Manitoba
Government of Manitoba
Immigrate to Manitoba, Canada. This is the official Government of Manitoba Immigration website. All information on this site, including application forms for immigration is provided free by the government.
BEFOREYOUAPPLY 
EXPLORATORY VISITS

Consider making an exploratory visit to Manitoba


Criteria and guidelines for visits

Welcome to Manitoba
  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: what you need to know
  • What is an exploratory visit?
  • Seven criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba
  • Five steps to planning a successful exploratory visit
  • What to do during your exploratory visit to Manitoba



Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: what you need to know


The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Workers (MPNP) is an immigration program that allows the Canadian province of Manitoba to select or nominate individuals for permanent resident status in Canada who demonstrate that they have the skills and adaptability necessary to contribute to the economy of Manitoba.

In order to be eligible to apply to the MPNP, applicants must meet the criteria described in our application kit. The MPNP will consider nominating applicants who demonstrate that they meet the age, education, language ability and work experience requirements necessary to indicate that they are employable in a skilled occupation in Manitoba.

Applicants must also demonstrate a good potential for retention and adaptability in this province by showing evidence of a strong connection to Manitoba through past or current work experience, completed education, support of friends or family in Manitoba, and/or a successful exploratory visit and interview with the MPNP.


What is an exploratory visit?


Some potential applicants to the MPNP may choose to strengthen their knowledge of Manitoba, as well as their connection to this province, by making an exploratory visit to investigate the employment, education and lifestyle opportunities available here.

The MPNP may consider direct interviews with individuals who are undertaking an exploratory visit if the potential applicant meets the seven criteria described below.


Seven criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba


1.  You are between the ages of 21 to 49.

2.  You have completed a minimum one-year post-secondary education or training program for which you received a diploma or certificate.

3.  You have worked at least two years in the past five years in a full-time occupation and can demonstrate that you could be employable in Manitoba in that occupation within the first year of permanent residence in Canada.

4.  You can demonstrate a minimum of six points in English or French based on the Manitoba PNP language grid and/or a minimum score of five on an IELTS exam (International English Language Testing System).

5.  The MPNP is satisfied that you do not have stronger ties to other provinces in Canada and have good potential to settle permanently in Manitoba.

6.  You must contact the MPNP at least two months in advance to discuss the possibility of an exploratory visit.

7.  The MPNP agrees before you arrive in Manitoba to have an interview with you during your exploratory visit

Permission to undertake an exploratory visit that includes an interview with the MPNP is provided at the sole discretion of the MPNP subject to our evaluation of the applicant's ability to meet the criteria above and available staff resources. An exploratory visit and interview with the MPNP does not guarantee a favourable decision on a future MPNP application.


Five steps to planning a successful exploratory visit


An exploratory visit to Manitoba is an opportunity to discover Manitoba and to make a more informed decision about choosing Manitoba as an immigration destination in Canada.

1.  Research and learn as much as you can about Manitoba before you visit. The following websites will help you to find important information about employment opportunities, housing, education, cost of living and different Manitoba communities.

  • Immigrate to Manitoba, Canada
    Browse this website for information about applying for immigration, preparing to move, as well as about settling, learning English, finding work and living in Manitoba communities.

  • Working in Manitoba, Canada Tool
    Use this website to look up jobs by title in all Manitoba regions and find current and forecasted employment opportunities as well as skill, educational, language and other qualification requirements, and more information about each job.

  • Manitoba Companies Directory
    This website lists all business operating in Manitoba, what they do, and contact information.

  • Manitoba Cities and Towns
    This webpage gives information on Manitoba's cities, towns and villages that have services in place to welcome immigrants, and links each community's website. If you are interested in settling in a community outside of Winnipeg use that link to contact the community's office for information about its settlement and language services, employment opportunities and attractions.

2.  Review the criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba described above and ensure that you are able to meet all the requirements.

3.  Contact the MPNP office by e-mail at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca at least two months before your visit to communicate your interest in undertaking an exploratory visit as well as your ability to meet all requirements. You should include a detailed resumé listing your education, training and work history as well as electronic copies of any additional documentation that could support your request.

Applicants who wish to be considered for an exploratory visit including an interview with the MPNP should contact the MPNP directly and not through an immigration, community or other representative.

4.  The MPNP will provide you with a response by e-mail with one of the following responses:

  • We are unable to approve your request for an exploratory visit with an interview with MPNP at this time. OR

  • The MPNP is prepared to consider an interview with you, pending available resources. Please contact our office by e-mail at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca and provide additional details of your visit.

Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation of an interview date from our office.

5.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper travel documents required by the Government of Canada to visit this country. The MPNP will not provide you with a letter of invitation in order to obtain a visitor visa if required and cannot intervene on your behalf if your visa application is denied.


What to do during your exploratory visit to Manitoba


During your exploratory visit, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program expects you to:

  • explore opportunities in your field of work and meet with prospective employers
  • consult with employers and regulatory bodies (if necessary) about your potential employability in Manitoba
  • explore the housing, educational and lifestyle opportunities in the community in which you would like to live, including available employment and settlement services

If your visit has been approved by the MPNP you will have a scheduled interview, usually near the end of your visit. We will tell you your interview date when in our initial e-mail response.

During this interview you should be prepared to speak about what you have done during your visit to Manitoba and your plans for successful settlement in Manitoba including information about:

  • the community in which you hope to reside, the places you have visited, the services you have learned about
  • the occupation(s) in which you (and your spouse if relevant) intend to seek employment, the contacts you have made to explore potential employment opportunities and any feedback you have received about your employability
  • why you believe that you can be a strong candidate for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

We strongly recommend that you bring sufficient supporting documentation to the MPNP interview, including education and training certificates and employment references for both you and your spouse (if relevant) as well as any supporting letters or other documentation resulting from your exploratory visit.

You will receive notification directly from the Manitoba PNP within four weeks of your interview, informing you whether or not you are considered eligible to apply for nomination by the MPNP.


We thank you for your interest in our province and wish you success during your exploratory visit.