Manitoba
Immigrate to Manitoba, Canada. This is the official Government of Manitoba Immigration website. All information on this site, including application forms for immigration is provided free by the government.
Frequently Asked Questions


What happened to the MPNP's Community Support stream?
Manitoba Labour and Immigration entered into three pilot arrangements with local community organizations to support applicants known to them who wished to make exploratory visits to Manitoba and/or apply to the MPNP with letters of support from the community.

We no longer require specific community organizations to sign Community Support Agreements (CSAs) and to have designated representatives to pre-screen applications on behalf of applicants they wish to support.

We have opened up the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program to members of any ethnocultural organization to participate.

Any community is now able to approach the MPNP with an applicant who is known to them, who they wish to support, and who wants to make an exploratory visit to Manitoba.

Potential applicants can make exploratory visits to Manitoba with the approval of the MPNP (as time and resources allow), and be interviewed by an immigration officer, with successful candidates being invited to apply under our Strategic Initiatives stream.

Members of a Manitoba-based ethno-cultural organization may also support an applicant known to them by providing affidavits of support on the applicant's behalf. These applicants will be considered under the General stream and do not need to make an exploratory visit to Manitoba.



What improvements has the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program made to provide better information to potential applicants?
A new, improved website has been redesigned with more information and tools to assist potential applicants to understand the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program criteria and to prepare for successful employment and settlement in the province.

Here are some of the issues that the new website helps potential applicants, and those waiting to move, address:

Language Ability
Language ability is one of the most important factors determining successful employment and settlement. The MPNP's new, improved website provides detailed information encouraging applicants to demonstrate their language proficiency by taking a widely available, internationally approved test called the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to assist our immigration officers with a more objective assessment of their language skills.

In addition, MPNP applicants may provide written explanation and supporting documents or undertake an exploratory visit to Manitoba including an interview with a MPNP program officer to help demonstrate their language skills.

Working in Manitoba:
With support from our federal partners we have launched the Working in Manitoba, Canada, Career Research Tool.

This tool will provide applicants with information to help them assess, plan and prepare for employment in Manitoba, including searching for jobs before they arrive in Canada, as well as information about certification and licensing.

Other improvements to immigratemanitoba.com make it easier for visitors to find the information they need in all steps of the immigration process - including the decision to select Manitoba, preparing to move, settling, finding work and making a home in communities across the province.

The website redevelopment is part of the Going to Canada Immigration Portal Initiative, supported by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Manitoba's version of the career research tool is in partnership with Human Resources and Social Development Canada, which developed and managed the Working in Canada Tool.



Why can't live-in caregivers apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program?
The Immigration Refugee and Protection Act gives authority to the Government of Canada to process applications from live-in caregivers through the federal Live-in Caregiver Program.

Manitoba would need to seek an agreement from the federal government in order to process live-in caregiver applications through a separate, provincial program.

Manitoba has no specific plans to seek an agreement with the federal government to process live-in caregiver applications, but is currently involved in direct discussions with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to renew the Canada Manitoba Immigration Agreement.

To bring a live-in caregiver to Manitoba, an employer must get a labour market opinion from HRSDC, and then the caregiver must work in Canada for two years before they can apply for permanent residence through the CIC`s Live-in Caregiver Program.

The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act will assist Manitoba to ensure that any live-in caregivers recruited to the province will be treated fairly by employers and licensed recruiters and will be protected by our employment standards legislation.

If an individual has training and work experience in an occupation other than "live-in caregiver" it is possible that he or she could apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program under that other occupation.



Can I bring my preschool child to class?
Some community-based classes in Winnipeg have childminding for your pre-school child. Call the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre at 943-5387 for a list of programs with childminding.

Can I take English classes at my workplace?
Some workplaces offer English classes. Ask your employer if your workplace offers free classes.

I am a professional and I need to learn English for my profession. What can I do?
There are special classes for some professions. For example if you are an engineer you can take the English for Engineering Professionals course. See: English for Work. If you are an advanced level professional who needs to practice business writing, speaking and reading you can go to English Skills Centre.

How do I find a job teaching EAL to adults in Manitoba?
See: Adult EAL Career Resource. I has information about all of the programs in Manitoba, both government-funded and private. It describes the credentials you need to teach in each program and gives you contact information.

I'm a tradesperson. Can I apply to the Credentials Recognition Program?
No. The CRP funds only regulated professions. If you are apprenticing in a trade you may receive financial assistance from Manitoba Competitiveness, Training and Trade.

I am a tradesperson. Do I need a licence to work in Manitoba?
A "journeyman" is certified in a trade and earns higher wages. In some trades certification is mandatory. See the page Trades.

How long will it take to get licensed in my profession?
The time it takes to get your qualifications assessed depends on the organization that regulated your profession. If the regulatory body decides that you need exams or university courses it may take a year or two.

How much money will it cost to have my qualifications assessed?
The body that regulates your profession determines the assessment fee and exam fees. It may cost thousands of dollars. If the regulatory body determines that you need more education the total cost of having your qualifications recognized can cost thousands of dollars.

Can I use my Canadian Language Benchmark assessment to get a job?
No, the results you get from the assessment centre are for placing students in EAL classes. They give only a general picture and are not intended for hiring or immigration purposes. Employers should not be asking for CLB scores.

Are there long waiting lists for English classes?
No, for most programs you can enter immediately or within a few weeks.

How long can I take English classes?
In Manitoba there are no time limits studying English as long as you are continuing to make progress.

Can I get help to pay for exams or tuition?
The Manitoba Credentials Recognition Program assists with mandatory costs of your assessment by the professional body that regulates your profession including exam fees and books. We do not fund tuition.

Why were changes made to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)?
The MPNP is a dynamic program that was developed to respond to Manitoba's changing economic needs and therefore is regularly updated and enhanced in order to remain responsive to our economy.

In addition, Manitoba continues to introduce positive changes for immigrants such as The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act, Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, and our new Settlement Strategy. These changes need to be reflected in our evolving provincial nominee program.

All of these changes to the MPNP involve providing safer, fairer, clearer and more efficient information and opportunities to immigrants to encourage better settlement and labour market outcomes for those who choose to build their future in Manitoba.



What changes were made to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program?
We removed from the MPNP the Occupations with Additional Requirements List so that skilled workers from all occupations with a strong connection to Manitoba are eligible to apply.

However, live-in caregivers must still apply through the specific Government of Canada program created for them and cannot apply under that occupation to the MPNP.

All applicants must still be able to demonstrate their employability in Manitoba as well as a strong potential for retention and settlement success based on their documented education, training, work experience, language ability and adaptability.

We have introduced significant improvements to our website, one of the busiest sites in all of government, which will continue to be enhanced in order to provide more complete and useful information to applicants and newcomers to help them to settle successfully in Manitoba.



What are the processing times for MPNP applications?
In 2007, the MPNP processed more than 50 per cent of its priority streams within four months, nominated 3,370 applicants for an approval rate of 87 per cent. General stream applications had an average processing time for complete applications of 11.5 months.

The MPNP is based on a bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada which requires the province to thoroughly and consistently pre-screen all applicants to ensure that each nominee has a clearly demonstrated potential to become a successful economic immigrant to Manitoba.

This is why the MPNP processes the strongest applicants in its inventory first by selecting those with confirmed employment, job-ready English, training and work experience indicating potential for employability and/or strong family connections from a larger pool of applicants applying through several priority streams and one general stream.

Manitoba cannot guarantee processing times for any application because each application is assessed on its own merits, many are incomplete, and all require systematic and consistent follow-up with applicants and supporters to ensure program integrity.



Why did the MPNP remove the Occupations with Additional Requirements List?
The list was introduced in 2004 when Manitoba redesigned our provincial nominee program to allow applicants in most occupations to apply for nomination, making the program the largest and most accessible provincial immigration program in Canada.

The purpose of the list was to ensure that potential applicants received the information they needed before coming to Canada concerning licensing requirements which could present barriers to employment for them.

The list provided potential applicants with the information they needed to know and the steps they needed to take to improve their chances for employment in Manitoba, before they applied to the MPNP.

In 2007, Manitoba introduced The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act, and we are about to hire a fair practices commissioner to continue advancing Manitoba's International Qualifications Recognition Strategy to reduce barriers to employment for the skilled workers and their families who choose to make Manitoba their home.

As we continue to work with employers and regulators to make progress in reducing barriers to employment for newcomers, we feel the time is right to increase the accessibility of the MPNP.

The removal of the Occupations with Additional Requirements List will now allow for more applicants in regulated professions and trades to apply to the MPNP.

We feel that with the strong commitment we have in this province to reducing barriers to employment for newcomers, and our continued strong economic performance creating more demand for skilled workers, this is a good time to make our immigration program even bigger and more accessible to the workers Manitoba needs to continue growing.



Do I have to pay for English classes?
In Manitoba permanent residents and citizens born outside Canada can attend government-funded Adult English as an Additional Language classes free of charge. They are paid for by the provincial and federal governments.

How much English do I need to get a job?
You must demonstrate that you can read, write, speak and listen to the degree required by your employer. Immigrants with high education and professional qualifications may find they cannot work in their field or take qualification exams if their English level is low. English ability is critical - even to get an entry-level job.

I am a doctor in my home country. Will my licence and education be recognized in Manitoba?
Professions such as doctor, engineer and accountant are "regulated professions." It is illegal to work or use the title of certain professions unless you have been issued a licence by the regulatory body. See the section Professions.

How do I register for EAL classes?
In Winnipeg: Phone the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre, 943-5387, for an appointment to take the Canadian Language Benchmarks assessment then get referred to a school. Outside Winnipeg: Contact the school in your area. See: Classes outside Winnipeg.

What documents do I need to apply for an academic credentials assessment?
  • Canadian citizenship, permanent resident card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence IMM 5292
  • Social Insurance Number card
  • original or notarized copy of degrees, diplomas, certificates from studies completed outside Canada
  • original or notarized copy of final transcripts, mark sheets and academic record of subjects from studies completed outside of Canada
  • certified literal English or French translation of all documents in No. 3 and4
  • a resume
  • change of name documentation is required if the surname on your education documents is different than on your citizenship or permanent resident papers and SIN card


What documents do I need to provide to apply to the Credentials Recognition Program?
Original documents are required: landing papers, permanent resident card or citizenship; your degree or diploma and your resumé.

What is a benchmark?
A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) indicates how well you speak, listen, read and write in English. It tells you and language schools & teachers what level of EAL class is best for you. There are 12 levels.

How will the MPNP consider applicants in occupations which used to be on the now-removed Occupations with Additional Requirements List?
All applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba through the support of relatives, previous work experience and/or education in the province in order to be eligible to apply to the MPNP.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and each applicant must demonstrate his/her potential for employability in Manitoba, based on factors such as age, education and training, work experience, language ability, pathways to certification, transferable skills and available settlement supports.

For example nurses living overseas will be assessed based on the strength of their close family ties to the province, documented past education and work experience, together with English skills, allowing them to challenge licensing exams in Manitoba.

The purpose of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is to nominate skilled workers with the demonstrated ability to bring long-term economic benefit to Manitoba so individuals in low-skilled, high-turnover, and/or low-demand occupations may need to come to Canada first as temporary workers and work for a period of six-months before being able to apply to the MPNP.

The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act will ensure that temporary workers are recruited to Manitoba safely and fairly and receive the wages they were promised at prevailing wage rates.

Any temporary worker who works in Manitoba for at least six months is free to apply for permanent status through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.



How does changing the website immigratemanitoba.com improve the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program?
These changes will improve access to the program and will help potential new immigrants to be better prepared to apply successfully and settle smoothly in their new lives in Manitoba.

Updates are intended to ensure that applicants who can demonstrate their employability will successfully integrate into the Manitoba job market.

We want to help applicants be aware of any certification/licensing requirements in their occupation before they arrive in Manitoba

We also want to allow applicants with transferable skills in related occupations to apply to the program and be nominated.



Are we on track to increase immigration to Manitoba?
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is on track to nominate about 4,000 families in 2008, which will help to ensure that the province is able to meet its 2016 target of landing 20,000 newcomers from all immigration categories.

In 2007 immigration to Manitoba increased 9 per cent, reaching 10,955 immigrants - the highest level received in 50 years and within reach of the 11,000 target set in 2006.

The MPNP is our main source of immigration growth and accounted for over 70 per cent (7,689) of total Manitoba 2007 immigration compared to 67 per cent (6,661) in 2006.

In 2007 Manitoba also received 1,343 family class arrivals, 1,170 refugees and 641 federal economic immigrants.

Manitoba received 4.6 per cent of total immigration to Canada (236,758), one per cent greater than Manitoba's proportional share.



Who is coming to Manitoba?
Manitoba's newest immigrants came from over 150 countries and landed in over 110 Manitoba communities. Winnipeg welcomed over 8,386 immigrants in 2007.

Manitoba's top immigrant source countries are the Philippines (3,279), Germany (1,382), India (1,016), China (609) and El Salvador (429) in 2007.



Where are immigrants settling in Manitoba?
Almost 30 per cent of MPNP skilled workers and families who arrived in 2007 chose communities outside of Winnipeg to settle.

In 2007 Manitoba's top immigrant destinations were Winnipeg (8,386), Winkler (710), Brandon (642), Steinbach (369), Morden (125) and Reinland (42).



Are temporary workers arriving in Manitoba?
In 2007 Manitoba received 2,878 Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), 1,299 to communities outside of Winnipeg.

TFWs are eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program after acquiring six months work experience and ongoing employment in Manitoba.

Temporary workers play a key role in the Manitoba economy and we are working to ensure that they and all workers received protections against unscrupulous recruitment practices.

The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act will require that employment agencies are recruiters are licensed. All employers undertaking international recruitment will be registered so that we can ensure that workers are not being charged.