The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is an immigration program established under the Canada-Manitoba Immigration Agreement in recognition of the fact that the province is best positioned to determine its specific economic needs in terms of immigration. The program allows the Province of Manitoba to recruit and assess immigrants who are best suited to contribute to the province's economy and who intend to live and work in Manitoba.

The MPNP seeks out potential immigrants with characteristics suggesting a strong likelihood of becoming successfully established in Manitoba, including those who otherwise may not qualify under Canada's immigration criteria. It offers qualified workers and business people an opportunity to be assessed as candidates who might be of significant benefit to the province’s economic development.

There are two categories of immigrants under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. One is skilled workers and the other is business immigrants.

Provincial Nominees are a class of economic immigrants under the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Applicants nominated by Manitoba who satisfy Canadian medical, and security requirements should receive favorable and prompt consideration from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Under the MPNP for skilled workers, Manitoba recruits, screens and nominates prospective immigrants with the skills to fill specific Manitoba labor market requirements. If you are a skilled worker and are interested in living and working in Manitoba, you have the best chance of being nominated if:

• your training and work experience is in demand in Manitoba;
• you have a guaranteed job offer consistent with your training and experience; and
• you have settlement supports in Manitoba to assist you upon your arrival in Manitoba.

If Manitoba nominates you, a Certificate of Nomination will be issued. You can then apply for a permanent resident visa through CIC. You must still meet the Canadian statutory requirements (medical examination, security and criminal checks) as outlined by CIC.

The Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada share responsibilities regarding business people immigrating to Canada through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Immigration Program for Business.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Immigration Program for business allows Manitoba to recruit, select, and nominate qualified business people from around the world who have the intent and ability to move to Manitoba and establish or purchase a business.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• minimum personal net worth of CDN $250,000;
• minimum amount of equity investment in Manitoba of CDN $150,000;
• demonstrated business experience or extensive experience in senior management of a successful company;
• conducted a visit or planning a visit to Manitoba within few months of applying to explore business opportunities and Manitoba's quality of life; and
• supply a Cash Deposit to the Government of Manitoba, in the amount of CDN$75,000 guaranteeing the establishment or purchase of a business in Manitoba. In most cases, the Cash Deposit will be released when the investment is made and the intended business is undertaken.

Manitoba would like to accept all applicants who meet the program criteria for nomination; however their agreement with the Government of Canada limits the number of immigrants that they may nominate each year. Given this limitation, Manitoba will select the applicants who best meet the qualifications and who offer the most to Manitoba.