Introduction
Immigration remains a key driver of economic and population growth in Manitoba. In 2019, Manitoba recorded the highest number of permanent resident landings in decades. Immigrants are making significant contributions to changing demographics, adding to Manitoba’s pool of skilled labour, and shaping our province’s social and cultural landscape. Manitoba is proud to be among the top destinations of choice for immigrants to Canada.
Note: Data in this report was created by the Province of Manitoba using IRCC Q4 2019 and Q4 2020 immigration data 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; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated. Data are preliminary and subject to change.
1. Immigration Trends
By July 1, 2019, Manitoba was estimated to have more than 1.37 million people, an increase of 1.19% over 2018 representing about 3.6% of Canada’s total population of approximately 37.59 million. In 2019, 18, 910 permanent residents chose Manitoba as their immigration destination. This represents 5.5% of total immigration to Canada. This is an increase over 2018 landings by 3,675 people.
Table 1: Permanent Immigration to Manitoba in the Past Decade
Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sponsored Family | 1,450 | 1,490 | 1,800 | 2,000 | 1,845 | 1,850 | 2,375 | 2,475 | 2,745 | 3,160 | 21,190 |
Skilled Workers | 905 | 620 | 660 | 620 | 395 | 715 | 490 | 295 | 540 | 620 | 5,860 |
Provincial Nominee | 12,180 | 12,355 | 9,540 | 8,870 | 12,195 | 10,260 | 9,960 | 9,430 | 9,895 | 12,545 | 107,230 |
Other Economic | 200 | 190 | 145 | 130 | 270 | 270 | 240 | 330 | 435 | 480 | 2,690 |
Refugee | 1,030 | 1,305 | 1,145 | 1,475 | 1,515 | 1,765 | 3,735 | 2,135 | 1,565 | 2,045 | 17,715 |
Other | 50 | 20 | 45 | 50 | 30 | 35 | 25 | 35 | 50 | 50 | 390 |
Total | 15,815 | 15,980 | 13,335 | 13,145 | 16,250 | 14,895 | 16,825 | 14,700 | 15,230 | 18,900 | 155,075 |
In 2019, Canada welcomed 341,175 new permanent residents. By immigration category, the largest groups were, family class (26.8%), skilled workers (22.8%), Provincial Nominees (20.1%) and other economic immigrants (20.1%) and other economic immigrants (14.7%).
Table 2: Immigration to Canada in the Past Decade
Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sponsored Family | 65,550 | 61,330 | 69,870 | 83,375 | 67,645 | 65,485 | 78,000 | 82,470 | 85,170 | 91,310 | 750,205 |
Skilled Workers | 119,380 | 88,760 | 91,415 | 83,225 | 67,575 | 70,135 | 65,610 | 47,415 | 71,235 | 77,855 | 782,605 |
Provincial Nominee | 36,435 | 38,420 | 40,885 | 39,905 | 47,625 | 44,535 | 46,180 | 49,730 | 62,440 | 68,645 | 474,800 |
Other Economic | 31,140 | 28,910 | 28,455 | 25,130 | 49,990 | 55,750 | 44,240 | 62,145 | 52,690 | 50,155 | 428,605 |
Refugee | 24,670 | 27,880 | 23,085 | 24,005 | 23,460 | 31,615 | 58,550 | 41,120 | 45,495 | 48,530 | 348,410 |
Other | 3,515 | 3,400 | 4,065 | 3,400 | 4,005 | 4,315 | 3,790 | 3,630 | 4,025 | 4,680 | 38,825 |
Total | 280,690 | 248,700 | 257,775 | 259,040 | 260,300 | 271,835 | 296,370 | 286,510 | 321,055 | 341,175 | 2,823,450 |
2. Immigration Levels
Immigration to Canada increased 6.2% from 321,055 in 2018 to 341,175 in 2019 – the highest number of permanent residents since 1913.
Table 3: Canada Permanent Residents by Immigration Category
Immigration Category | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sponsored Family | 82,470 | 28.8% | 85,170 | 26.5% | 91,310 | 26.8% |
Skilled Workers | 47,415 | 16.5% | 71,235 | 22.2% | 77,855 | 22.8% |
Other Federal Economic | 62,145 | 21.7% | 52,690 | 19.4% | 50,155 | 14.7% |
Provincial Nominee** | 49,730 | 17.4% | 62,440 | 16.4% | 68,645 | 20.1% |
Refugee | 41,120 | 14.4% | 45,495 | 14.2% | 48,530 | 14.2% |
Other* | 3,630 | 1.3% | 4,025 | 1.3% | 4,680 | 1.3% |
Total | 286,510 | 100.0% | 321,055 | 100.0% | 341,175 | 100% |
Difference from previous year | -9,860 | 3.3% | 34,545 | 12.1% | 20,120 | 6.2% |
**Provincial Nominees are a subcategory of the Economic Class.
Immigration by Province or Territory
In 2019, the top destinations for new permanent residents were Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Manitoba. The only provinces and territories with a decrease in landings compared to the previous year were Quebec and Northwest Territories.
Table 4: Permanent Residents by Province/Territory
Province/Territory | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,170 | 0.4% | 1,530 | 0.5% | 1,850 | 0.5% |
Prince Edward Island | 2,350 | 0.8% | 2,135 | 0.7% | 2,445 | 0.7% |
Nova Scotia | 4,515 | 1.6% | 5,965 | 1.9% | 7,580 | 2.2% |
New Brunswick | 3,650 | 1.3% | 4,610 | 1.4% | 6,000 | 1.7% |
Quebec | 52,405 | 18.3% | 51,125 | 15.9% | 40,565 | 11.8% |
Ontario | 111,955 | 39.1% | 137,435 | 42.8% | 153,395 | 44.9% |
Manitoba | 14,705 | 5.1% | 15,230 | 4.7% | 18,910 | 5.5% |
Saskatchewan | 14,680 | 5.5.10% | 15,510 | 4.8% | 15,855 | 4.6% |
Alberta | 42,095 | 14.7% | 42,025 | 13.1% | 43,690 | 12.8% |
British Columbia | 38,445 | 13.4% | 44,870 | 14.0% | 50,230 | 14.7% |
Yukon | 225 | 0.1% | 305 | 0.1% | 400 | 0.1% |
Northwest Territories | 240 | 0.1% | 280 | 0.1% | 195 | 0.1% |
Nunavut | 40 | 0.0% | 30 | 0.0% | 40 | 0.0% |
Not stated | 40 | 0.0% | 10 | 0.0% | 15 | 0.0% |
Total | 286,510 | 100.0% | 321,055 | 100.0% | 341,175 | 100.0% |
Admissions in 2019 with Manitoba as an intended destination increased to 5.5% compared to 4.7% in 2018. Manitoba saw a slight increase in Provincial Nominee landings (66.4%) relative to all other immigrant categories over the previous year (65.0%) and an increase in refugee landings to 10.8% from 10.3% in 2018.
Table 5: Summary of Manitoba Permanent Residents by Immigration Category
Immigration Category | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sponsored Family | 2,475 | 16.8% | 2,745 | 18.0% | 3,160 | 16.7% |
Skilled Workers | 295 | 2.0% | 540 | 3.5% | 620 | 3.3% |
Other Federal Economic | 330 | 2.2% | 435 | 2.9% | 480 | 2.6% |
Provincial Nominee** | 9,430 | 64.1% | 9,895 | 65.0% | 12,545 | 66.4% |
Refugee | 2,135 | 14.5% | 1,565 | 10.3% | 2,045 | 10.8% |
Other* | 35 | 0.2% | 50 | 0.3% | 50 | 0.3% |
Total | 14,705 | 5.1% | 15,230 | 4.7% | 18,910 | 5.5% |
Difference from previous year | -2,120 | -12.6% | 525 | 3.6% | 3,680 | 24.1% |
*Includes Humanitarian and Compassionate, Permit Holders Class, Public Policy, and Family Relations.
**Provincial Nominees are a subcategory of the Economic Class.
Immigration by City
Similar to the previous three years, Winnipeg continued to rank 6th among Canadian cities as a destination for immigrants in 2019, following Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton. Together, these cities attracted close to 71.3% of new permanent residents.
Table 6: Summary of Canada Permanent Residents by Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)
CMA | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
Toronto | 86,580 | 30.2% | 1 | 106,460 | 33.2% | 1 | 117,770 | 34.5% | 1 |
Vancouver | 29,830 | 10.4% | 3 | 35,265 | 11.0% | 3 | 39,950 | 11.7% | 2 |
Montréal | 44,725 | 15.6% | 2 | 43,795 | 13.6% | 2 | 34,630 | 10.1% | 3 |
Calgary | 17,880 | 6.2% | 4 | 18,955 | 5.9% | 4 | 19,625 | 5.8% | 4 |
Edmonton | 15,920 | 5.6% | 5 | 15,735 | 4.9% | 5 | 16,420 | 4.8% | 5 |
Winnipeg | 11,845 | 4.1% | 6 | 12,120 | 3.8% | 6 | 14,740 | 4.3% | 6 |
Ottawa | 7,470 | 2.6% | 7 | 9,830 | 3.1% | 7 | 10,935 | 3.2% | 7 |
Halifax | 3,745 | 1.3% | 10 | 5,005 | 1.6% | 10 | 6,240 | 1.8% | 8 |
Regina | 5,295 | 1.8% | 9 | 6,035 | 1.9% | 8 | 6,140 | 1.8% | 9 |
Saskatoon | 5,955 | 2.1% | 8 | 5,800 | 1.8% | 9 | 5,865 | 1.7% | 10 |
Total Top Ten | 229,245 | 80.0% | 259,000 | 80.7% | 272,315 | 79.8% | |||
Other | 57,265 | 20.0% | 62,055 | 19.3% | 68,855 | 20.2% | |||
Total | 286,510 | 100.0% | 321,055 | 100.0% | 341,175 | 100.0% |
3. Manitoba Permanent Residents
Between 2010 and 2019, more than 155,000 immigrants settled in Manitoba.
Table 7: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Immigration Category
Immigration Category | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sponsored Family | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
Principal Applicant | 2,060 | 14.0% | 2,295 | 15.1% | 2,610 | 13.8% |
Spouse/Partner/Dependant | 420 | 2.9% | 450 | 3.0% | 555 | 2.9% |
Sponsored Family Subtotal | 2,475 | 16.8% | 2,745 | 18.0% | 3,160 | 16.7% |
Economic Class | ||||||
Business | — | — | 15 | 0.1% | 20 | 0.0% |
Canadian Experience Class – PA | 160 | 1.1% | 270 | 1.8% | 280 | 1.4% |
Canadian Experience Class – SD | 75 | 0.5% | 100 | 0.7% | 135 | 0.7% |
Caregiver Class – PA | 20 | 0.1% | 20 | 0.1% | 20 | 0.1% |
Caregiver Class – SD | 55 | 0.4% | 30 | 0.2% | 30 | 0.1% |
Provincial/Territorial Nominees – PA | 3,900 | 26.5% | 4,195 | 27.5% | 5,890 | 31.1% |
Provincial/Territorial Nominees – SD | 5,530 | 37.6% | 5,695 | 37.4% | 6,650 | 35.1% |
Skilled Trades | 20 | 0.0% | 0 | 0.0% | — | 0.0% |
Skilled Workers – PA | 330 | 2.2% | 550 | 3.6% | 285 | 1.5% |
Skilled Workers – SD | 300 | 2.0% | 415 | 2.7% | 335 | 1.7% |
Economic Class Subtotal | 10,060 | 68.4% | 10,870 | 71.4% | 13,650 | 72.1% |
Refugees | ||||||
Government-Assisted Refugees | 605 | 4.1% | 445 | 2.9% | 550 | 2.9% |
Privately Sponsored Refugees | 1,365 | 9.3% | 935 | 6.1% | 1,105 | 5.8% |
Blended Sponsorship Refugees | 90 | 0.6% | 70 | 0.5% | 155 | 0.8% |
Protected Persons in Canada & Dependents | 80 | 0.5% | 120 | 0.8% | 235 | 1.2% |
Refugee Subtotal | 2,135 | 14.5% | 1,565 | 10.3% | 2,045 | 10.8% |
Other Immigrants | 35 | 0.3% | 50 | 0.3% | 50 | 0.2% |
Total | 14,705 | 100.0% | 15,230 | 100.0% | 18,910 | 100.0% |
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) continues to be the main tool for bringing skilled economic immigrants to meet Manitoba’s labour and economic development needs. On an annual basis the MPNP nominates skilled workers, international student graduates, and business investors who are best suited to contribute to Manitoba’s economy.
Between 2010 and 2019, the MPNP nominees (and their spouses and dependents) represented approximately 70% of all permanent residents who landed in Manitoba, and approximately 93% of all economic immigrants to the province. In 2019, Manitoba’s Provincial Nominees (with spouses and dependents) accounted for 92% of all economic immigrants (12,540), while the remaining 8% (1,105) arrived through federal business streams and other federal worker programs (e.g. Canadian Experience Class, Caregivers, Skilled Trades, and Skilled Workers).
In the last decade, roughly 21% of Provincial Nominees settled outside of the Winnipeg municipality, compared to 13.7% from all other immigrant classes.
Manitoba continuously worked to establish partnerships with employers to receive the largest share of Provincial Nominees across Canada over a ten-year period from 2010-2019 (107,220). In 2019, Manitoba received 18.2% of all Provincial Nominees to Canada, second highest after British Columbia (18.3%).
Manitoba continues to work with the federal government, employers, and communities to attract and retain immigrants. Manitoba Provincial Nominees who landed in 2014 and filed taxes in 2017 have a retention rate of 82.5% (IMDB 2017).
Sponsored Family
Eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada can sponsor their family members, spouses and dependents and grandparents to come to Canada. In 2019, Manitoba received 3,160 permanent residents or 16.7% of all landings through the Sponsored Family category, an increase from 2,745 in 2018. The top source countries accounting for 60.6% of this category include India, Philippines, China and the United States.
Refugees
In 2019, refugees from all over the world settled in communities throughout Manitoba. Various groups and service provider organizations throughout the province supported newly arrived refugees as well as continue to support those who arrived within the past few years.
Of all permanent residents to Manitoba in 2019, 10.8% landed as refugees and protected persons (2,045). Manitoba resettled just over 4.2% of all refugees and protected persons to Canada including close to 5.5% of Canada’s government-assisted refugees (550) and 5.7% of privately sponsored refugees (1,105). Of all resettled refugees (excludes protected persons) in Manitoba, the top countries of citizenship are Eritrea, Somalia, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia, among many others.
Table 8: Resettled Refugees Admitted to Manitoba by Country of Citizenship, 2017–2019
Country of Citizenship | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Eritrea | 1,710 | 32.2% |
Syria | 910 | 17.1% |
Somalia, Democratic Republic of | 860 | 16.1% |
Iraq | 410 | 7.7% |
Ethiopia | 410 | 7.7% |
Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 390 | 7.3% |
Afghanistan | 115 | 2.1% |
Sudan, Democratic Republic of | 90 | 1.7% |
Central African Republic | 70 | 1.3% |
Burundi | 50 | 0.9% |
Other | 290 | 5.4% |
Total | 5,310 | 100.0% |
In 2019, approximately 435 people made a refugee claim in Manitoba, a combination of irregular migrants and inland claimants as well as secondary migrants from other jurisdictions. Refugee claims dropped 29.8% from 620 in 2018.
4. Destination
Regional Destination (Economic Region)
Immigration continues to benefit regional communities. Between 2010-2019, approximately 126,260 immigrants settled in the Winnipeg Economic Region, while more than 28,700 immigrants have settled in other economic regions outside of Winnipeg. In 2019, 22.7% of newcomers chose to live outside of Winnipeg (4,295) and all economic regions of the province saw increases in immigration compared to 2018 with the exception of the North.
Table 9: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Intended Destination
Economic Region | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
Winnipeg | 11,785 | 80.1% | 1 | 12,030 | 79.0% | 1 | 14,610 | 77.2% | 1 |
Southwest | 1,160 | 7.9% | 2 | 1,285 | 8.4% | 2 | 1,710 | 9.0% | 2 |
South Central | 560 | 3.8% | 3 | 705 | 4.6% | 3 | 1,135 | 6.0% | 3 |
Southeast | 435 | 3.0% | 4 | 500 | 3.3% | 4 | 535 | 2.8% | 4 |
North | 330 | 2.2% | 5 | 310 | 2.0% | 5 | 305 | 1.6% | 5 |
Interlake | 150 | 1.0% | 6 | 135 | 0.9% | 7 | 285 | 1.5% | 6 |
Parklands | 145 | 1.0% | 7 | 155 | 1.0% | 6 | 175 | 0.9% | 7 |
North Central | 130 | 0.9% | 8 | 105 | 0.7% | 8 | 150 | 0.7% | 8 |
Not stated | 5 | 0.0% | — | — | 10 | — | |||
Total | 14,705 | 100.0% | 15,230 | 100.0% | 18,910 | 100.0% |
Community Destination (Municipality)
Since 2010, approximately 126,260 immigrants settled in the City of Winnipeg compared to approximately 28,770 who chose more than 130 regional communities as their destination within Manitoba. During this period, top regional destinations included Brandon (7,320), Neepawa (3,465), Winkler (2,500), Steinbach (2,320), and Morden (1,965).
In 2019, 4,300 new permanent residents chose regional communities outside of Winnipeg, a 34.5% increase from 2018 (3,195). The top immigrant source countries to regional communities in 2019 include Philippines (1,360), India (930), Germany (290), Nigeria (265) and Ukraine (170).
Table 10: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Intended Destination (Top Ten)
Municipality | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
Winnipeg | 11,775 | 80.1% | 1 | 12,020 | 78.9% | 1 | 14,740 | 77.9% | 1 |
Brandon | 645 | 4.4% | 2 | 705 | 4.6% | 2 | 880 | 4.6% | 2 |
Neepawa | 375 | 2.6% | 3 | 430 | 2.8% | 3 | 700 | 3.7% | 3 |
Morden | 210 | 1.4% | 6 | 250 | 1.6% | 4 | 515 | 2.7% | 4 |
Winkler | 180 | 0.9% | 7 | 210 | 1.4% | 7 | 325 | 1.7% | 5 |
Steinbach | 255 | 1.3% | 4 | 230 | 1.5% | 5 | 270 | 1.4% | 6 |
Thompson | 255 | 1.5% | 4 | 230 | 1.5% | 5 | 245 | 1.2% | 7 |
Selkirk | — | — | — | — | 120 | 0.6% | 8 | ||
Portage la Prairie | 100 | 0.7% | 8 | 80 | 0.5% | 8 | 110 | 0.5% | 9 |
Altona | — | — | 80 | 0.5% | 8 | 90 | 0.5% | 10 | |
Russell | — | — | 50 | 0.3% | 10 | ||||
Dauphin | 50 | 0.3% | 9 | — | — | ||||
The Pas | 50 | 0.3% | 9 | — | — | ||||
Total Top Ten | 13,845 | 94.2% | 14,285 | 93.8% | 17,995 | 95.1% | |||
Other Municipalities | 860 | 5.8% | 945 | 6.2% | 915 | 4.8% | |||
Total | 14,705 | 100.0% | 15,230 | 100.0% | 18,910 | 100.0% |
5. Source Country
In 2019, India, Philippines, China, Nigeria, and Eritrea, ranked among the top five source countries for immigrants to Manitoba, representing 59.6% of all immigrants.
Table 11: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Country of Citizenship (Top Ten)
Country of Citizenship | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
India | 3,465 | 23.6% | 1 | 3,765 | 24.7% | 1 | 4,625 | 24.4% | 1 |
Philippines | 3,110 | 21.1% | 2 | 2,370 | 15.6% | 2 | 2,585 | 13.6% | 2 |
China, People’s Republic of | 1,165 | 7.9% | 3 | 1,300 | 8.5% | 4 | 1,810 | 9.5% | 3 |
Nigeria | 625 | 4.3% | 5 | 1,475 | 9.7% | 3 | 1,625 | 8.5% | 4 |
Eritrea | 810 | 5.5% | 4 | 480 | 3.2% | 5 | 635 | 3.3% | 5 |
Brazil | — | — | — | — | 585 | 3.0% | 6 | ||
Pakistan | 370 | 2.5% | 7 | 325 | 2.1% | 7 | 445 | 2.3% | 7 |
Somalia, Democratic Republic of | 295 | 2.0% | 9 | — | — | 395 | 2.0% | 8 | |
Korea, Republic of | — | — | 325 | 2.1% | 7 | 385 | 2.0% | 9 | |
Ukraine | — | — | 330 | 2.2% | 6 | 370 | 1.9% | 10 | |
Israel | 410 | 2.8% | 6 | 320 | 2.1% | 9 | |||
Syria | 350 | 2.4% | 8 | 310 | 2.0% | 10 | |||
Ethiopia | 275 | 1.9% | 10 | — | — | ||||
Total Top Ten | 10,875 | 74.0% | 11,000 | 72.2% | 13,460 | 71.1% | |||
Other Countries | 3,830 | 26.0% | 4,230 | 27.8% | 5,450 | 28.8% | |||
Total | 14,705 | 100.0% | 15,230 | 100.0% | 18,910 | 100.0% |
In 2018, 57.1% of Manitoba’s new permanent residents arrived from Asia and Pacific regions, followed by Africa and the Middle East (28.2%), Europe (7.8%), South and Central America (5.0%) and the United States (1.8%).
Table 12: Manitoba Permanent Residents by World Region, 2017–2019
World Region | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|---|
Asia & Pacific | 8,855 | 8,700 | 10,620 |
Africa & Middle East | 3,845 | 4,300 | 5,170 |
Europe | 1,080 | 1,185 | 1,445 |
Americas | 670 | 760 | 1,315 |
United States of America | 245 | 275 | 320 |
Stateless & Not Stated | 15 | 5 | 40 |
TOTAL | 14,705 | 15,230 | 18,905 |
6. Demographics
Age-Gender Structure
Newcomers are important contributors to Manitoba’s population growth and to the expanding labour force. In 2019, the immigrant median age was 28.1 years while the median age of Manitobans was 38.3 years (Census 2016). Male and female numbers were roughly equal.

7. Official Languages
People arrive from all over the world with the ability to communicate in many languages other than just English and/or French. In 2019, permanent residents arrived in Manitoba communicating in over 150 languages. The top languages spoken are Punjabi, Tagalog, Chinese, English, and Arabic.
Table 13: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Mother Tongue (Top Ten)
Mother Tongue | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
Punjabi | 2,360 | 16.0% | 2 | 2,640 | 17.3% | 1 | 3,095 | 16.3% | 1 |
Tagalog | 2,675 | 18.2% | 1 | 1,960 | 12.9% | 2 | 2,120 | 11.2% | 2 |
Chinese | 1,225 | 8.3% | 3 | 1,425 | 9.4% | 3 | 1,910 | 10.1% | 3 |
English | 720 | 4.9% | 4 | 890 | 5.8% | 4 | 1,055 | 5.6% | 4 |
Arabic | 625 | 4.3% | 6 | 665 | 4.4% | 6 | 935 | 5.0% | 5 |
Yoruba | 405 | 2.8% | 9 | 845 | 5.5% | 5 | 920 | 4.8% | 6 |
Gujarati | 610 | 4.1% | 7 | 570 | 3.7% | 7 | 715 | 3.8% | 7 |
Portuguese | — | — | — | — | 605 | 3.2% | 8 | ||
Tigrinya | 630 | 4.3% | 5 | 375 | 2.5% | 9 | 525 | 2.8% | 9 |
Russian | 595 | 4.0% | 8 | 515 | 3.4% | 8 | 525 | 2.8% | 9 |
German | — | — | 330 | 2.2% | 10 | ||||
Urdu | 330 | 2.2% | 10 | — | — | ||||
Total Top Ten | 10,175 | 69.2% | 10,215 | 67.1% | 12,405 | 65.6% | |||
Other Languages | 4,530 | 30.8% | 5,015 | 32.9% | 6,505 | 34.3% | |||
Total | 14,705 | 100.0% | 15,230 | 100.0% | 18,910 | 100.0% |
Official Language Spoken
In 2019, the percentage of Manitoba’s immigrants who identified English as an official language spoken continued increasing to 79.0% from 64% in 2010.
In 2019, Manitoba welcomed 820 immigrants who identified French as their official language spoken, representing 4.3% of all immigrants to Manitoba. From 2010 to 2019, over 4,800 immigrants have arrived in Manitoba with the ability to communicate in French.
The top source countries for all immigrants who identified French, as well as both French and English, as their official language spoken were Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), France, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritius, and Philippines.
Manitoba supports its francophone community’s goal of increasing French-speaking immigrants. In 2019, 3.9% of all MPNP nominations were Francophone and approximately 66 per cent of all French-speaking immigrants came through the MPNP.
Table 14: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Official Language Spoken
Official Language | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|---|
English | 10,820 | 11,795 | 14,950 |
French | 150 | 110 | 300 |
Both French and English | 305 | 285 | 520 |
Neither | 3,055 | 2,575 | 2,850 |
Not stated | 375 | 465 | 290 |
Total | 14,705 | 15,230 | 18,910 |
8. Education, Occupation, and Skill Level
To ensure that immigrants can contribute their skills and experience to Manitoba’s economy, the Province continues to strengthen partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions. In addition, the Province continues to invest in successful employment programs like Manitoba Start which also provides guidance to professionals needing to have their international qualifications recognized. In 2019, more than 48% of permanent residents aged 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Table 15: Manitoba Permanent Residents by Level of Education (Aged 25 Years and Over)
Level of Education | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Secondary or Less* | 1,790 | 19.2% | 1,635 | 16.5% | 1,955 | 16.1% |
Formal Trade Cert. or Apprenticeship | 620 | 6.6% | 660 | 6.7% | 710 | 5.8% |
Non-University Certificate or Diploma | 675 | 7.2% | 700 | 7.1% | 790 | 6.5% |
Some University – No Degree | 515 | 5.5% | 555 | 5.6% | 685 | 5.6% |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3,460 | 37.0% | 3,590 | 36.3% | 4,145 | 34.2% |
Some Post-Grad. Education – No Degree | 210 | 2.2% | 205 | 2.1% | 385 | 3.1% |
Master’s Degree | 1,255 | 13.4% | 1,450 | 14.7% | 1,565 | 12.9% |
Doctorate | 95 | 1.0% | 95 | 1.0% | 90 | 0.7% |
Not stated | 715 | 7.7% | 995 | 10.1% | 1,790 | 14.7% |
Total | 9,340 | 100% | 9,890 | 100% | 12,115 | 100% |
Occupation
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program selects people whose participation enhances Manitoba’s economic development with specialized skills needed in the changing labour market. Food counter attendants, cooks, transport truck drivers, industrial butchers and meat cutters, and customer and information services representatives were among the top occupations of economic immigrants (principal applicants only) to Manitoba in 2019.
Table 16: Manitoba Economic Permanent Residents by Skill Level
Skill Level | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
0 – Managerial | 750 | 11.5% |
A – Professionals | 1,120 | 17.2% |
B – Skilled and Technical | 2,095 | 32.3% |
C – Intermediate and Clerical | 1,780 | 27.4% |
D – Elemental and Labourers | 685 | 10.5% |
Intending to work* | 25 | 0.3% |
Not intending to work* | — | — |
Total | 6,485 | 100.0% |
*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).
Rank is based on the highest number of landings by occupation for economic principal applicants only in 2019.
Skill Type Category
Based on the National Occupational Classification system, in 2019, 64.3% of principal applicants under the economic category were considered highly skilled (NOC 0, A and B) and had previous occupations in:
- Sales and service
- Business, finance and administration
- Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
- Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations
- Management Occupations
- Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
Table 17: Manitoba Economic Permanent Residents by Skill Type
Principal Applicants Only | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skill Type Category | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
0 – Management Occupations | 425 | 10.0% | 460 | 9.7% | 575 | 8.8% |
1 – Business, Finance and Administration Occupations | 760 | 18.0% | 765 | 16.1% | 970 | 14.9% |
2 – Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations | 605 | 14.3% | 650 | 13.7% | 755 | 11.6% |
3 – Health Occupations | 330 | 7.8% | 310 | 6.5% | 230 | 3.5% |
4 – Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion | 325 | 7.7% | 430 | 9.1% | 410 | 6.3% |
5 – Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport | 50 | 1.2% | 50 | 1.1% | 75 | 1.1% |
6 – Sales and Service Occupations | 800 | 18.9% | 1,050 | 22.1% | 2,010 | 30.9% |
7 – Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations | 445 | 10.5% | 435 | 9.2% | 630 | 9.7% |
8 – Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production Occupations | 70 | 1.7% | 75 | 1.6% | 85 | 1.3% |
9 – Occupations in Manufacturing and Utilities | 200 | 4.7% | 255 | 5.4% | 505 | 7.7% |
Other** | 215 | 5.1% | 265 | 5.6% | 195 | 3.0% |
Not stated | — | — | — | — | 35 | 0.5% |
Total | 4,230 | 100.0% | 4,750 | 100.0% | 6,485 | 100.0% |
*Other category includes principal applicants not intending to work and other occupations not covered by an NOC code.
9. Temporary Workers and International Students
In Manitoba, temporary residents who have worked for more than six months, or have graduated from a post-secondary program in the province, have the opportunity to apply to the MPNP and become permanent residents. In 2019, Manitoba received 8,770 temporary workers through the federal International Mobility Program and 1,310 through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (with a Labour Market Impact Assessment). Note: The table on Temporary Residents (TR) has been revised to reflect the June 20, 2014 overhaul of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The reporting methodology has also been revised to count TRs, which includes Foreign Workers and International Students, based on the type of permit held by a TR (effective from the date that the permit was signed, or a valid permit at the end of a given year). As a result of these changes, the reports for each permit holder type has been separated in order to enhance clarity.
Table 18: Manitoba Work Permit Holders by Program and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective*
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temporary Foreign Worker Program Work Permit Holders | 1,320 | 1,345 | 1,860 | 1,795 | 1,380 | 885 | 870 | 765 | 1,170 | 1,310 |
International Mobility Program Work Permit Holders | 3,710 | 3,875 | 4,025 | 4,720 | 5,035 | 5,055 | 6,690 | 7,185 | 8,035 | 8,770 |
Table 19: Manitoba Temporary Foreign Worker Program Work Permit Holders by Intended Destination and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective*
Census Metropolitan Area | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brandon | 100 | 190 | 315 | 245 | 220 | 180 | 140 | 135 | 130 | 140 |
Winnipeg | 825 | 730 | 820 | 855 | 520 | 255 | 270 | 250 | 280 | 370 |
Other | 395 | 425 | 725 | 695 | 640 | 450 | 460 | 380 | 760 | 800 |
Total Unique** TFW Work Permit Holders | 1,320 | 1,345 | 1,860 | 1,795 | 1,380 | 885 | 870 | 765 | 1,170 | 1,310 |
**The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders in each program as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period.
Table 20: Manitoba International Mobility Program Work Permit Holders by Intended Destination and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective*
Census Metropolitan Area | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brandon | 370 | 230 | 170 | 195 | 265 | 195 | 185 | 245 | 245 | 290 |
Winnipeg | 2,560 | 2,755 | 3,000 | 3,365 | 3,255 | 3,540 | 5,095 | 5,430 | 6,240 | 6,745 |
Other | 780 | 890 | 855 | 1,160 | 1,515 | 1,320 | 1,410 | 1,510 | 1,550 | 1,735 |
Total Unique** IMP Work Permit Holders | 3,710 | 3,875 | 4,025 | 4,720 | 5,035 | 5,055 | 6,690 | 7,185 | 8,035 | 8,770 |
**The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders in each program as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period.
International Students
In 2019, the number of foreign study permit holders in Manitoba was 12,080. Most international students (91.7%) enrolled in educational institutions in Winnipeg. The top source countries of students to Manitoba were India (24.7%), China (21.3%), Nigeria (9.6%) and Bangladesh (7.8%).
Table 21: Manitoba International Student Study Permit Holders by Intended Destination and Year in which Permit(s) Became Effective*
Census Metropolitan Area | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brandon | 130 | 145 | 150 | 175 | 160 | 240 | 290 | 410 | 495 | 605 |
Winnipeg | 3,095 | 3,980 | 4,450 | 5,235 | 5,650 | 6,365 | 7,955 | 9,670 | 11,185 | 11,080 |
Other | 310 | 385 | 375 | 315 | 335 | 325 | 330 | 385 | 335 | 395 |
Total Unique** Study Permit Holders | 3,535 | 4,510 | 4,975 | 5,725 | 6,145 | 6,930 | 8,575 | 10,465 | 12,015 | 12,080 |
**The total unique count may not equal to the sum of permit holders in each program as an individual may hold more than one type of permit over a given period.
Table 22: Manitoba International Student Study Work Permit Holders by Country of Citizenship and Year in which Permit Became Effective
Country of Citizenship | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
India | 1,990 | 19.0% | 2 | 2,935 | 24.4% | 1 | 2,980 | 24.7% | 1 |
China, People’s Republic of | 2,595 | 24.8% | 1 | 2,750 | 22.9% | 2 | 2,575 | 21.3% | 2 |
Nigeria | 900 | 8.6% | 3 | 965 | 8.0% | 3 | 1,165 | 9.6% | 3 |
Bangladesh | 480 | 4.6% | 4 | 800 | 6.7% | 4 | 945 | 7.8% | 4 |
Vietnam, Socialist Republic of | 465 | 4.4% | 5 | 500 | 4.2% | 5 | 475 | 3.9% | 5 |
Brazil | 445 | 4.3% | 6 | 405 | 3.4% | 6 | 315 | 2.6% | 6 |
Korea, Republic of | 425 | 4.1% | 7 | 340 | 2.8% | 7 | 305 | 2.5% | 7 |
Pakistan | 260 | 2.5% | 8 | 235 | 2.0% | 8 | 225 | 1.9% | 8 |
Philippines | — | — | — | — | 175 | 1.4% | 9 | ||
United States of America | 195 | 1.9% | 9 | 190 | 1.6% | 9 | 170 | 1.4% | 10 |
Kenya | — | — | 165 | 1.4% | 10 | ||||
Iran | 155 | 1.5% | 10 | ||||||
Total Top Ten | 7,910 | 75.6% | 9,285 | 77.3% | 9,335 | 77.2% | |||
Other Countries of Citizenship | 2,555 | 24.4% | 2,730 | 22.7% | 2,745 | 22.8% | |||
Total | 10,465 | 100.0% | 12,015 | 100.0% | 12,080 | 100.0% |
Table 23: Manitoba International Student Study Permit Holders by Intended Destination at Year End
Census Metropolitan Area | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brandon | 190 | 195 | 245 | 280 | 295 | 355 | 450 | 585 | 715 | 925 |
Winnipeg | 4,665 | 5,800 | 7,190 | 8,685 | 10,005 | 11,060 | 12,850 | 15,300 | 17,440 | 17,930 |
Other | 395 | 485 | 520 | 505 | 520 | 480 | 480 | 560 | 525 | 540 |
Total Unique Study Permit Holders | 5,250 | 6,480 | 7,955 | 9,470 | 10,820 | 11,895 | 13,780 | 1,6445 | 18,680 | 19,395 |
Table 24: Manitoba International Student Study Work Permit Holders by Country of Citizenship at Year End*
Country of Citizenship | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | Number | Percentage | Rank | |
India | 2540 | 15.4% | 2 | 4,090 | 21.9% | 2 | 5,030 | 25.9% | 1 |
China | 4,410 | 26.8% | 1 | 4,245 | 22.7% | 1 | 3,780 | 19.5% | 2 |
Nigeria | 1,695 | 10.3% | 3 | 1,815 | 9.7% | 3 | 1,875 | 9.7% | 3 |
Bangladesh | 640 | 3.9% | 5 | 1,045 | 5.6% | 4 | 1,325 | 6.8% | 4 |
Vietnam | 710 | 4.3% | 4 | 895 | 4.8% | 5 | 930 | 4.8% | 5 |
Brazil | 635 | 3.9% | 6 | 605 | 3.2% | 6 | 480 | 2.5% | 6 |
Korea | 580 | 3.5% | 7 | 525 | 2.8% | 7 | 465 | 2.4% | 7 |
Pakistan | 505 | 3.1% | 8 | 455 | 2.4% | 8 | 395 | 2.0% | 8 |
United States of America | 365 | 2.2% | 9 | 375 | 2.0% | 9 | 375 | 1.9% | 9 |
Iran | 270 | 1.6% | 10 | 305 | 1.6% | 10 | |||
Kenya | 305 | 1.6% | 10 | ||||||
Total Top Ten | 12,350 | 75.1% | 14,355 | 76.8% | 14,960 | 77.1% | |||
Other Countries of Citizenship | 4,095 | 24.9% | 4,325 | 23.2% | 4,435 | 22.9% | |||
Total | 16,445 | 100% | 18,680 | 100% | 19,395 | 100% |