (net worth, business investment, economic priorities, and a business research visit to Manitoba), and one adaptability factor (assessing the potential applicant’s existing connection to Manitoba).

Manitoba BIS: Entrepreneur Pathway criteria

Step 2: Explore Manitoba

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway requires potential applicants to explore Manitoba and research opportunities in the proposed area of business. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to visit Manitoba and attend business seminars offered by the Business Consulting Unit (BCU) of the Immigration and Economic Opportunities Division. Potential applicants must also complete a Business Concept Form, which outlines business opportunities and research efforts.
While the exploratory visit is not required, if you are interested in setting up or purchasing a business in Manitoba it is a good idea to visit Manitoba first. Exploring various locations will give you a better idea of the opportunities available in the province, both for business and for lifestyle, and may strengthen your application.

Step 3: Submit your self-assessment and business concept forms to the MPNP

Applying through this stream is a two-step process. First, the initial forms need to be emailed to [email protected]. This includes the Self-assessment form, the Business Concept form, and the Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives (if you are using a representative). This submission does not represent an application to the MPNP; potential candidates who submit these forms will be told if they are eligible to submit a full application or not. The province states that if a potential candidate does not meet the minimum stream criteria requirements (outlined in the table in Step 1), their business concept will not be reviewed.

Step 4: Submit an application to the MPNP

During the interim process, potential candidates may receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) after their Self-assessment and Business Concept forms have been reviewed. The LAA contains further information about required documents and instructions for submitting a full application to the MPNP. This includes a net worth verification, which is conducted by an approved third-party supplier. All documents and fees need to be submitted within 120 days of receiving the LAA.

Step 5: Application assessment

The review and assessment of each application may include an interview. Successful applicants will receive an approval letter by email, and must sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA). After this, the MPNP will issue a letter of support for a work permit. Note that at this point, if you receive a letter of support you will not yet have Canadian permanent resident status – instead, you will be able to enter Canada and obtain a work permit.

Step 6: Operate a business in Manitoba

With this work permit, you can start or purchase your business, as outlined in your business plan. The BCU offers information, feedback, and guidance during this stage through the support of Business Consulting Officers.

Step 7: Receive a MPNP nomination and apply for permanent resident status

Once you have completed the terms and conditions outlined in the BPA you signed when your application was approved, the MPNP issues a certificate of nomination, with which you can apply to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.

This page will be updated if or when updates to the Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway occur.

Live PNP Tracker

The Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Entrepreneur Pathway is likely undergo further changes in the coming months as the MPNP reworks various streams and pathways. This could result in important changes to application procedure or eligibility requirements. Make sure to stay up to date with all the latest developments using the exclusive Moving2Canada PNP Live Tracker.