Introduction
Immigrants continue to contribute significantly to Manitoba’s economy, labour market, and social fabric, especially as Manitoba’s population increasingly ages into mass retirement.
Data in this report was created by the Province of Manitoba using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Q4 2022 immigration data (for permanent and temporary residents), and has been approved by IRCC for public release. Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “– –”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason. Data may not sum to the totals indicated because rounded figures were used. Data are preliminary and subject to change.
1. Immigration Trends
Manitoba’s population continues to grow through the arrival of all categories of immigrants. Over 169,000 permanent residents declared Manitoba as their intended destination in Canada from 2012 to 2022. By Q4 2022 Manitoba was estimated to have over 1.4 million people, accounting for about 3.6 per cent of Canada’s total population of 39.2 million.[1] In 2022, 21,645 immigrants who chose Manitoba as their immigration destination became permanent residents, representing 4.9 per cent of total immigration to Canada. This marks an increase of 5,070 permanent resident admissions from 2021 (30.5% annual growth).
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) continues to be the main tool for bringing skilled immigrants to meet Manitoba’s labour and economic development needs. The MPNP nominates skilled workers, international student graduates, and business investors who are best suited to contribute to Manitoba’s economy.
From 2012 to 2022, provincial nominee admissions represented two-thirds of all immigrants who declared Manitoba their intended destination, and approximately 90 per cent of all economic immigrants to the province. In 2022, Manitoba’s provincial nominees accounted for 83.7 per cent of all economic immigrants (13,915) while 16.3 per cent of economic immigrants (2,710) arrived under federal streams.
Table 1: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Immigration Category, 2011–2021
| Immigration Category | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total |
| Sponsored Family | 1,800 | 2,000 | 1,845 | 1,850 | 2,375 | 2,475 | 2,745 | 3,160 | 1,495 | 2,340 | 2,770 | 24,860 |
| Federal Skilled Workers | 660 | 620 | 390 | 715 | 490 | 295 | 540 | 620 | 295 | 145 | 610 | 5,375 |
| Provincial Nominees | 9,540 | 8,865 | 12,195 | 10,260 | 9,960 | 9,430 | 9,895 | 12,545 | 5,835 | 10,330 | 13,915 | 112,770 |
| Other Federal Economic | 140 | 130 | 275 | 275 | 245 | 335 | 440 | 485 | 370 | 2,350 | 2,100 | 7,140 |
| Resettled Refugees and Protected Persons in Canada | 1,140 | 1,460 | 1,495 | 1,760 | 3,735 | 2,065 | 1,565 | 2,005 | 580 | 1,225 | 2,065 | 19,100 |
| Other | 45 | 50 | 30 | 35 | 25 | 35 | 50 | 50 | 35 | 180 | 185 | 720 |
| TOTAL | 13,330 | 13,120 | 16,235 | 14,895 | 16,825 | 14,640 | 15,225 | 18,870 | 8,610 | 16,575 | 21,645 | 169,965 |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
In 2022, Canada welcomed 437,120 new permanent residents, which constitutes an increase of 7.6 per cent from 2021. By immigration category, the largest groups of permanent residents who settled in Canada in 2022 were the Sponsored Family Class (22.2 %), provincial nominees (20.2%), other economic immigrants (19.8%), federal skilled workers (18.5%), and refugees (17.23%).
Steady growth in global vaccine availability and reductions in COVID-19 travel restrictions seem to have contributed to the significant rebound in immigrant admissions to Canada from 2020 to 2022.
Table 2: Canada – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Immigration Category, 2012-2022
| Immigration Category | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total |
| Sponsored Family | 69,870 | 83,375 | 67,645 | 65,490 | 78,000 | 82,470 | 85,165 | 91,305 | 49,295 | 81,440 | 97,165 | 851,230 |
| Federal Skilled Workers | 91,415 | 83,225 | 67,575 | 70,135 | 65,610 | 47,415 | 71,235 | 77,855 | 35,805 | 33,400 | 80,990 | 724,660 |
| Provincial Nominees | 40,890 | 39,905 | 47,625 | 44,535 | 46,180 | 49,730 | 62,440 | 68,645 | 38,720 | 54,030 | 88,180 | 580,885 |
| Other Federal Economic | 28,450 | 25,130 | 49,995 | 55,755 | 44,240 | 62,170 | 52,695 | 50,155 | 31,865 | 165,720 | 86,830 | 653,005 |
| Resettled Refugees and Protected Person in Canada | 23,090 | 24,005 | 23,460 | 31,615 | 58,550 | 41,120 | 45,495 | 48,530 | 25,495 | 60,240 | 75,345 | 456,935 |
| Other | 4,065 | 3,400 | 4,005 | 4,315 | 3,790 | 3,630 | 4,025 | 4,680 | 3,410 | 11,215 | 8,615 | 55,150 |
| TOTAL | 257,780 | 259,040 | 260,305 | 271,840 | 296,370 | 286,535 | 321,055 | 341,175 | 184,595 | 406,040 | 437,120 | 3,321,865 |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
2. Immigration Levels
Canada’s mix of permanent resident admissions changed significantly from 2021 to 2022. Other economic immigrants decreased substantially from 40.8 per cent to 19.9 per cent of landings, while refugee admissions ticked upwards from 14.8 to 17.2 per cent of the total. The Sponsored Family Class saw its share of landings increase from 20 per cent to 22.2 per cent from 2021 to 2022. Similar growth is noticeable in provincial nominee admissions (13.3% to 20.2%) and Federal Skilled Workers (8.2% to 18.5%). All other immigration categories saw a decrease in admissions from 2021 to 2022.
Table 3: Canada – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Immigration Category, 2020 – 2022
| Immigration Category | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||
| Sponsored Family | 49,295 | 26.7% | 81,440 | 20.1% | 97,165 | 22.2% |
| Federal Skilled Workers | 35,805 | 19.4% | 33,400 | 8.2% | 80,990 | 18.5% |
| Other Federal Economic | 31,865 | 17.3% | 165,720 | 40.8% | 86,830 | 19.9% |
| Provincial Nominee ** | 38,720 | 21.0% | 54,030 | 13.3% | 88,180 | 20.2% |
| Resettled Refugees and Protected Person in Canada | 25,495 | 13.8% | 60,240 | 14.8% | 75,345 | 17.2% |
| Other * | 3,410 | 1.8% | 11,215 | 2.8% | 8,615 | 2.0% |
| TOTAL | 184,595 | 100.0% | 406,040 | 100.0% | 437,120 | 100.0% |
| Difference from previous year | -156,580 | -45.9% | 221,445 | 120.0% | 31,080 | 7.7% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
* Includes Humanitarian and Compassionate cases, Public Policy cases, and Other immigrants not included elsewhere.
** Provincial Nominees are a subcategory of the Economic Class.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary and subject to change
Immigration by Province or Territory
In 2022, the top destinations for new permanent residents were Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. Some provinces/territories experienced a notable decrease in the absolute number of permanent resident admissions from 2021 to 2022. The proportion of admissions relative to total immigration decreased in Ontario and British Columbia. It increased or remained steady in all other provinces and territories. A noticeable significant change from last year, Manitoba as an intended destination increased to 5.0 per cent in 2022 from 4.1 percent last year. This coincides with the proportional surge in permanent resident admissions through the Provincial Nominee Program seen from 2021 to 2022.
Ontario decreased it share of immigrants, welcoming 49.1 per cent of overall admissions in 2021 and 42.3 per cent in 2022. However, Alberta’s share of Canadian immigration recovered to 11.3 per cent despite its decline to 9.7 per cent in 2021.
Table 4: Canada – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Province/Territory of Intended Destination, 2020 – 2022
| Province/Territory | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 900 | 0.5% | 2,055 | 0.5% | 3,490 | 0.8% |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,290 | 0.7% | 2,615 | 0.6% | 2,665 | 0.6% |
| Nova Scotia | 3,520 | 1.9% | 9,155 | 2.3% | 12,650 | 2.9% |
| New Brunswick | 2,890 | 1.6% | 5,310 | 1.3% | 10,205 | 2.3% |
| Quebec | 25,235 | 13.7% | 50,275 | 12.4% | 68,685 | 15.7% |
| Ontario | 82,955 | 44.9% | 199,295 | 49.1% | 184,725 | 42.3% |
| Manitoba | 8,610 | 4.7% | 16,575 | 4.1% | 21,645 | 5.0% |
| Saskatchewan | 7,425 | 4.0% | 10,950 | 2.7% | 21,635 | 4.9% |
| Alberta | 22,970 | 12.4% | 39,395 | 9.7% | 49,460 | 11.3% |
| British Columbia | 28,480 | 15.4% | 69,470 | 17.1% | 61,215 | 14.0% |
| Yukon | 175 | 0.1% | 595 | 0.1% | 455 | 0.1% |
| Northwest Territories | 125 | 0.1% | 295 | 0.1% | 235 | 0.1% |
| Nunavut | 20 | 0.0% | 40 | 0.0% | 45 | 0.0% |
| Not stated | — | 0.0% | 20 | 0.0% | 20 | 0.0% |
| TOTAL | 184,595 | 100.0% | 406,040 | 100.0% | 437,120 | 100.0% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
Manitoba saw a small increase in the proportion of provincial nominee admissions compared to the previous year (64.3% in 2022 versus 62.3% in 2021). Provincial nominees remain Manitoba’s most important source of immigrants. Permanent resident admissions to Manitoba through the Sponsored Family Class declined from 14.1 per cent to 12.8 per cent of all landings, while admissions through the Federal Skilled Workers program witnessed a notable increase from 0.9 per cent to 2.8 per cent of landings from 2021 to 2022. While inconsistent with the Canada-wide trend, Manitoba witnessed a minor decrease in Humanitarian and Compassionate landings, from 1.1 per cent in 2021 to 0.9 per cent of admissions in 2022.
Table 5: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Immigration Category, 2020 – 2022
| Immigration Category | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||
| Sponsored Family | 1,495 | 17.4% | 2,340 | 14.1% | 2,770 | 12.8% |
| Federal Skilled Workers | 295 | 3.4% | 145 | 0.9% | 610 | 2.8% |
| Other Federal Economic Class * | 370 | 4.3% | 2,350 | 14.2% | 2,100 | 9.7% |
| Provincial Nominee ** | 5,835 | 67.8% | 10,330 | 62.3% | 13,915 | 64.3% |
| Resettled Refugees and Protected Person in Canada | 580 | 6.7% | 1,225 | 7.4% | 2,065 | 9.5% |
| Other *** | 35 | 0.4% | 180 | 1.1% | 185 | 0.9% |
| TOTAL PR LANDINGS AND PERCENTAGE OF CANADA’S TOTAL IMMIGRATION | 8,610 | 4.7% | 16,575 | 4.1% | 21,645 | 5.0% |
| Difference from previous year | 10,260 | -54.4% | 7,965 | 92.5% | 5,070 | 30.6% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
* Includes permanent residents who landed in Manitoba through the Canadian Experience Class, Caregivers, Federal Skilled Trades, and Business streams. Other Federal Economic Class also includes the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway.
** Provincial Nominees are nominated by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and are a category of Economic Class immigrants.
*** Includes permanent residents who landed in Manitoba through federal Humanitarian & Compassionate case streams, and all other immigrants not included elsewhere.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
Immigration by City
Winnipeg ranked seventh among Canadian cities as a destination for immigrants in 2022, following Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Edmonton. This year, Winnipeg landed two ranks bellow Ottawa compared to the last two years, where Winnipeg ranked below Ottawa as an intended destination for immigrants. The gap between immigrant landings in Ottawa and Winnipeg is rising. Permanent residents destined for Ottawa grew more than twice their original figures from 6,795 in 2020 to 17,335 in 2022. Edmonton moved one rank below Ottawa in 2022.
Together, Canada’s Top Ten Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) attracted just over 75 per cent of new permanent residents to Canada in 2022. This is down slightly from 2020, when the Top Ten CMAs accounted for nearly 80 per cent of all immigrant landings. Conversely, immigrant landings outside the Top Ten CMAs grew from just over 20 per cent to over 24 per cent of all landings during the three-year period in question.
The growth of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) into a permanent immigration program, along with the recent emergence of the Rural and Norther Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and the federal Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, likely contributed to the increase in Canadian immigrant landings outside the country’s Top Ten CMAs from 2019 to 2021. There were 5,660 immigrants admitted as permanent residents to Canada through the AIP, RNIP, and Agri-Food Immigration Pilot in 2021, accounting for 1.4 per cent of all immigrants to Canada.
Despite the upturn in regional immigration, the Toronto CMA continues to be a centre of gravity for Canadian immigration, serving as the intended destination of over one-third of all new immigrants to Canada from 2020- 2022. Most of Canada’s largest CMAs witnessed increase in their share of Canadian immigration since 2020, with Toronto and Vancouver being notable exceptions.
Table 6: Canada – Admissions of Permanent Resident by Top Ten (2022 Rank) Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) of Intended Destination, 2020 – 2022
| CMA | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
| Toronto | 61,090 | 33.1% | 1 | 142,795 | 35.2% | 1 | 128,035 | 29.3% | 1 |
| Montréal | 20,980 | 11.4% | 3 | 40,360 | 9.9% | 3 | 52,950 | 12.1% | 2 |
| Vancouver | 22,740 | 12.3% | 2 | 53,920 | 13.3% | 2 | 48,375 | 11.1% | 3 |
| Calgary | 10,660 | 5.8% | 4 | 17,880 | 4.4% | 4 | 24,705 | 5.7% | 4 |
| Ottawa-Gatineau (Ontario part) | 6,795 | 3.7% | 6 | 13,835 | 3.4% | 6 | 17,355 | 4.0% | 5 |
| Edmonton | 8,370 | 4.5% | 5 | 14,750 | 3.6% | 5 | 17,325 | 4.0% | 6 |
| Winnipeg | 6,430 | 3.5% | 7 | 12,900 | 3.2% | 7 | 15,690 | 3.6% | 7 |
| Halifax | 2,820 | 1.5% | 10 | 7,030 | 1.7% | 8 | 9,800 | 2.2% | 8 |
| Saskatoon | 2,825 | 1.5% | 9 | 4,300 | 1.1% | 9 | 9,190 | 2.1% | 9 |
| Regina | 2,975 | 1.6% | 8 | 3,850 | 1.0% | 10 | 8,310 | 1.9% | 10 |
| TOTAL TOP TEN | 145,690 | 78.9% | 311,620 | 76.7% | 331,735 | 75.9% | |||
| Rest of Canada | 38,905 | 21.1% | 94,420 | 23.3% | 105,385 | 24.1% | |||
| Grand Total | 184,595 | 100.0% | 406,040 | 100.0% | 437,120 | 100.0% | |||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
3. Manitoba Permanent Residents
Sponsored Family
Eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada can sponsor their family members – spouses, dependents, grandparents, and extended family members – to come to Canada. There were 2,770 permanent residents (12.8% of all admissions) who declared Manitoba their intended destination through the Sponsored Family category in 2022; an 18.3 per cent increase from the 2,340 who landed in 2021. Despite the notable increase in overall landings through the Sponsored Family Class, the share of candidates admitted to Manitoba through federal family pathways declined from 14.1 per cent to 12.8 per cent of total landings from 2021 to 2022. Provincial nominee principal applicants (27.2%) and their spouses and dependents (37.1%) continued to account for approximately two-thirds of all permanent resident landings in Manitoba in 2022. The federal federal Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway amounted to 7.6 per cent of all permanent resident admissions to our province in 2022.
Table 7: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Immigration Category, 2020 – 2022
| Immigration Category | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||
| Sponsored Family | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| Principal Applicant (PA) | 1,225 | 14.2% | 1,920 | 11.6% | 2,155 | 10.0% |
| Spouse/Partner/Dependent (SD) | 270 | 3.1% | 420 | 2.5% | 620 | 2.9% |
| SPONSORED FAMILY SUBTOTAL | 1,495 | 17.4% | 2,340 | 14.1% | 2,770 | 12.8% |
| Economic Class | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| Business | 15 | 0.2% | 20 | 0.1% | 45 | 0.2% |
| Canadian Experience Class – PA | 235 | 2.7% | 900 | 5.4% | 160 | 0.7% |
| Canadian Experience Class – SD | 110 | 1.3% | 285 | 1.7% | 90 | 0.4% |
| Caregiver Class – PA | — | 0.0% | 10 | 0.1% | 5 | 0.0% |
| Caregiver Class -SD | — | 0.0% | 5 | 0.0% | 5 | 0.0% |
| Provincial Nominees – PA | 2,870 | 33.3% | 5,600 | 33.8% | 5,880 | 27.2% |
| Provincial Nominees – SD | 2,965 | 34.4% | 4,730 | 28.5% | 8,040 | 37.1% |
| Skilled Trades | 5 | 0.1% | — | 0.0% | 5 | 0.0% |
| Skilled Workers – PA | 170 | 2.0% | 75 | 0.5% | 325 | 1.5% |
| Skilled Workers – SD | 125 | 1.5% | 70 | 0.4% | 285 | 1.3% |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot – PA | N/A | N/A | 15 | 0.1% | 50 | 0.2% |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot – SD | N/A | N/A | 35 | 0.2% | 100 | 0.5% |
| Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway – PA | N/A | N/A | 985 | 5.9% | 1,405 | 6.5% |
| Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway – SD | N/A | N/A | 95 | 0.6% | 235 | 1.1% |
| ECONOMIC CLASS SUBTOTAL | 6,500 | 75.5% | 12,825 | 77.4% | 16,625 | 76.8% |
| Resettled Refugees & Protected Persons in Canada | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| Government-assisted Refugees | 140 | 1.6% | 385 | 2.3% | 920 | 4.3% |
| Privately Sponsored Refugees | 190 | 2.2% | 450 | 2.7% | 875 | 4.0% |
| Blended Sponsorship Refugees | — | 0.0% | 10 | 0.1% | 10 | 0.0% |
| Protected Persons in Canada & Dependants | 250 | 2.9% | 385 | 2.3% | 255 | 1.2% |
| RESETTLED REFUGEES & PROTECTED PERSONS IN CANADA SUBTOTAL | 580 | 6.7% | 1,225 | 7.4% | 2,065 | 9.5% |
| OTHER SUBTOTAL | 35 | 0.4% | 180 | 1.1% | 185 | 0.9% |
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 100.0% | 16,575 | 100.0% | 21,645 | 100.0% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
Refugees
In 2022, refugees from all over the world settled in communities throughout Manitoba, supported by various groups and service provider organizations. Of all permanent residents admitted to Manitoba in 2022, 9.5 per cent were admitted as resettled refugees and protected persons (2,065). Manitoba was the intended destination of 2.1 per cent of all resettled refugees and protected persons in Canada in 2021, down from 2.4 per cent in 2020. Manitoba accounted for 4.3 per cent of Canada’s government-assisted refugee admissions (920) and for 4.0 per cent of privately sponsored refugee admissions (875) in 2022. These numbers constitute an increase in the share of government-assisted refugees– and coincides with an increase in the proportion of privately sponsored refugees – from 2021, when 2.3 per cent of Canada’s government-assisted refugee admissions (385) and 2.7 per cent of privately sponsored refugees (450) declared Manitoba their intended destination.
Of all resettled refugees (excludes protected persons) who came to Manitoba from 2020-2022, the top countries of citizenship were Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Democratic Republic of Somalia. There is a remarkable change in comparison to the past years due to the rise of refugees from Afghanistan. Stateless persons became among the twelve greatest sources of resettled refugees to Manitoba during the most recent 3-year period, while Iran no longer figures among the Top Twelve source countries for refugees.
Table 8: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Resettled Refugees by Country of Citizenship, 2020 – 2022
| Country of Citizenship | Number | Percentage |
| Eritrea | 870 | 29.1% |
| Afghanistan | 585 | 19.6% |
| Syria | 465 | 15.6% |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 280 | 9.4% |
| Democratic Republic of Somalia | 230 | 7.7% |
| Ethiopia | 100 | 3.4% |
| Democratic Republic of Sudan | 60 | 2.0% |
| Central African Republic | 55 | 1.8% |
| Pakistan | 45 | 1.5% |
| Burundi | 45 | 1.5% |
| Iraq | 45 | 1.5% |
| South Sudan | 40 | 1.3% |
| All other countries | 165 | 5.5% |
| GRAND TOTAL | 2,985 | 100.0% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
4. Destination
Regional Destination (Economic Region)
Immigration continues to benefit regional communities. Since 2020, approximately 34,655 immigrants declared the Winnipeg Economic Region – which includes the City of Winnipeg and Rural Municipality of Headingley – to be their intended destination, while approximately 12,170 immigrants declared other economic regions outside of Winnipeg as their intended destinations. In 2022, 28.4 per cent of newcomers had a destination outside of the Winnipeg Economic Region, an increase of 26.2 per cent from 2021. The Winnipeg Economic Region reversed its post-pandemic gains in proportion of immigrant landings (71.5 %) in 2022. Manitoba’s South Central Economic Region (e.g. Altona, Carman, Morden, Morris, Winkler, etc.) witnessed a notable increase, rising from 4.6 per cent of Manitoba’s immigrant landings to 5.3 per cent from 2021 to 2022, and the Southwest saw a jump from 9.7 to 11.7 percent.
Table 9: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Economic Region of Intended Destination, 2020 – 2022
| Economic Region | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
| Winnipeg | 6,355 | 73.8% | 1 | 12,815 | 77.3% | 1 | 15,485 | 71.5% | 1 |
| Southwest | 835 | 9.7% | 2 | 1,605 | 9.7% | 2 | 2,540 | 11.7% | 2 |
| South Central | 600 | 7.0% | 3 | 760 | 4.6% | 3 | 1,150 | 5.3% | 3 |
| Southeast | 270 | 3.1% | 4 | 555 | 3.3% | 4 | 775 | 3.6% | 4 |
| North | 190 | 2.2% | 5 | 255 | 1.5% | 5 | 590 | 2.7% | 5 |
| Interlake | 145 | 1.7% | 6 | 255 | 1.5% | 6 | 495 | 2.3% | 6 |
| North Central | 120 | 1.4% | 7 | 185 | 1.1% | 7 | 370 | 1.7% | 7 |
| Parklands | 95 | 1.1% | 8 | 140 | 0.8% | 8 | 215 | 1.0% | 8 |
| Not stated | — | 0.0% | 9 | — | 0.0% | 9 | 25 | 0.1% | 9 |
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 100.0% | 16,575 | 100.0% | 21,645 | 100.0% | |||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
Community Destination (Municipality)
Since 2020, approximately 34,550 immigrants declared Winnipeg as their intended destination compared to 9,150 who chose one of more than 130 regional communities in Manitoba. From 2020 – 2022, top regional destinations included Brandon (3,330), Neepawa (1,255), Winkler (925), Steinbach (835), and Thompson (765).
In 2022, 4,710 new permanent residents had regional communities outside of Winnipeg as their intended destinations, a two-thirds increase from COVID-affected 2021 (2,795).
Table 10: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Top Ten (2022 Rank) Municipality of Intended Destination, 2020 – 2022
| Municipality | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | TOTAL, 2020 – 2022 | |||
| Winnipeg | 6,340 | 73.6% | 1 | 12,795 | 77.2% | 1 | 15,415 | 71.2% | 1 | 34,550 | ||
| Brandon | 535 | 6.2% | 2 | 935 | 5.6% | 2 | 1,865 | 8.6% | 2 | 3,330 | ||
| Neepawa | 250 | 2.9% | 3 | 525 | 3.2% | 3 | 480 | 2.2% | 3 | 1,255 | ||
| Winkler | 210 | 2.4% | 5 | 250 | 1.5% | 6 | 465 | 2.1% | 4 | 925 | ||
| Steinbach | 125 | 1.5% | 7 | 275 | 1.7% | 4 | 440 | 2.0% | 5 | 835 | ||
| Thompson | 145 | 1.7% | 6 | 185 | 1.1% | 7 | 430 | 2.0% | 6 | 765 | ||
| Morden | 215 | 2.5% | 4 | 265 | 1.6% | 5 | 400 | 1.8% | 7 | 875 | ||
| Portage la Prairie | 70 | 0.8% | 8 | 145 | 0.9% | 8 | 265 | 1.2% | 8 | 480 | ||
| Selkirk | 45 | 0.5% | 10 | 100 | 0.6% | 10 | 230 | 1.1% | 9 | 375 | ||
| Altona | 60 | 0.7% | 9 | 115 | 0.7% | 9 | 135 | 0.6% | 10 | 310 | ||
| TOTAL TOP TEN (2022 Rank) | 7,995 | 92.9% | 15,590 | 94.1% | 20,125 | 93.0% | 43,700 | |||||
| Other Municipalities in Manitoba | 615 | 7.1% | 985 | 5.9% | 1,520 | 7.0% | 3,130 | |||||
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 100.0% | 16,575 | 100.0% | 21,645 | 100.0% | 46,830 | |||||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
5. Source Country
In 2022, India, Nigeria, Philippines, PR China, and Eritrea ranked among the Top Five source countries for immigrants to Manitoba, consistent with 2021. Together, these five countries represented 69.5 per cent of all immigrants to Manitoba in 2022, up from 65.9 per cent the year before. Afghanistan was Manitoba’s sixth-leading source country for immigrants in 2022, rising from ninth in 2021. In addition, Algeria and Bangladesh became Top Ten source countries in 2022, while Ukraine rejoined the Top Ten after an absence in 2021. Pakistan climbed from tenth to seventh-leading source country for immigrants to Manitoba from 2021 to 2022.
In 2019 and 2020, Top Ten source countries accounted for just over two-thirds of all immigrants declaring Manitoba as their intended destination in Canada. In 2021 and 2022, the Top Ten accounted for more than three-quarters of all immigrants.
Table 11: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Top Ten (2022 Rank) Country of Citizenship, 2020 – 2022
| Country of Citizenship | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
| India | 2,035 | 23.6% | 1 | 5,495 | 33.2% | 1 | 7,375 | 34.1% | 1 |
| Nigeria | 580 | 6.7% | 4 | 1,585 | 9.6% | 4 | 3,830 | 17.7% | 2 |
| Philippines | 995 | 11.6% | 3 | 1,645 | 9.9% | 3 | 1,895 | 8.8% | 3 |
| China, People’s Republic of | 1,050 | 12.2% | 2 | 1,790 | 10.8% | 2 | 1,310 | 6.1% | 4 |
| Eritrea | 180 | 2.1% | 8 | 400 | 2.4% | 5 | 610 | 2.8% | 5 |
| Afghanistan | 10 | 0.1% | 10 | 100 | 0.6% | 9 | 510 | 2.4% | 6 |
| Pakistan | 250 | 2.9% | 5 | 260 | 1.6% | 6 | 375 | 1.7% | 7 |
| Ukraine | 200 | 2.3% | 7 | 200 | 1.2% | 7 | 330 | 1.5% | 8 |
| Algeria | 210 | 2.4% | 6 | 60 | 0.4% | 10 | 285 | 1.3% | 9 |
| Bangladesh | 75 | 0.9% | 9 | 190 | 1.1% | 8 | 285 | 1.3% | 10 |
| TOTAL TOP TEN (2022 Rank) | 5,585 | 64.9% | 11,725 | 70.7% | 16,800 | 77.6% | |||
| Other Countries | 3,025 | 35.1% | 4,850 | 29.3% | 4,845 | 22.4% | |||
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 100.0% | 16,575 | 100.0% | 21,645 | 100.0% | |||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
World Region
In 2022, 57.9 per cent of immigrants who declared Manitoba as their intended destination in Canada had citizenship in countries located in the Asia & Pacific region, down from 62.7 per cent in 2021. Africa and the Middle East accounted for 32.5 per cent of all new immigrants to Manitoba in 2022 followed by Europe (4.4%) The Americas [not including the United States] (3.8%), and the United States (1.08 %).
Table 12: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by World Area of Country of Citizenship, 2020 – 2022
| World Region | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Asia & Pacific | 4,860 | 10,385 | 12,550 |
| Africa & Middle East | 2,070 | 3,580 | 7,045 |
| Europe | 760 | 925 | 955 |
| Americas | 760 | 1,365 | 835 |
| United States of America | 145 | 290 | 235 |
| Stateless | 15 | 25 | 25 |
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 16,575 | 21,645 |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
6. Demographics
Newcomers are important contributors to Manitoba’s labour force and population growth. IRCC reports immigrant gender based on the categories ‘Male’, ‘Female’, and ‘Another Gender’. The category ‘Another Gender’ has not been captured below due to the very small numbers of immigrants declaring said identity in 2022 (either NIL or less than 5 landings per age bracket). Male and female numbers were roughly equal.
2022 Manitoba PR Admissions by Age-Gender Structure
| Age Group | Male | Female |
| 0 to 4 | 740 | 670 |
| 5 to 9 | 1,145 | 1,105 |
| 10 to 14 | 810 | 805 |
| 15 to 19 | 435 | 415 |
| 20 to 24 | 1,545 | 1,255 |
| 25 to 29 | 1,630 | 1,625 |
| 30 to 34 | 1,400 | 1,530 |
| 35 to 39 | 1,220 | 1,265 |
| 40 to 44 | 930 | 795 |
| 45 to 49 | 535 | 375 |
| 50 to 54 | 200 | 125 |
| 55 to 59 | 90 | 125 |
| 60 to 64 | 130 | 160 |
| 65 to 69 | 125 | 155 |
| 70 to 74 | 70 | 90 |
| 75 to 79 | 40 | 50 |
| 80 to 84 | 15 | 20 |
| 85 to 89 | — | 10 |
| 90 to 94 | — | — |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
*The 85 to 89 and 90 to 94 categories were not included given that the number of male PR ages 85 to 89 and the number of PR for both genders aged 90 to 94 is undetermined but different from zero (values between 1 and 5).
7. Official Languages
Mother Tongue
People arrive in Manitoba from all over the world with the ability to communicate in many languages other than English or French. In 2022, permanent residents with Manitoba as their intended destination declared an ability to communicate in over 160 languages. The top languages spoken were Punjabi (24.3%), Yoruba (10.7%), Tagalog (7.7%), Chinese (7.2%), and English (5.4%). The percentage of Punjabi speakers remained relatively consistent from 2021 to 2022, at 25 per cent and 24.3 per cent of all permanent residents admitted to Manitoba, respectively. There has also been a marked increase in absolute numbers of Yoruba-speaking immigrants landing in Manitoba in recent years.
Table 13: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Top Ten (2022 Rank) Language Spoken, 2020-2022
| Language Spoken | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
| Punjabi | 1,210 | 14.1% | 1 | 4,145 | 25.0% | 1 | 5,260 | 24.3% | 1 |
| Yoruba | 285 | 3.3% | 7 | 875 | 5.3% | 4 | 2,320 | 10.7% | 2 |
| Tagalog | 865 | 10.0% | 3 | 1,460 | 8.8% | 3 | 1,660 | 7.7% | 3 |
| Chinese | 1,130 | 13.1% | 2 | 1,940 | 11.7% | 2 | 1,555 | 7.2% | 4 |
| English | 475 | 5.5% | 5 | 865 | 5.2% | 5 | 1,175 | 5.4% | 5 |
| Gujarati | 445 | 5.2% | 6 | 615 | 3.7% | 6 | 1,145 | 5.3% | 6 |
| Arabic | 560 | 6.5% | 4 | 470 | 2.8% | 7 | 985 | 4.6% | 7 |
| Hindi | 210 | 2.4% | 8 | 440 | 2.7% | 8 | 560 | 2.6% | 8 |
| Igbo | 105 | 1.2% | 10 | 265 | 1.6% | 10 | 540 | 2.5% | 9 |
| Tigrinya | 165 | 1.9% | 9 | 365 | 2.2% | 9 | 525 | 2.4% | 10 |
| TOTAL TOP TEN (2022 Rank) | 5,450 | 63.3% | 11,445 | 69.0% | 15,720 | 72.6% | |||
| OTHER LANGUAGES | 3,160 | 36.7% | 5,130 | 31.0% | 5,925 | 27.4% | |||
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 100.0% | 16,575 | 100.0% | 21,645 | 100.0% | |||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
English and French Official Languages Spoken
In 2022, the percentage of Manitoba’s immigrants who declared English as their official language spoken was 79.5 per cent (17,215), down from 86.5 per cent in 2021 (14,340).
Manitoba was the intended destination of 1,015 immigrants who declared either French or both French and English as their official languages in 2022, representing 4.7 per cent of the province’s immigrant admissions. This is a marked increase from 2021, which saw 3.0 per cent of immigrants to Manitoba declare French or both French and English as their official languages spoken. Though 2020 was an anomaly, landings of permanent residents with knowledge of French or both French and English accounted for 4.3 per cent of all permanent residents admitted in 2019. Though 2021 saw a proportional decline in the number of French speakers immigrating to Manitoba, it is nevertheless in line with the 2017 and 2018 figures of 3.1 per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively.
Overall, 2,030 immigrants destined for Manitoba declared an ability to speak in French during the 2020 – 2022 period. This represents 4.2 per cent of all permanent resident admissions to Manitoba during the most recent three-year period, up from 4.1 per cent from 2018 – 2020. In 2021, 2.7 per cent of all MPNP nominations were francophone, up from 2.2 per cent in 2020.
Table 14: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Official Language Spoken, 2020 – 2022
| Official Language | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| English | 6,900 | 14,340 | 17,215 |
| French | 185 | 125 | 390 |
| Both French and English | 335 | 370 | 625 |
| Neither | 1,100 | 1,510 | 3,050 |
| Not stated | 85 | 235 | 365 |
| TOTAL | 8,610 | 16,575 | 21,645 |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
8. Education, Occupation, and Skill Level
In 2022, just over 41 per cent of permanent residents admitted to Manitoba aged 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 50.3 per cent in 2021 and 48 per cent in 2020. Education levels of permanent residents with Manitoba as intended destination have been mostly consistent over the past three years. The number of immigrants declaring secondary school or less as their education qualification increased from just over 12 per cent in 2020 and 2021 to 14 per cent in 2022. The number of immigrants opting not to declare their education qualification increased from more than 18 per cent in 2020 and 2021 to over 27 per cent in 2022. It is unclear what accounts for the growth in this category at this time.
Table 15: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Permanent Residents Aged 25 years and over by Education Qualification, 2020 – 2022
| Level of Education | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||
| None | 45 | 0.8% | 95 | 0.9% | 190 | 1.5% |
| Secondary or Less | 705 | 12.3% | 1,245 | 12.1% | 1,820 | 14.3% |
| Trade Diploma or Certificate | 360 | 6.3% | 585 | 5.7% | 605 | 4.8% |
| Non-University Certificate or Diploma | 375 | 6.6% | 630 | 6.1% | 720 | 5.7% |
| Post-Secondary – No Degree | 375 | 6.6% | 690 | 6.7% | 665 | 5.2% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 1,850 | 32.4% | 3,440 | 33.5% | 3,340 | 26.3% |
| Post-Graduate – No Degree | 195 | 3.4% | 415 | 4.0% | 310 | 2.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 640 | 11.2% | 1,235 | 12.0% | 1,535 | 12.1% |
| Doctorate – Ph D | 55 | 1.0% | 80 | 0.8% | 85 | 0.7% |
| Not Stated | 1,110 | 19.4% | 1,860 | 18.1% | 3,445 | 27.1% |
| TOTAL | 5,715 | 100.0% | 10,280 | 100.0% | 12,710 | 100.0% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
Occupation
In 2022, 65.7 per cent of principal applicants under the economic category were considered highly skilled (NOC 0, A and B); up from 62.5 per cent in 2021. By comparison, 33 per cent of Economic Class principal applicants were considered low skilled (NOC C and D) in 2022; down from 36.4 per cent in 2021. The Manitoba Bureau of Statistics’ Spotlight on Labour Shortages notes that the surge in job vacancies is more concentrated in low-paying occupations, and that among occupations with the largest growth in vacancies, 7 in 10 are low-paying jobs.[2] The proportional increase in low-skilled immigrant arrivals in 2021 seems to be aligned with Manitoba’s current labour market needs.
Skilled and Technical professions (NOC B) and Intermediate and Clerical positions (NOC C) continue to be the top occupations of economic immigrants (principal applicants only) to Manitoba, accounting for 63.9 per cent of the total in 2022.
Table 16: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Economic Permanent Residents (Principal Applicants Only) by Skill Level, 2022
| Skill Level | Number | Percentage |
| 0 – Managerial | 775 | 9.9% |
| A – Professionals | 1,190 | 15.2% |
| B – Skilled and Technical | 3,185 | 40.6% |
| C – Intermediate and Clerical | 1,830 | 23.3% |
| D – Elemental and Labourers | 760 | 9.7% |
| Intending to Work (New Workers) | 65 | 0.8% |
| Not intending to work (Students and other non-workers) | 15 | 0.2% |
| Not stated | 25 | 0.3% |
| TOTAL | 7,840 | 100.0% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
The table represents skill level for Economic Immigrant Principal Applicants only, including provincial nominees, federally selected skilled workers and tradespeople, federal business candidates, live-in caregivers, RNIP candidates, federal Canadian Experience Class, and the 2021 temporary TR to PR pathway.
Intending to work includes New Workers (15 years of age or older); Not intending to work includes Other Non-Workers (15 years of age or older) and Students (15 years of age or older).
Skill Type Category
In 2022, sales and service professions remains one-third of the assessed occupations of Manitoba Economic Class Permanent Residents in 2020 (31.7%), 2021 (40%), and 33 per cent in 2022. The increased percentage of sales and service workers appears to have been partly driven by the MPNP’s focus on nominating Skilled Workers in Manitoba during the pandemic. Skilled Workers in Manitoba accounted for 79.4 per cent of nominations in 2020 and for 71.2 per cent in 2021, up from 54.5 per cent in 2019. The temporary TR to PR pathway and Canadian Experience Class also served as key avenues allowing temporary foreign workers employed in sales and service occupations to attain permanent resident status in Manitoba.
Professions in sales and services; business, finance and administration; natural and applied sciences; and trades, transport and equipment operation accounted for 72.9 per cent of assessed occupations of Economic Class permanent residents admitted to Manitoba in 2022. This marks a decrease from 2021 (77.1%)
Table 17: Manitoba (Province of Intended Destination) – Admissions of Economic Permanent Residents (Principal Applicant Only) by Intended Occupation (1-digit NOC 2011), 2020-2022
| PRINCIPAL APPLICANTS ONLY | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |||
| Occupations | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| 0 – Management occupations | 250 | 7.6% | 495 | 6.5% | 745 | 9.5% |
| 1 – Business, Finance and Administration Occupations | 515 | 15.7% | 1,100 | 14.5% | 1,225 | 15.6% |
| 2 – Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations | 480 | 14.6% | 760 | 10.0% | 850 | 10.8% |
| 3 – Health Occupations | 100 | 3.0% | 135 | 1.8% | 250 | 3.2% |
| 4 – Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion | 215 | 6.5% | 370 | 4.9% | 510 | 6.5% |
| 5 – Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport | 30 | 0.9% | 75 | 1.0% | 75 | 1.0% |
| 6 – Sales and Service Occupations | 1,040 | 31.7% | 3,025 | 39.9% | 2,590 | 33.0% |
| 7 – Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations | 335 | 10.2% | 970 | 12.8% | 1,055 | 13.5% |
| 8 – Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production Occupations | 40 | 1.2% | 85 | 1.1% | 70 | 0.9% |
| 9 – Occupations in Manufacturing and Utilities | 210 | 6.4% | 485 | 6.4% | 335 | 4.3% |
| Not stated | 15 | 0.5% | 20 | 0.3% | 25 | 0.3% |
| Other | 50 | 1.5% | 75 | 1.0% | 110 | 1.4% |
| TOTAL | 3,285 | 100.0% | 7,590 | 100.0% | 7,840 | 100.0% |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
The table represents skill level for Economic Immigrant Principal Applicants only, including provincial nominees, federally selected skilled workers and tradespeople, federal business candidates, live-in caregivers, RNIP candidates, federal Canadian Experience Class, and the 2021 temporary TR to PR pathway.
Other category includes principal applicants not intending to work and other occupations not covered by a NOC code.
9. Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students
Temporary Residents
In Manitoba, temporary residents who have worked for more than six months on a full-time, continuous basis – or who have graduated from a post-secondary program in the province – have pathways to apply to the MPNP to become permanent residents. A total of 17,880 foreign workers who received work permits through the federal International Mobility Program (IMP) declared Manitoba as their intended destination in 2022. This marks a 52.8 per cent increase from 2021, an 88.9 per cent increase from 2020, and a 344.2 per cent increase from 2012. There were also 1,885 Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) issued work permits through the Government of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – which requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – who declared Manitoba their intended destination in 2022. This marks a 71.3 per cent increase from 2021, a 100.5 per cent increase from 2020 and a 1.3 per cent increase from 2012.
The past decade has seen a reorientation in Canadian foreign workers, with those arriving through an LMIA being steadily scaled down alongside rapid growth in issuance of work permits through the IMP. These changes are most likely attributable to the notable growth in study permits issued during the past ten years. This has led to a significant increase in the number of international students studying at Manitoban educational institutions and has resulted in a growing number of foreign workers in Manitoba on post-graduation work permits (which are issued through the IMP). The significant increase in IMP work permit holders is also attributable to growth in work permits issued to spouses of students and foreign workers.
The decline in TFWs obtaining work permits through the TFWP may be a reflection of the growth in opportunities for persons abroad to complete post-secondary studies at Canadian institutions since 2012. It may be more advantageous for a potential immigrant to complete a post-secondary program of interest, obtain an open work permit, and gain full-time Canadian (Manitoban) work experience with any employer in any occupation after graduation. By comparison, the TFWP requires a potential TFW to locate an employer willing to pay $1,000 through the LMIA process. The TFW is then required to work for that employer – in the position and location specified in the work permit – until they gain permanent residence in Canada (if they choose to pursue it). By comparison, Manitoban employers can hire foreign workers on open post-graduation work permits at no extra cost. Work permits obtained through the IMP offer greater flexibility for foreign workers than those obtained through an LMIA process. Together with Manitoba’s current and anticipated labour shortages – and the federal Trade Commissioner Service’s goal of intensifying its efforts to grow and diversify Canada’s international education sector[3] – these trends are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Table 18: Manitoba (Province of Destination) – Work Permit Holders by Program and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective *, 2012 – 2022
| Program | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program Work Permit Holders | 1,860 | 1,795 | 1,380 | 885 | 875 | 770 | 1,170 | 1,315 | 940 | 1,100 | 1,885 | ||
| International Mobility Program Work Permit Holders | 4,025 | 4,715 | 5,045 | 5,065 | 6,740 | 7,220 | 8,125 | 9,065 | 9,465 | 11,700 | 17,880 | ||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
* This term refers to permit holders with a valid permit that was signed in the given calendar year. The total unique count may not equal the sum of permit holders in each program, as an individual may hold more than one type of permit in the same year.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
There was a notable increase in 2022 in work permits issued through the TFWP (LMIA process) in connection with Brandon and Winnipeg as worker destinations. Beginning in 2014, consistently more of these types of permits were issued to TFWs destined for municipalities outside of Manitoba’s two largest urban areas. Employers in Manitoba’s regional municipalities are more reliant on LMIAs and the TFWP to attract workers, while employers in Brandon and Winnipeg seem to increasingly source foreign workers through the IMP; namely international student graduates on post-graduation work permits and spouses of international students, international student graduates, and other foreign workers (on open spousal work permits).
Table 19: Manitoba (Province of Destination) – Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permit Holders with Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by Census Metropolitan Area of Destination and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective *, 2012 – 2022
| Census Metropolitan Area | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Brandon | 315 | 245 | 220 | 180 | 140 | 135 | 130 | 140 | — | 15 | 175 |
| Winnipeg | 820 | 860 | 520 | 255 | 270 | 250 | 280 | 370 | 375 | 395 | 800 |
| Other | 730 | 700 | 645 | 455 | 465 | 385 | 760 | 805 | 565 | 695 | 910 |
| TOTAL UNIQUE TFWP WORK PERMIT HOLDERS | 1,860 | 1,795 | 1,380 | 885 | 875 | 770 | 1,170 | 1,315 | 940 | 1,100 | 1,885 |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
* This term refers to permit holders with a valid permit that was signed in the given calendar year. The total unique count may not equal the sum of permit holders in each program, as an individual may hold more than one type of permit in the same year.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
The table below highlights the growth in the number of foreign workers in Manitoba who have been issued work permits obtained through the IMP over the past 10 years. IMP work permits with Brandon as intended destination increased by 185.2 per cent from 2012 to 2022, while IMP permits with Winnipeg as intended destination grew by over 370 per cent over the same period. Though the increase in IMP work permits over the past decade are mostly linked to Brandon and Winnipeg, IMP work permit holders destined for other Manitoba regional municipalities also increased markedly from 2012 to 2021, rising from 860 permits in 2012 to 3,305 in 2022 (a 284% increase). There is a key difference in what is driving growth in IMP holders between Brandon and Winnipeg versus the rest of Manitoba. In Brandon and Winnipeg, it appears to be an increase in post-graduation work permit and open spousal work permit holders that are primarily responsible for the past decade’s growth. Outside of Brandon and Winnipeg, it is an increase in issuance of work permits through Canada-Provincial/Territorial Agreements that is most responsible for the growth in IMP permit holders since 2012. Work permits issued pursuant to Canada-Provincial/Territorial Agreements are ordinarily issued to provincial nominees who have an employer that has paid the federal $230.00 compliance fee through the IMP. On a balance of probabilities, these would mainly be candidates who received MPNP nominations through the program’s Employer Direct Pathway after having a foreign worker recruitment request approved by the Manitoba government unit responsible for employer services.
In sum, Manitoba employers in regional municipalities mostly rely on the TFWP and Manitoba government employer services to source foreign workers. Employers in Brandon and Winnipeg mainly seem to rely on post-graduation work permit and spousal open work permit holders as sources of foreign workers.
Table 20: Manitoba (Province of Destination) – International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit Holders by Census Metropolitan Area of Destination and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective *, 2012 – 2022
| Census Metropolitan Area | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Brandon | 170 | 195 | 265 | 195 | 190 | 245 | 250 | 295 | 345 | 445 | 485 | |
| Winnipeg | 3,000 | 3,380 | 3,260 | 3,550 | 5,130 | 5,465 | 6,315 | 7,000 | 7,510 | 9,450 | 14,120 | |
| Other | 860 | 1,180 | 1,570 | 1,340 | 1,450 | 1,550 | 1,590 | 1,795 | 1,635 | 1,860 | 3,305 | |
| TOTAL UNIQUE IMP WORK PERMIT HOLDERS | 4,025 | 4,715 | 5,045 | 5,065 | 6,740 | 7,220 | 8,125 | 9,065 | 9,465 | 11,700 | 17,880 | |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
* This term refers to work permit holders for work purposes, with a valid permit that was also signed in the given year.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
International Students
In 2022, the number of study permit holders declaring Manitoba as their intended destination was 14,680. This constitutes a 16.6 per cent increase from 2021 (12,590). Most international students (13,320, corresponding with 90.7 %) were issued permits in connection with educational institutions in Winnipeg in 2022, a decrease in proportion from the previous year (11,635, amounting to 92.4 %).
Table 21: Manitoba (Province of Destination) – Study Permit Holders by Census Metropolitan Area of Destination and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective, 2012 – 2022
| Census Metropolitan Area | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||
| Brandon | 150 | 175 | 160 | 240 | 290 | 410 | 495 | 605 | 315 | 580 | 790 | ||
| Winnipeg | 4,450 | 5,235 | 5,650 | 6,365 | 7,995 | 9,655 | 11,155 | 11,020 | 7,825 | 11,635 | 13,320 | ||
| Other | 370 | 315 | 340 | 320 | 330 | 390 | 340 | 395 | 245 | 380 | 580 | ||
| TOTAL UNIQUE STUDY PERMIT HOLDERS | 4,975 | 5,720 | 6,145 | 6,925 | 8,575 | 10,450 | 11,985 | 12,020 | 8,380 | 12,590 | 14,680 | ||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
* This term refers to work permit holders for work purposes, with a valid permit that was also signed in the given year.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
— The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period. This term refers to permit holders with a valid study permit that was signed and issued in each calendar year noted above.
In 2022, the top source countries of international students to Manitoba were India (25.6%), Nigeria (12.1%), PR China (10.7%), Bangladesh (6.1%), and Philippines (4.2%).
The number of study permit holders from Ukraine in Manitoba increased markedly from 2021 to 2022, rising from 60 to 480 (by 700%), as did the number of study permit holders from the Philippines, Ecuador and Colombia (a more than 300% year-over-year increase). In2021, Canada also saw a notable decline in the proportion of study permit holders from PR China, thought to be due to reduced mobility stemming from the outbreak of COVID-19.
Table 22: Manitoba (Province of Destination) – Study Permit Holders by Top Ten (2022 Rank) Country of Citizenship and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective, 2020 – 2022
| Country of Citizenship | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
| India | 1,695 | 20.2% | 2 | 3,345 | 26.6% | 1 | 3,765 | 25.6% | 1 |
| Nigeria | 930 | 11.1% | 3 | 1,240 | 9.8% | 3 | 1,770 | 12.1% | 2 |
| China, People’s Republic of | 1,890 | 22.6% | 1 | 1,610 | 12.8% | 2 | 1,575 | 10.7% | 3 |
| Bangladesh | 640 | 7.6% | 4 | 835 | 6.6% | 4 | 895 | 6.1% | 4 |
| Philippines | 120 | 1.4% | 8 | 400 | 3.2% | 6 | 615 | 4.2% | 5 |
| Ukraine | 60 | 0.7% | 10 | 65 | 0.5% | 10 | 480 | 3.3% | 6 |
| Vietnam | 405 | 4.8% | 5 | 375 | 3.0% | 7 | 405 | 2.8% | 7 |
| Pakistan | 200 | 2.4% | 7 | 295 | 2.3% | 8 | 380 | 2.6% | 8 |
| Hong Kong SAR | 245 | 2.9% | 6 | 595 | 4.7% | 5 | 345 | 2.4% | 9 |
| Colombia | 85 | 1.0% | 9 | 270 | 2.1% | 9 | 340 | 2.3% | 10 |
| TOTAL TOP TEN (2022 Rank) | 6,275 | 74.9% | 9,025 | 71.7% | 10,570 | 72.0% | |||
| Other Countries of Citizenship | 2,105 | 25.1% | 3,565 | 28.3% | 4,110 | 28.0% | |||
| TOTAL UNIQUE STUDY PERMIT HOLDERS | 8,380 | 100.0% | 12,590 | 100.0% | 14,680 | 100.0% | |||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
— The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period. This term refers to permit holders with a valid study permit that was signed and issued in each calendar year noted above. Rank is based on the highest number of study permits by country of citizenship.
The number of study permit holders who declared Manitoba their intended destination in Canada who held a valid permit as of December 31, 2022 was 22,070. This constitutes a 17.9 per cent increase from 2021 (18,710). Most international students with valid study permits had declared that they were pursuing studies at educational institutions in Winnipeg, as of year-end 2022 (20,275 – 91.8%), consistent with the previous year.
Table 23: Manitoba (Province of Destination)- Study Permit Holders on December 31st by Census Metropolitan Area of Destination, 2012 – 2022
| Census Metropolitan Area | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Brandon | 245 | 285 | 295 | 355 | 450 | 585 | 715 | 925 | 735 | 830 | 1,125 | |
| Winnipeg | 7,190 | 8,685 | 10,005 | 11,050 | 12,840 | 15,280 | 17,395 | 17,830 | 15,550 | 17,450 | 20,275 | |
| Other | 520 | 500 | 515 | 485 | 485 | 560 | 525 | 545 | 385 | 425 | 670 | |
| TOTAL UNIQUE STUDY PERMIT HOLDERS | 7,955 | 9,470 | 10,815 | 11,890 | 13,770 | 16,420 | 18,630 | 19,295 | 16,670 | 18,710 | 22,070 | |
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
— The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period.
Defined by the intended destination as specified on the permit. When the intended destination is not specified, the last known address of the permit holder is used, as of December 31st of the given year.
The top source countries of international students to Manitoba – based on valid study permit holders at the end of 2022 – were India (27.5%), Nigeria (12%), PR China (10.5%), Bangladesh (6.6%), and Philippines (3.4%). This is comparable to what was observed in 2019, save for a notable ~5.5 per cent decline in the proportion of study permit holders with citizenship in PR China.
Table 24: Manitoba (Province of Destination) – Study Permit Holders on December 31st by Top Ten (2022 Rank) Country of Citizenship, 2020 – 2022
| Country of Citizenship | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||
| Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
| India | 4,395 | 26.4% | 1 | 5,230 | 28.0% | 1 | 6,075 | 27.5% | 1 |
| Nigeria | 1,745 | 10.5% | 3 | 2,020 | 10.8% | 3 | 2,640 | 12.0% | 2 |
| China, People’s Republic of | 3,105 | 18.6% | 2 | 2,470 | 13.2% | 2 | 2,310 | 10.5% | 3 |
| Bangladesh | 1,200 | 7.2% | 4 | 1,275 | 6.8% | 4 | 1,455 | 6.6% | 4 |
| Philippines | 190 | 1.1% | 8 | 415 | 2.2% | 8 | 760 | 3.4% | 5 |
| Vietnam | 800 | 4.8% | 5 | 715 | 3.8% | 5 | 715 | 3.2% | 6 |
| Hong Kong SAR | 325 | 1.9% | 7 | 660 | 3.5% | 6 | 605 | 2.7% | 7 |
| Pakistan | 355 | 2.1% | 6 | 430 | 2.3% | 7 | 575 | 2.6% | 8 |
| Ukraine | 105 | 0.6% | 10 | 95 | 0.5% | 10 | 500 | 2.3% | 9 |
| Colombia | 120 | 0.7% | 9 | 280 | 1.5% | 9 | 425 | 1.9% | 10 |
| TOTAL TOP TEN (2022 Rank) | 12,335 | 74.0% | 13,595 | 72.7% | 16,060 | 72.8% | |||
| Other Countries of Citizenship | 4,335 | 26.0% | 5,115 | 27.3% | 6,010 | 27.2% | |||
| TOTAL UNIQUE STUDY PERMIT HOLDERS | 16,670 | 100.0% | 18,710 | 100.0% | 22,070 | 100.0% | |||
Source: Created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2022 immigration data.
Notes:
— Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “–”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated.
— Data are preliminary estimates and are subject to change.
— The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period.
Footnotes
[1] Statistics Canada. Population estimates, quarterly. www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710000901 . Accessed June 28, 2023
[2] Manitoba Bureau of Statistics. Spotlight on Labour Shortages. August 4, 2022.
[3] Government of Canada. Building on Success: International Education Strategy 2019 – 2024: www.international.gc.ca/education/assets/pdfs/ies-sei/Building-on-Success-International-Education-Strategy-2019-2024.pdf. Accessed September 9, 2022.