In 2007, the MPNP processed more than 50 per cent of its priority streams within four months, nominated 3,370 applicants for an approval rate of 87 per cent. General stream applications had an average processing time for complete applications of 11.5 months.

The MPNP is based on a bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada which requires the province to thoroughly and consistently pre-screen all applicants to ensure that each nominee has a clearly demonstrated potential to become a successful economic immigrant to Manitoba.

This is why the MPNP processes the strongest applicants in its inventory first by selecting those with confirmed employment, job-ready English, training and work experience indicating potential for employability and/or strong family connections from a larger pool of applicants applying through several priority streams and one general stream.

Manitoba cannot guarantee processing times for any application because each application is assessed on its own merits, many are incomplete, and all require systematic and consistent follow-up with applicants and supporters to ensure program integrity.Close

You must demonstrate that you can read, write, speak and listen to the degree required by your employer. Immigrants with high education and professional qualifications may find they cannot work in their field or take qualification exams if their English level is low. English ability is critical - even to get an entry-level job.Close

Manitoba's newest immigrants came from over 150 countries and landed in over 110 Manitoba communities. Winnipeg welcomed over 8,386 immigrants in 2007.

Manitoba's top immigrant source countries are the Philippines (3,279), Germany (1,382), India (1,016), China (609) and El Salvador (429) in 2007.Close

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program was on track to nominate about 4,000 families in 2008, which will help to ensure that the province is able to meet its 2016 target of landing 20,000 newcomers from all immigration categories.

In 2007 immigration to Manitoba increased 9 per cent, reaching 10,955 immigrants - the highest level received in 50 years and within reach of the 11,000 target set in 2006.

The MPNP is our main source of immigration growth and accounted for over 70 per cent (7,689) of total Manitoba 2007 immigration compared to 67 per cent (6,661) in 2006.

In 2007 Manitoba also received 1,343 family class arrivals, 1,170 refugees and 641 federal economic immigrants.

Manitoba received 4.6 per cent of total immigration to Canada (236,758), one per cent greater than Manitoba's proportional share.Close

Almost 30 per cent of MPNP skilled workers and families who arrived in 2007 chose communities outside of Winnipeg to settle.

In 2007 Manitoba's top immigrant destinations were Winnipeg (8,386), Winkler (710), Brandon (642), Steinbach (369), Morden (125) and Reinland (42).Close

The Immigration Refugee and Protection Act gives authority to the Government of Canada to process applications from live-in caregivers through the federal Live-in Caregiver Program.

Manitoba would need to seek an agreement from the federal government in order to process live-in caregiver applications through a separate, provincial program.

Manitoba has no specific plans to seek an agreement with the federal government to process live-in caregiver applications, but is currently involved in direct discussions with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to renew the Canada Manitoba Immigration Agreement.

To bring a live-in caregiver to Manitoba, an employer must get a labour market opinion from HRSDC, and then the caregiver must work in Canada for two years before they can apply for permanent residence through the CIC`s Live-in Caregiver Program.

The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act will assist Manitoba to ensure that any live-in caregivers recruited to the province will be treated fairly by employers and licensed recruiters and will be protected by our employment standards legislation.

If an individual has training and work experience in an occupation other than "live-in caregiver" it is possible that he or she could apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program under that other occupation.Close

Houses and apartments are advertised in newspapers, online and often with signs on the outside of buildings (Vacany, For Rent, For Sale). And, you should ask people you know about where to find housing. Your neighbourhood settlement worker may be able to give you advice. You need to consider the cost. You also need to consider factors such as neighbourhood safety and location of grocery stores and schools. For more information go to: Housing.Close

In Winnipeg: Phone the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre, 943-5387, for an appointment to take the Canadian Language Benchmarks assessment then get referred to a school. Outside Winnipeg: Contact the school in your area. See: Classes outside Winnipeg.Close

The time it takes to get your qualifications assessed depends on the organization that regulated your profession. If the regulatory body decides that you need exams or university courses it may take a year or two.Close

A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) indicates how well you speak, listen, read and write in English. It tells you and language schools & teachers what level of EAL class is best for you. There are 12 levels.Close