Manitoba Targets Overseas Skilled Workers in Latest Provincial Nominee Draw
In its latest effort to attract global talent and address local labour shortages, Manitoba has invited 62 skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residency through its Skilled Workers Overseas stream.
The draw, conducted under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on May 15, 2025, specifically targeted candidates residing outside Canada who demonstrate a strong connection to the province.
Breakdown of the Draw
Out of the 62 individuals invited in this round, eight candidates were registered in Canada’s Express Entry system, holding valid profile numbers and job seeker validation codes.
The lowest-ranked candidate in this draw had a score of 626, calculated using Manitoba’s points-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Who Was Eligible?
This draw was limited to individuals who were specifically invited by the MPNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative — a targeted program aimed at filling labour gaps in Manitoba’s workforce with international talent.
To be eligible for the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, candidates must meet a combination of the following criteria:
- Have a genuine connection to Manitoba, through:
- Support from family or friends living in the province;
- Previous employment or education in Manitoba;
- Or having received a formal Invitation to Apply from the MPNP as part of a strategic initiative.
Additionally, candidates must score a minimum of 60 points on Manitoba’s assessment grid, which evaluates:
- Education
- Language ability
- Work experience
- Age
- Adaptability
Understanding Strategic Recruitment Initiatives
Strategic recruitment initiatives are employer-driven efforts coordinated by the MPNP to bring in international workers with skills that cannot be sourced locally.
Employers who can prove a persistent need for certain roles must go through Manitoba’s ABC Recruitment process, after which they may nominate foreign candidates who:
- Meet specific eligibility benchmarks (regarding age, education, work experience, and language skills),
- Have secured a full-time, long-term job offer, and
- Intend to live permanently in Manitoba.
Importantly, these initiatives give preference to individuals planning to reside outside the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, helping to distribute talent throughout the province.
Candidates cannot apply directly under this stream without an invitation. They must first be identified and invited by the MPNP as suitable candidates under a recognized recruitment initiative.
This draw reflects Manitoba’s continued focus on proactive immigration strategies and its commitment to bringing in workers who are both qualified and deeply motivated to contribute to the province’s growth.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
