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The Manitoba Express Entry pathway is an immigration option for individuals and families around the world who wish to make Manitoba, Canada their new permanent home. It is part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Manitoba Express Entry was launched in January, 2018. It became the first ever MPNP category dedicated to attracting candidates from the federal Express Entry pool. Under Canada’s economic immigration policy, provinces may use a portion of their total PNP allocation to nominate Express Entry candidates for immigration to Canada. Nominated candidates receive 600 bonus points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), effectively guaranteeing them an invitation to apply (ITA) at a subsequent draw from the pool.
First Manitoba Express Entry draws: January-March 2018
It didn’t take long after launching for the first batch of Manitoba Express Entry pathway candidates to be issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA, effectively an invitation to apply) to the MPNP. On January 11, 2018 a total of 155 candidates with 565 or more ranking points received the good news that they could now submit an application to MPNP, with expedited processing times at both the provincial and federal stages of the process. On January 31, a further 143 candidates with 560 or more ranking points were invited. Then on March 13, another batch of candidates were invited; this time, 253 candidates with 545 or more ranking points were invited.
To be considered for the Manitoba Express Entry pathway, candidates must have a valid profile in both Manitoba’s Expression of Interest (EOI) pool and the federal Express Entry pool. Candidates also need at least six months of recent experience in an occupation on Manitoba’s new In-Demand Occupation list (see below).
What is the Manitoba Express Entry pathway process in its entirety? Let’s find out.
Step 1: Enter the federal Express Entry pool
Since first being launched in 2015, Canada’s Express Entry system has become the main source of economic immigrants to the country. In order to enter the pool, however, potential applicants must be eligible under one of the federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC): For workers evaluated under a unique FSWC points system. Eligible individuals must obtain at least 67 points out of 100.
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC): For tradespersons with relevant experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with ongoing or recent work experience in Canada.
Eligible candidates are assigned a CRS score out of 1,200 and ranked among each other. Candidates can increase their score, and thereby their rank, through various means — including by being nominated by a province.
Step 2: Be eligible under the MPNP
The Manitoba Express Entry pathway is a sub-stream of the MPNP Skilled Worker Overseas stream. As such, candidates must be eligible as an overseas skilled worker, which means satisfying another set of eligibility criteria.
Manitoba Express Entry eligibility overview
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | Demonstrate acceptance into the Express Entry pool by providing a valid Express Entry ID and Job Seeker Validation Code. |
| Work Experience | Minimum of six months of work experience in an occupation on the In-Demand Occupations list (see below). |
| Language ability | The minimum official language proficiency depends on your assessed occupation skill level: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A Minimum CLB 6 for NOC B |
| Education | Completed one post-secondary program of at least one year (Canadian equivalent). If the position requires licensure or certification, you must apply to the regulatory body to have your qualifications and skills assessed and/or pass an examination. |
| Age | 18 or older |
| Adaptability | Demonstrate the ability and intent to become economically established and reside in Manitoba; AND Have the confirmed support of a close friend or relative who has resided in Manitoba for at least one year; OR Hold a valid Invitation to Apply issued by the MPNP. |
| Settlement funds | Demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to the amounts required under the FSWC. |
Once eligibility has been assessed according to the table above, individuals must score at least 60 points (out of 100) to be considered eligible. The Manitoba Skilled Worker Overseas points grid assesses candidates across five factors: language ability, age, work experience, education, and adaptability.
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