The International Education Stream (IES) offers an expedited nomination route for international students who have completed their studies at designated Manitoba post-secondary institutions.
This stream comprises three pathways:
- Career Employment Pathway
- Graduate Internship Pathway
- International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)
Manitoba International Education Stream Overview
1. Career Employment Pathway
| Criterion | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | You are required to have completed a full-time program of at least one year/two semesters in duration at a designated post-secondary institution in Manitoba within the last three years. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | You must have a minimum level of CLB/NCLC 7. |
| Current Employment in Manitoba | You need to secure a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer, with a minimum one-year contract, in an occupation listed on Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations List that aligns with your completed program of studies in Manitoba.It is a requirement that you are employed full-time in Manitoba with a valid work permit at the time your application is evaluated. Please be aware that the MPNP may impose limits specific to programs or occupations.Manitoba graduates from degree programs qualify, provided they have a job offer in any occupation classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously NOC 0, A, or B) on the In-Demand Occupations List. |
| Settlement Funds | You need to exhibit liquid funds equivalent to the low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements to demonstrate independent financial resources for a six-month period, or alternatively, you must hold a full-time, long-term position of employment in Manitoba. |
| Adaptability | You must be a resident of Manitoba when applying. Additionally, you must demonstrate the intention to continue residing in Manitoba post-nomination, which includes submitting a Career Employment Plan outlining your prospects for a successful career path in the province. |
How to Apply – Career Employment Pathway
This procedure is applicable to the Skilled Worker Stream and the International Education Stream, excluding the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot. The Business Investor Stream follows a distinct process separate from the MPNP Online portal.
- Generate an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
- If granted a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), submit a comprehensive application to the MPNP.
- The MPNP conducts a thorough assessment of applications.
- Successful candidates receive nominations from the MPNP.
- Within 180 days of the nomination date, submit a separate permanent residence application to the Government of Canada for yourself and your family.
2. Graduate Internship Pathway
The Graduate Internship Pathway offers expedited nomination routes for international students who have completed master’s or doctoral degrees. These pathways involve internships that contribute to industry innovation in Manitoba. Graduates who conclude an Accelerate or Elevate internship with Mitacs in Manitoba have the option to apply to the MPNP right after graduation, regardless of whether they have a job offer.
| Criterion | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | You must have completed a master’s or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 (or equivalent) |
| Internship in Manitoba | You are required to have finished an internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba through Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate, including Accelerate Entrepreneur. |
| Employment in Manitoba | You are not required to have a job offer at the time of application. |
| Settlement Funds | You are required to exhibit liquid funds matching the low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements, demonstrating independent financial resources for a six-month period. Alternatively, you must hold a full-time, long-term position of employment in Manitoba. |
| Adaptability | You must be a current resident of Manitoba when submitting your application.Additionally, you are required to demonstrate an intention to maintain residence in Manitoba post-nomination. This includes submitting a Career Employment Plan outlining opportunities for a successful career path in Manitoba. |
How to Apply – Graduate Internship Pathway
This process applies to the pathways under the Skilled Worker Stream and the International Education Stream, except for the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot. The pathways under the Business Investor Stream have a different, separate process that do not use the MPNP Online portal.
- Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
- If you receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), submit a full application to the MPNP.
- Applications are thoroughly assessed by an MPNP officer.
- Successful applicants are nominated by the MPNP.
- Within 180 days from the date of nomination, make a separate application to the Government of Canada for permanent residence for you and your family.
3. International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP) allows a maximum of 20 international students who have graduated in Manitoba annually to embark on entrepreneurship instead of seeking employment. Once the applicant fulfills the conditions outlined in their Business Performance Agreement, they become eligible for permanent residence nomination.
Attendance at an information session is mandatory before submitting any forms to the MPNP. Prospective candidates are encouraged to register for an information session by emailing [email protected].
| Criterion | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Business Experience | As part of your application, the submission of a business plan is mandatory.You are obligated to function as a senior manager, actively engaged in daily operations at the Manitoba business location for a minimum of 6 months preceding the nomination. This aligns with the stipulations of your Business Performance Agreement (BPA).Furthermore, a minimum ownership of 51% equity in the business is a prerequisite. |
| Official Languages Proficiency | You must have a minimum level of CLB/NCLC 7. |
| Education | You are required to have successfully finished a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba with a minimum duration of two years. While studies and/or work/business experience outside of Canada are considered advantageous, they are not mandatory eligibility requirements. |
| Age | You must be between 21 to 35 years of age. |
| Adaptability | You are required to possess a valid open work permit* when submitting your application.Your continuous residence in Manitoba since graduation is a prerequisite. Demonstrating the intention to persist in residing in Manitoba after nomination is also mandatory. |
| Net Worth/Settlement Funds | No deposit is mandatory.While minimum net worth is not a specific eligibility criterion, your net worth and the source of funds will be assessed to evaluate your ability to successfully implement your business plan.It is necessary to demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to the low-income cut-off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources over a twelve-month period. Verification of your personal net worth will be conducted by an MPNP-approved third-party supplier.The verification report, along with the application, must be submitted to the MPNP within 120 days of receiving your Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA). |
| Business Performance Agreement | Upon approval of your application, you must sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) before the MPNP issues an approval-in-principle letter for implementation. |
How to Apply – International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
This guide outlines the steps involved in expressing your interest and applying to ISEP. Steps 1-3 pertain to expressing your interest, while steps 4-7 cover the process of submitting an application and fulfilling the necessary requirements for nomination.
- Perform an impartial self-evaluation to ascertain if you meet the minimum requirements of the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot.
- Fill out the Interest Guideline Form.
Step 2: Explore Manitoba and research your Business Concept
- Examine Manitoba’s business landscape and thoroughly research your planned venture.
- Attend a compulsory information session on ISEP at the MPNP. To sign up for a session, kindly email [email protected].
- Additionally, fill out a Business Concept Form.
Step 3: Submit your Self-assessment and Business Concept forms to the MPNP
After conducting research on Manitoba’s business environment and participating in the mandatory ISEP information session, you can submit the necessary forms via email to [email protected]. The required forms include:
- Your Business Concept Form
- Your Interest Guideline Form
- Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives if applicable.
You will receive a response via email. If you do not meet the minimum ISEP criteria requirements, your business concept will not undergo review. It’s important to note that submitting an Interest Guideline and Business Concept form does not constitute an application to the MPNP.
Step 4: Submit your full application to the MPNP
- If you have received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) to the ISEP, you must submit your completed application to the MPNP within the time period outlined in the LAA. The LAA will include detailed instructions for your application submission.
- Please note that the MPNP reserves the right to request verification of your net worth and financial information by a Manitoba-designated third-party service provider. Your LAA will indicate if the MPNP requires you to submit your net worth and financial information for verification.
- Electronic submission (email) of all provincial and federal forms is required. Paper copies of these forms will not be accepted. Paper copies (hard copies) of supporting documents can be submitted by mail or in person.
- All documents listed in the Instructions and Document Checklist and your net worth verification report (if required) must be submitted, and your application fee of $2,500 must be paid at the time of submitting your application to the MPNP.
Step 5: Application assessment
- The MPNP will evaluate your entire application, incorporating an in-person interview as part of the assessment process. Upon meeting all MPNP requirements, the Program will send you an approval letter via email.
- Before the MPNP grants provisional approval for your application, enabling you to proceed with your business plan, you are required to sign an ISEP-Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
Step 6: Operate your business in Manitoba
- Put your business plan into action and run your business in Manitoba. MPNP Officers are available to provide assistance, information, and feedback as needed.
Step 7: Receive your MPNP nomination
- For more details on the process and all of the steps, download the ISEP Process Map.
