Good news for immigration applicants! The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has conducted its first draw of the month and invited skilled workers from both inside Canada and overseas. This latest round of invitations shows that Manitoba continues to focus on attracting talent to meet labour shortages across the province.
In this draw, candidates were invited under two major pathways:
- Skilled Worker in Manitoba
- Skilled Worker Overseas
All invitations were issued through special Strategic Recruitment Initiatives, which are designed to help Manitoba employers hire workers when local talent is not available.
Manitoba Draw Results – February 12
On February 12, Manitoba issued 29 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to eligible candidates. These invitations were distributed under different strategic recruitment categories:
| Strategic Recruitment Initiative | Number of Invitations |
| Employer Services | 8 |
| Francophone Community | 14 |
| Regional Communities | 3 |
| Ethnocultural Communities | 1 |
| Temporary Public Policy (TPP) | 3 |
Out of the 29 total invitations, six candidates had valid Express Entry profiles.
This means some applicants may receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if nominated, which increases their chances of getting permanent residence.
What Are Strategic Recruitment Initiatives?
Strategic recruitment initiatives are special hiring programs used by the MPNP. These programs help employers in Manitoba fill urgent job vacancies when they cannot find suitable workers locally.
Through these initiatives, Manitoba selects skilled foreign workers who match the province’s labour market needs.
Employers must prove that:
- They have an immediate and ongoing need for workers
- They cannot find qualified candidates within Manitoba
This system ensures that immigration supports real workforce shortages.
How Does Manitoba Select Candidates?
Manitoba usually selects candidates through:
- Exploratory Visits: where potential applicants visit Manitoba to learn about job opportunities and lifestyle.
- Recruitment Missions: organized hiring events conducted by Manitoba officials, sometimes internationally.
During these visits or missions, candidates may attend interviews with immigration officers. If they meet the requirements and impress the officials, they may receive an invitation to apply.
Eligibility Requirements for Strategic Recruitment
To qualify for participation in these initiatives, foreign workers generally must:
- Be between 21 and 45 years old (employer exceptions may apply)
- Have completed required post-secondary education (or relevant job training in some cases)
- Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in the past 5 years
- Meet minimum language requirements:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations
- CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations
Preference is often given to candidates who plan to settle outside the Winnipeg area, as Manitoba encourages regional growth. Applicants with strong ties to other provinces may face concerns about long-term settlement intentions.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
Receiving a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) does not automatically mean permanent residence. Candidates must still:
- Submit a complete application under the Skilled Worker stream.
- Prove their genuine intention and ability to settle in Manitoba.
- Meet all eligibility requirements of the program.
If approved, candidates receive:
- A Provincial Nomination Certificate
- An additional 600 CRS points (if they are in Express Entry)
These extra points almost guarantee an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. After nomination, applicants must apply to the federal government of Canada for final approval of permanent residence.
Why This Draw Matters
This latest Manitoba draw highlights the province’s continued focus on:
- Supporting employers
- Addressing labour shortages
- Encouraging regional settlement
- Welcoming Francophone and diverse communities
With only 29 invitations issued, the draw was targeted and selective, showing that Manitoba is focusing on candidates who closely match its workforce needs.
Planning to Apply to Manitoba?
If you are a skilled worker inside Canada or overseas, this could be your opportunity. Strategic recruitment draws are competitive and require proper documentation, preparation, and profile optimization.
At Oasis Visas, we help you:
- Check your eligibility
- Improve your Express Entry profile
- Prepare for recruitment missions
- Submit a strong MPNP application
Book your consultation with Oasis Visas today and take the next step toward Canadian Permanent Residency.
