Next month, we are making improvements to streamline the MPNP for Skilled Workers, making it simpler and easier to understand for the many thousands who want to join our communities as permanent residents.

These program design improvements will create two easy avenues for immigration:

• Skilled workers currently employed in Manitoba as temporary foreign workers or international student graduates will continue to be eligible for the program with a job offer after six months of local employment.
• Skilled workers overseas will be awarded points for language, work history, education and adaptability. A connection to Manitoba either through previous work experience, family or friends will remain a key factor under the program.

The design improvements will come into effect April 1, 2013.

Applicants, Manitoba Supporters and consultants are reminded that all correspondence with the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is conducted by email. Ensure the program has your current email address. Postal correspondence is not accepted.

If sending updates to immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca, please include your full name, file number (if applicable) and both your new address and the address you previously provided. Those who applied by mail will continue to receive postal correspondence.

As of January 2013, all Skilled Worker applications are accessible online, including General Stream applications. Previously, only Priority applicants could submit their applications to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program online.

Those who wish to apply through the existing mail-in application can continue to do so.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is replacing the mail-in Manitoba Affidavit of Support (MAS) form with the Settlement Plan, which has been used with online applications since July 2011.

This new, two-part form helps potential immigrants plan how they will settle and find employment before they arrive in Manitoba. It is also a simpler way for applicants to demonstrate they have the support of family or friends in Manitoba.

Applications using the MAS form will continue to be accepted until October 1, 2012.