Manitoba issues 55 immigration invitations in its first Skilled Worker draw, focusing on targeted recruitment
Manitoba has officially launched its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of the year, inviting skilled workers who were directly selected through the province’s targeted recruitment efforts.
On January 15, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted its latest draw under the Skilled Worker Stream, extending 55 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to eligible candidates. While this is described as the province’s first draw of the year, it’s worth noting that the results are labeled as the first 2026 draw in official references likely an administrative or reporting inconsistency rather than a policy change.
Either way, the message is clear: Manitoba is continuing to prioritize skilled workers who meet its labour market needs through strategic recruitment initiatives.
Who Was Invited in This MPNP Draw?
Unlike general Expression of Interest (EOI) draws, this round was highly targeted. Only candidates who indicated in their EOI profile that they were directly invited by Manitoba through a strategic recruitment mission were considered.
Invitations were issued across both Skilled Worker pathways:
Skilled Worker in Manitoba
Skilled Worker Overseas
If a candidate did not declare a valid provincial invitation under a recruitment initiative, they were not eligible for this draw, regardless of their score.
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Breakdown of Invitations by Recruitment Initiative
The 55 LAAs were distributed across several of Manitoba’s priority recruitment streams, with a strong emphasis on employer-led hiring.
Here’s how the invitations were allocated:
Employer Services: 21 LAAs (about 38% of all invitations)
Regional Communities: 15 LAAs
Ethnocultural Communities: 9 LAAs
Francophone Community: 7 LAAs
Temporary Public Policy (TPP) to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective PNP Candidates: 3 LAAs
This breakdown highlights Manitoba’s continued focus on supporting employers, strengthening regional labour markets, and encouraging Francophone and ethnocultural immigration.
Express Entry Candidates Included
Out of the 55 total invitations issued in EOI Draw #262, 10 candidates had:
A valid Express Entry profile, and
An active job seeker validation code
This means some applicants may now be one step closer to receiving additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points through a provincial nomination.
How This Draw Compares to Previous Years
For context, Manitoba’s first Skilled Worker draw of 2025 (EOI Draw #236), held on January 9, invited 197 candidates.
Compared to that, this year’s opening draw is:
Smaller in size
Later in timing
More selective, focusing almost entirely on strategic recruitment
This slower start may signal a more cautious or targeted immigration approach moving forward.
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Met the Criteria but Didn’t Get an Invitation?
If you believe you should have received a Letter of Advice to Apply but didn’t, the MPNP outlines a few common reasons why candidates may be skipped:
You reported taking an approved English or French language test, but:
Didn’t include a valid test number, or
Your test results had expired
You stated that you were invited under a strategic recruitment initiative, but:
The invitation number entered in your EOI was invalid
Even small errors in your profile can prevent you from being selected, so accuracy is critical.
What This Means for Skilled Workers
Manitoba’s latest PNP draw reinforces an important trend: provincial nominations are increasingly invitation-based and employer-driven. Candidates without direct ties to the province or strategic recruitment invitations may see fewer opportunities in general draws.
Helpful takeaway:
If Manitoba is your immigration goal, building employer connections, staying alert to recruitment missions, and keeping your EOI details up to date can significantly improve your chances.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Provincial immigration programs can change at any time. Always refer to official MPNP sources or consult a licensed immigration professional for personalized guidance.