Manitoba has continued its targeted approach to immigration selection with a new Provincial Nominee Program draw aimed at skilled workers. The latest Manitoba immigration draw highlights the province’s focus on strategic recruitment initiatives designed to meet specific labor market needs, particularly through employer-driven pathways.
This draw represents Manitoba’s second provincial selection round in 2026 and reinforces its preference for candidates who align closely with workforce shortages.
Overview Of The January Manitoba Immigration Draw
On January 29, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program issued 47 Letters of Advice to Apply under the Skilled Worker Stream. Candidates were selected based on their Expression of Interest profiles, indicating they had received an invitation through a strategic recruitment initiative. Applicants were eligible under either the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway or the Skilled Worker Overseas pathway.
This draw continues a clear trend of targeted selection rather than broad-based invitations, emphasising Manitoba’s goal of connecting employers with qualified, job-ready talent.
The 47 Letters of Advice to Apply were distributed across several recruitment initiatives as follows:
- Employer Services: 24
- Temporary Public Policy For Work Permits: 14
- Regional Communities: 4
- Francophone Community: 3
- Ethnocultural Communities: 2
This distribution shows a strong emphasis on employer-supported candidates, with Employer Services accounting for more than half of the total invitations issued in the draw.
Express Entry Candidates In The Draw
Out of the 47 Letters of Advice to Apply issued in EOI draw number 263, six were granted to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. These candidates may benefit from faster processing of permanent residence applications at the federal level once nominated.
So far in 2026, Manitoba has issued 102 Letters of Advice to Apply across two draws, both of which prioritised candidates selected through the Employer Services strategic recruitment initiative.
Manitoba’s Focus On Strategic Recruitment
The January draw further confirms Manitoba’s preference for targeted recruitment initiatives over other streams, such as the International Education Stream.
By prioritizing candidates connected to employers or specific community needs, the province aims to ensure newcomers are well-positioned to integrate quickly into the labour market. Manitoba also noted that this draw included candidates working in regulated occupations who already hold full licensure.
Applicants in regulated professions must be genuinely employed in their field and able to demonstrate compliance with all provincial employment and licensing requirements.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Candidates who receive a Letter of Advice to Apply should carefully review their eligibility before submitting an application. Applications may be refused if an applicant cannot prove that they are actively working in a regulated occupation or do not meet Manitoba’s employment requirements.
Because the MPNP charges a non-refundable application fee of 500 Canadian dollars, candidates who are unsure of their eligibility may consider declining their invitation to avoid unnecessary financial loss.
Application Process And Submission Requirements
Applicants who accept a Letter of Advice to Apply must submit a complete application within 60 days of receiving the invitation. All applications are assessed based on the most current information published on Manitoba’s official immigration website.
Key application requirements include:
- All documents must be uploaded in PDF or JPG format.
- The maximum file size per document is 2 megabytes.
- Documents must be in English or French.
- Non-English or non-French documents must include notarised copies and certified translations.
Every claim made in the Expression of Interest profile must be supported with valid documentation. After completing the application and uploading all required materials, applicants must pay the 500 dollar fee and submit their application through the MPNP Online portal.
If payment is successful, applicants will receive an application file number by email within 48 hours. The online portal allows candidates to track application status, update information, add dependents, or upload additional documents if requested.
Why This Draw Matters For Skilled Workers
The January Manitoba immigration draw offers meaningful opportunities for skilled workers with employer connections or who meet specific provincial recruitment priorities. For candidates who align with these targeted initiatives, Manitoba continues to offer a clear, structured pathway to provincial nomination and eventual permanent residence.
Evaluating your eligibility for enhanced Provincial Nominee Program streams remains essential for anyone seeking to take advantage of these opportunities and establish long-term stability in Canada.
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