As a temporary foreign worker, you may want to live and work permanently in Manitoba.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Workers (Manitoba PNP) is a government immigration program that selects skilled workers who demonstrate they have the potential and the desire to immigrate and settle themselves and their families in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program can assist you to move permanently to our province under its Employer Direct stream. Employer Direct is a Manitoba PNP priority assessment stream that helps Manitoba employers hire a temporary foreign worker who is already working in Manitoba. The Manitoba PNP would be your first step to becoming a permanent resident of Manitoba and of Canada.

After you submit your application and if you are approved the Manitoba PNP will send you a Letter of Approval and instructions on how to apply for your permanent resident visa at the Canadian embassy, high commission, consulate or visa office in your country of residence. If you are currently working in Manitoba on a temporary work permit you may apply at the Canadian Consulate General in Buffalo, New York.

Common questions about the Manitoba PNP

How can I apply to the Manitoba PNP if I am currently working in the province?
Temporary foreign workers currently employed in Manitoba can apply for permanent residence through the program if they have:

• a valid work permit
• a permanent and full-time job offer from a Manitoba employer
• been employed with that employer for at least six months
• the skills and language required for the job
• demonstrated their intention and the ability to settle permanently in Manitoba

More information and application forms are available in the How to Immigrate section of this website.

What documents about my employment in Manitoba should I include with my application?
You must include the following documents:

• a detailed employment offer on company letterhead and signed by a company official; this letter must be addressed to you and include your name, the job title, salary/wage rate and a description of duties and responsibilities
• a copy of any contract you were asked to sign before beginning the job
• a copy of your work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Can I change employers while my application is in process?
Yes. You can change employers but you must ensure that you obtain the proper temporary work permit reflecting the changes and you inform the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program office of those changes.

What happens after I receive the Letter of Approval from the Manitoba PNP?
The Manitoba PNP will send you instructions on how to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for your permanent resident status. You are required to fill out the application form, attach specific documents and your application fees. For more information about the permanent resident application process please visit CIC.

Can the Manitoba PNP assist me in obtaining a new work permit if I change employers?
Yes. If you are nominated by the Manitoba PNP an officer can assist you in applying for a new work permit by providing you with a Letter of Support to be included in your application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. To obtain a Letter of Support you must submit a job offer letter from your new employer to the Manitoba PNP. Your new employer will not require a labour market opinion to apply for a new work permit supported by the Manitoba PNP.

Can I still qualify for health care while my application for permanent residence is in process?
You will need to provide Manitoba Health with proof of your application for permanent residency. You can ask the Manitoba PNP to provide you with a letter stating you have applied for permanent residency.