Manitoba continues its proactive approach to addressing labor market needs through immigration by conducting a new round of invitations under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province’s recent draw, held on June 12, 2025, focused on attracting highly skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to the local workforce.
Also Read Manitoba Holds Targeted Immigration Draw for Skilled Workers Overseas
Key Highlights of the June 12 MPNP Draw
In the latest round of selections under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, Manitoba issued a total of 36 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) for permanent residency through its provincial immigration system.
- Total LAAs issued: 36
- Minimum score required: 613
- Express Entry-linked LAAs: 5 candidates invited had valid Express Entry profile numbers and job seeker validation codes
This draw specifically targeted candidates who had been directly invited by the MPNP under its Strategic Recruitment Initiative, indicating a more targeted and employer-driven selection approach.
What Is Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiative?
The Strategic Recruitment Initiative (SRI) is a specialized mechanism within the MPNP that connects Manitoba employers with skilled foreign workers to meet critical labor shortages.
Employers participating in the initiative must:
- Meet eligibility standards defined by the province for hiring international workers.
- Follow the ABC Recruitment Process, a structured pathway that ensures alignment with Manitoba’s immigration goals.
- Submit profiles of qualified foreign candidates to Employer Services, a provincial department tasked with coordinating international recruitment.
For candidates, being invited under the SRI means they must satisfy not just general criteria such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, but also align with the specific job requirements designated by employers and approved by the province.
Lower Nomination Limits in 2025
One of the significant challenges facing Manitoba and other provinces in 2025 is the reduction in federal allocations for provincial nominations. For Manitoba, the annual limit has been set at just 4,750 nominations, nearly half of previous years’ allocations.
This reduction has forced provinces to be more selective and strategic, often prioritizing candidates who can make an immediate economic impact or who have pre-existing connections to local employers.
While some provinces—such as Newfoundland and Labrador—have negotiated higher quotas with the federal government, Manitoba continues to work within a tighter cap, making draws like the June 12 one particularly competitive.
Express Entry and Manitoba’s PNP: A Dual Pathway
Although the Skilled Worker Overseas stream in this draw was not fully Express Entry-aligned, five of the 36 selected candidates had active Express Entry profiles. This reflects Manitoba’s strategy to continue leveraging Canada’s federal immigration system for faster processing and streamlined permanent residency pathways.
Candidates with Express Entry profiles benefit from quicker turnaround times and often have a better chance at being nominated if their skills are aligned with federal and provincial priorities.
How to Get Invited by Manitoba
If you’re an aspiring immigrant looking to settle in Manitoba through the MPNP, here’s how to improve your chances:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with up-to-date and accurate information.
- Engage with Manitoba employers who are recruiting internationally.
- Create an Express Entry profile if you meet the federal eligibility criteria.
- Focus on in-demand occupations and meet language and educational requirements.
- Monitor MPNP draw updates to stay informed of changing trends and eligibility scores.
Final Thoughts
As provinces adapt to new federal policies and shrinking nomination caps, immigration draws like this one from Manitoba signal a clear focus on quality over quantity. Candidates with relevant skills, employer connections, and Express Entry alignment will likely see better success in 2025.
Manitoba’s June 12 draw underscores the growing importance of strategic recruitment and employer-driven immigration pathways in Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
