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The Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM) category of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is aimed at helping skilled temporary workers in the province immigrate to Manitoba, Canada as Canadian permanent residents.
Manitoba recognizes that foreign workers and international graduates in Manitoba are among the best-suited newcomers to make a permanent life in the province, to establish themselves quickly and successfully, and to make a positive contribution to Manitoba’s economy and community.
Manitoba may be less well-known than populous provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia, but it should not be overlooked. Many newcomers find Manitoba is a fulfilling destination with plentiful career opportunities and a high standard of living. The province is actively looking to bolster its workforce by welcoming newcomers and their families.
The Skilled Workers in Manitoba category is not aligned with the federal Express Entry system. If you have an offer for a permanent and ongoing job for a company in Manitoba and you have been working for the company for at least six months, you could be able to apply for permanent residence — even if you are not eligible for Express Entry. You do not need an Express Entry profile in order to apply to the Skilled Workers in Manitoba category, and successful applicants will not obtain 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and enter the candidate pool, at which point they are assigned a points score out of 1,000. During periodic draws, top-ranking candidates in the pool are invited to submit a full application to the MPNP, and if they are successful, they can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.
The MPNP has been planning an overhaul of its immigration programs for the last several years. Changes were initially scheduled to come into effect in 2018, but have been delayed for several years. Among these changes, two new pathways will be added to the Skilled Workers in Manitoba category: Manitoba Work Experience, and Employer Direct Recruitment.
Skilled Workers in Manitoba criteria
In order to be eligible to submit an EOI through Skilled Workers in Manitoba category, you must:
- be working in Manitoba for a Manitoba-based employer;
- have worked for your current employer for at least six months (continuously) and have a long-term (or indefinite), full-time job offer from the same employer;
- hold a valid temporary work permit (post-graduation work permits are acceptable);
- have a sufficient language ability to fulfill your job duties;
- show sufficient settlement funds and a connection to Manitoba that is stronger than any connection to another province; and
- prepare a Settlement Plan to demonstrate your intention to settle in Manitoba.
Your employer will also need to demonstrate that it is an established company in Manitoba and able to offer you a long-term, full-time job.
International graduates who studied in Canada but outside Manitoba may still be eligible to enter the pool through the Skilled Workers in Manitoba category. However, graduates who studied in Canada but outside Manitoba and then moved to Manitoba to work need to work for their employer for at least one year (instead of six months) before they may become eligible.
It is important to note that some types of work experience cannot count towards the six-month (or one-year) work experience requirement. Time spent self-employed or as an independent contractor, working when unauthorized to do so (for example, working without a work permit), or working during full-time education cannot be included in the requirement.

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Immigration to Manitoba: Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Eligible candidates can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and enter the candidate pool, at which point they will be assigned a points score out of 1,000. Top-ranking candidates are issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) in periodic draws from the pool, and may then submit a full application. The EOI submission is an electronic process, which involves answering some questions online and uploading supporting documents.
An EOI is valid for one year after submission – if you haven’t received a LAA after one year, your EOI will expire and you will need to submit a new one to remain in the candidate pool.
The EOI can be updated at any time, even after submission. This means that if you become eligible for a higher points score, you don’t have to wait until your EOI expires to update your situation. For example, if you take another language test or complete more work experience after you submit your EOI, you can update your profile and improve your points score.
An EOI is not an application for immigration; rather, it allows the government of Manitoba to determine candidates’ eligibility in various immigration categories. There is no limit to the number of candidates who can submit an EOI, and there is no deadline – the system is always open to receive EOIs. (Having said that, the province does reserve the right to limit EOIs from candidates in certain occupations, if there is a significant overload.)
After submitting an EOI, candidates receive a score out of 1,000 based on work experience, education, language ability, adaptability, and other factors. ‘Adaptability’ assesses a candidate’s connection to the province – for example, through relatives, work experience, or education – as such a connection may mean a candidate is likely to be able to settle successfully and long-term in the province.
EOI pool factor 1: Language
First official language | |
---|---|
Language proficiency | Ranking points |
CLB 8 or higher | 25 per ability (speaking, reading, writing, listening) |
CLB 7 | 22 per ability |
CLB 6 | 20 per ability |
CLB 5 | 17 per ability |
CLB 4 | 12 per ability |
CLB 3 or lower | 0 |
Second official language | |
Language proficiency | Ranking points |
CLB 5 or higher (overall) | 25 |
Maximum points for language: 125 |
EOI pool factor 2: Age
Age | Ranking points |
---|---|
18 | 20 |
19 | 30 |
20 | 40 |
21-45 | 75 |
46 | 40 |
47 | 30 |
48 | 20 |
49 | 10 |
50 or older | 0 |
Maximum points for age: 75 |
EOI pool factor 3: Work experience
Years of work experience | Ranking points |
---|---|
Less than one year | 0 |
1 year | 40 |
2 years | 50 |
3 years | 60 |
4 years or more | 75 |
Bonus: fully recognized by provincial licensing body | 100 |
Maximum points for work experience: 175 |
EOI pool factor 4: Education
Highest level of education | Ranking points |
---|---|
Master’s degree or Doctorate | 125 |
Two post-secondary programs of at least two years each | 115 |
One post-secondary program of three years or more | 110 |
One post-secondary program of two years | 100 |
One-year post-secondary program | 70 |
Trade Certificate | 70 |
No formal post-secondary education | 0 |
Maximum points for education: 125 |
EOI pool factor 5: Adaptability
Adaptability factor | Ranking points |
---|---|
Close relative in Manitoba | 200 |
Previous authorized work experience in Manitoba (six months or more) | 100 |
Completed post-secondary program in Manitoba (two years or more) | 100 |
Completed post-secondary program in Manitoba (one year) | 50 |
Close friend or distant relative in Manitoba | 50 |
Ongoing employment in Manitoba for six months or more with long-term job offer from the same employer | 500 |
Invitation to Apply under a Strategic Initiative | 500 |
Immigration destination in Manitoba outside of Winnipeg | 50 |
Maximum points for adaptability: 500 |
EOI pool factor 6: Risk assessment
Risk factor | Ranking points |
---|---|
Work experience in another province | -100 |
Studies in another province | -100 |
Maximum points for risk assessment: -200 |
- You can submit your Manitoba EOI here.
Manitoba Letter of Advice to Apply
The province conducts draws to invite top-ranking candidates to submit a full application to the MPNP. These candidates receive a LAA. Draws are conducted roughly every month, although historically there has been no regular schedule or advance notice for draws. Although candidates in the pool are scored out of 1,000, since draws began in May, 2015 the minimum score of any invited candidate in the SWM category has commonly been around 500 to 600.
Once you receive a LAA, you have 60 days to complete and submit an application to the MPNP. It is strongly recommended that candidates start preparing documents when they enter the pool, as it can take some time to gather the required documents in the right format.
Apply for Canadian permanent resident status
If your application to the MPNP is successful, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for permanent resident status.
MPNP Skilled Worker in Manitoba draw history
Date | Number of invitations | Minimum points required |
---|---|---|
Sept 21 | 298 | 612 * Category Archives: EOI Draw Skilled workers: The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducts regular draws under its Expression of Interest (EOI) system to invite candidates in the EOI pool to submit a full application to the MPNP. For more information on the EOI system and how to submit an EOI, please click here. Business investors: EOI draws for the Business Investor Stream are not currently being conducted. All EOIs received are reviewed within four weeks. The MPNP will issue either a Letter of Advice to Apply if the EOI meets the Program's requirements or a feedback letter if the EOI is unsatisfactory. Expression of Interest Draw #194 Posted on September 21, 2023 by Manitoba Immigration Pathways Skilled Worker in Manitoba Occupation-specific selection Profiles declaring current employment in Manitoba in occupations identified with high labour needs based on data published by Statistics Canada were considered. Number of Letters of Advice to Apply issued: 298 Ranking score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 612 The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 64 - Sales and service representatives and other customer and personal services occupations 65 - Sales and service support occupations |
Sept 21 | 239 | 631 |
Sept 7 | 230 | 595 *The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 20 - Specialized middle management occupations in engineering, architecture, science and information systems 21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences 22 - Technical occupations related to natural and applied sciences 30 - Specialized middle management occupations in health care 31 - Professional occupations in health 32 - Technical occupations in health 33 - Assisting occupations in support of health services 40 - Managers in public administration, in education and social and community services and in public protection services 41 - Professional occupations in law, education, social, community and government services 42 - Front-line public protection services and paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community, education services 43 - Assisting occupations in education and in legal and public protection 44 - Care providers and legal and public protection support occupations 45 - Student monitors, crossing guards and related occupations 50 - Specialized middle management occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport 51 - Professional occupations in art and culture 52 - Technical occupations in art, culture and sport 53 - Occupations in art, culture and sport 54 - Support occupations in sport 55 - Support occupations in art and culture |
Sept 7 | 236 | 640 |
Aug 31 | 288 | 600 *Candidates were invited who intended to reside outside the city of Winnipeg. |
Aug 24 | 256 | 612 *The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 73 - General trades 74 - Mail and message distribution, other transport equipment operators and related maintenance workers 75 - Helpers and labourers and other transport drivers, operators and labourers |
Aug 24 | 250 | 646 |
Aug 10 | 249 | 605 *The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: |
Aug 10 | 279 | 647 |
July 27 | 335 | 94 - Machine operators, assemblers and inspectors in processing, manufacturing and printing |
July 27 | 202 | 95 - Labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities |
July 13 | 205 | 604 *Occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 broad categories and major groups were considered in this draw: 3 - Health occupations 10 - Specialized middle management occupations in administrative services, financial and business services and communication (except broadcasting) 14 - Administrative and financial support and supply chain logistics occupations 75 - Helpers and labourers and other transport drivers, operators and labourers |
July 13 | 237 | 661 |
June 29 | 315 | 613 *The following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 occupations were considered in this draw: 60030 - Restaurant and food service managers 62020 - Food service supervisors 65201 - Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations |
June 29 | 184 | 662 |
Jun 15 | 255 | 602 *Occupation specific draw. The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 72 - Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers 731 - General construction trades 732 - Building maintenance installers, servicers and repairers 734 - Operators, drillers and blasters |
Jun 15 | 205 | 665 |
Jun 1 | 262 | 607 * Occupation specific draw. The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 11 - Professional occupations in finance and business 13 - Administrative occupations and transportation logistics occupations 21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences 42 - Front-line public protection services and paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community, education services 44 - Care providers and legal and public protection support occupations |
Jun 1 | 240 | 669 |
May 18 | 287 | 610 * Occupation specific draw. The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 7330 - Transport and transit drivers |
May 18 | 191 | 701 |
May 4 | 252 | 606 * Occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 12 - Administrative and financial supervisors and specialized administrative occupations 22 - Technical occupations related to natural and applied sciences 70 - Middle management occupations in trades and transportation |
May 4 | 199 | 650 |
Apr 20 | 249 | 615 * Occupation specific draw. The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 63 - Occupations in sales and services 64 - Sales and service representatives and other customer and personal services occupations |
Apr 20 | 194 | 651 |
Apr 6 | 225 | 615 * Occupation specific draw. The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 62 - Retail sales and service supervisors and specialized occupations in sales and services |
Apr 6 | 226 | 670 |
Mar 23 | 266 | 612 * Occupation specific draw. The occupations under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered in this draw: 72 - Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers 74 - Mail and message distribution, other transport equipment operators and related maintenance workers 75 - Helpers and labourers and other transport drivers, operators and labourers 94 - Machine operators, assemblers and inspectors in processing, manufacturing and printing 95 - Labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities |
Mar 23 | 200 | 672 |
Mar 10 | 224 | 612 * Occupations under major group 65 (sales and service support occupations) |
Mar 10 | 277 | 675 |
Feb 23 | 298 | 693 |
Feb 23 | 207 | 615 * Certain occupations under NOC 2021 minor groups: Transport and transit drivers (7330) Retail and wholesale trade managers (6002) Nursing and allied health professionals (3130) Assisting occupations in education (4310) Secondary, elementary and kindergarten school teachers (4122) Hairstylists and estheticians (6321) Automotive service technicians (7241) Paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community and education services (4220) Retail salespersons and non-technical wholesale trade sales and account representatives (6410) Office support and court services occupations (1410) |
Feb 9 | 221 | 720 |
Jan 26 | 253 | 726 |
Jan 12, 2023 | 260 | 734 |
Dec 29 | 202 | 750 |
Dec 16 | 155 | 771 |
Dec 1 | 206 | 775 |
Nov 18 | 177 | 797 |
Sept 15 | 388 | 613 |
Sept 8 | 217 | 616 |
Aug 26 | 259 | 619 |
Aug 11 | 257 | 623 |
July 28 | 299 | 633 |
July 14 | 293 | 699 |
June 30 | 186 | 773 |
May 5 | 249 | 651 |
Apr 21 | 201 | 707 |
Apr 7 | 156 | 739 |
Mar 24 | 102 | 769 |
Mar 10 | 50 | 781 |
Feb 10 | 202 | 615 |
Jan 27 | 212 | 609 |
Jan 13, 2022 | 357 | 459 |
Dec 30 | 332 | 375 |
Dec 16 | 296 | 447 |
Dec 2 | 358 | 449 |
Nov 18 | 376 | 464 |
Nov 4 | 350 | 460 |
Oct 21 | 388 | 375 |
Oct 7 | 350 | 446 |
Sept 27 | 529 | 401 |
Sept 2 | 463 | 445 |
Aug 12 | 238 | 454 |
July 29 | 285 | 400 |
July 9 | 201 | 445 |
June 17 | 95 | 430 |
June 7 | 95 | 375 |
May 25 | 166 | 415 |
May 6 | 108 | 400 |
Apr 26 | 301 | 440 |
Apr 8 | 208 | 456 |
Mar 25 | 285 | 423 |
Mar 11 | 261 | 459 |
Feb 26 | 158 | 457 |
Feb 12 | 240 | 514 |
Jan 28 | 178 | 518 |
Jan 14, 2021 | 236 | 461 |
Dec 30, 2020 | 157 | 461 |
Dec 17 | 329 | 375 |
Nov 19 | 144 | 526 |
Nov 5 | 166 | 461 |
Oct 22 | 161 | 375 |
Oct 8 | 152 | 528 |
Sept 24 | 160 | 464 |
Sept 10 | 168 | 450 |
Aug 27 | 171 | 475 |
Aug 13 | 197 | 485 |
July 30 | 157 | 475 |
July 16 | 134 | 430 |
July 2 | 101 | 475 |
June 19 | 111 | 504 |
June 4 | 84 | 523 |
May 21 | 72 | 485 |
May 7 | 94 | 475 |
Apr 23 | 93 | 489 |
Apr 9 | 123 | 500 |
Mar 26 | 168 | 496 |
Mar 12 | 191 | 496 |
Feb 27 | 161 | 499 |
Feb 13 | 182 | 525 |
Jan 30 | 124 | 548 |
Jan 17 | 192 | 545 |
Jan 2, 2020 | 122 | 534 |
Dec 19, 2019 | 149 | 542 |
Dec 6 | 165 | 522 |
Nov 21 | 185 | 504 |
Nov 7 | 133 | 560 |
Oct 24 | 117 | 567 |
Oct 10 | 147 | 567 |
Sept 25 | 140 | 537 |
Sept 12 | 254 | 545 |
Aug 15 | 241 | 542 |
July 18 | 110 | 539 |
July 5 | 85 | 565 |
June 20 | 101 | 475 |
June 7 | 121 | 542 |
May 23 | 119 | 548 |
May 9 | 101 | 569 |
Apr 25 | 208 | 510 |
Mar 28 | 262 | 433 |
Mar 1 | 126 | 566 |
Feb 15 | 120 | 574 |
Jan 31 | 124 | 575 |
Jan 17, 2019 | 200 | 650 |
Dec 20 | 106 | 502 |
Dec 5 | 213 | 375 |
Nov 8 | 300 | 602 |
Oct 12 | 318 | 500 |
Sep 28 | 201 | 679 |
Sep 14 | 200 | 721 |
Aug 17 | 410 | 500 |
July 6 | 104 | 564 |
Jun 21 | 213 | 522 |
May 31 | 187 | 485 |
May 11 | 267 | 500 |
Apr 13 | 316 | 534 |
Mar 13 | 184 | 545 |
Feb 26 | 283 | 489 |
Jan 31 | 191 | 524 |
Jan 11, 2018 | 119 | 520 |
Dec 29, 2017 | 133 | 545 |
Dec 13 | 209 | 375 |
Nov 23 | 250 | 567 |
Oct 31 | 351 | 577 |
Sep 26 | 300 | 602 |
Aug 15 | 401 | 585 |
Jul 11 | 458 | 612 |
Jun 16 | 180 | 705 |
May 30 | 258 | 735 |
Mar 30 | 201 | 657 |
Mar 16 | 250 | 684 |
Feb 27 | 200 | 719 |
Jan 27, 2017 | 150 | 734 |
Dec 30, 2016 | 181 | 702 |
Nov 29 | 150 | 713 |
Oct 28 | 150 | 654 |
Sep 29 | 258 | 435 |
Aug 24 | 176 | 592 |
Jul 29 | 155 | 593 |
Jun 29 | 173 | 593 |
Jun 8 | 200 | 665 |
May 16 | 150 | 722 |
Apr 6 | 299 | 467 |
Mar 9 | 175 | 657 |
Feb 10 | 175 | 673 |
Jan 13, 2016 | 150 | 692 |
Dec 17, 2015 | 126 | 694 |
Nov 27 | 125 | 698 |
Nov 3 | 100 | 499 |
Oct 13 | 100 | 506 |
Sep 25 | 100 | 545 |
Sep 9 | 125 | 550 |
Aug 13 | 174 | 575 |
Jul 17 | 111 | 670 |
Jun 25 | 100 | 673 |
Jun 5 | 126 | 675 |
May 20, 2015 | 75 | 700 |
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