MPNP Notices

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has increased the length of time that skilled workers with connections to other Canadian provinces must work in Manitoba before they are eligible for the MPNP.

Effective September 1, 2013, foreign nationals who have previously studied in another province or territory of Canada will not be eligible to apply to the MPNP unless they can provide evidence of:

• at least one year of ongoing work experience with a Manitoba employer;
• a valid work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada; and
• an offer of a permanent full-time job from a Manitoba employer.

Previously, the requirement was six months of work experience in Manitoba.

This change does NOT affect temporary foreign workers in Manitoba or international student graduates of Manitoba post-secondary schools. They remain eligible for the MPNP when offered a job after six months of work.

Note: These criteria refer only to an applicant’s eligibility to apply and do not guarantee nomination by the MPNP. The MPNP reserves the right to assess each eligible application on a case-by-case basis.

The Generic Application Form, which replaced the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Application Form (MAPP) after the Program stopped printing its application kit more than two years ago, is longer available for online download. Outstanding applications using a mail-in form must be received by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) no later than September 6, 2013.

The MPNP offers information sessions as well as public kiosks for applicants to submit electronic applications and scan and upload their documents.

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.

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.

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.