If you’re a skilled worker living outside Canada and dreaming of permanent residency, Manitoba might be your golden opportunity.
The Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO) Stream, part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), allows qualified foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada based on their work experience, education, language skills, and ties to Manitoba.
And here’s the big news:
On July 10, 2025, Manitoba held a new MPNP draw, inviting international skilled workers and graduates under strategic streams. Candidates were chosen for their potential to integrate into the local economy and community—and you could be next.
Let’s explore how this stream works and what’s new.
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What is the Skilled Workers Overseas Stream?
The SWO stream is designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to Manitoba’s economy and are ready to settle in the province long-term. To apply, candidates must demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba, meet eligibility criteria, and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online.
Once selected, successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, which significantly boosts their chances of getting Canadian permanent residency.
July 2025 MPNP Update – Latest Draw Highlights
In the most recent draw on July 10, 2025, Manitoba invited candidates from both the Skilled Worker Stream and International Education Stream.
Under the Skilled Worker Stream:
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Candidates needed a minimum score of six hundred seventy-three
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Invitations were issued through strategic recruitment initiatives, including:
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Employer Services (three candidates)
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Francophone Community (two candidates)
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Regional Communities (four candidates)
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Ethnocultural Communities (eighteen candidates)
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This draw highlights Manitoba’s focus on cultural diversity and long-term community building. If you belong to an ethnocultural or francophone community, or have a regional or employer tie to Manitoba, your chances of selection could be higher.
Who Can Apply – Key Requirements for SWO Stream
1. Connection to Manitoba
To qualify, you must demonstrate a real and meaningful connection to the province through one of the following:
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Previous education in Manitoba
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Past work experience in the province
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A close relative or friend willing to support you
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Invitation through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative or Exploratory Visit
2. Language Proficiency
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For jobs at NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B, language test results are not mandatory but are highly recommended
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For jobs at Skill Level C or D, you must have valid test scores showing Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher
Language tests accepted include IELTS, CELPIP (English) or TEF, TCF (French).
3. Education Level
While there’s no fixed minimum, candidates with secondary education or higher score better. Those with post-secondary training or degrees are more likely to receive an invitation due to stronger profiles.
Points Assessment Grid
To qualify, you must score at least sixty out of one hundred points on the MPNP Points Assessment Grid. However, simply meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation. Only top-ranking candidates are selected in regular draws.
Settlement Plan
All applicants must submit a Settlement Plan—a personal strategy outlining how you’ll live, work, and contribute in Manitoba. This shows your long-term intent and improves your overall profile.
Settlement Funds
Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival:
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Ten thousand Canadian dollars for the principal applicant
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Two thousand Canadian dollars for each accompanying family member
These requirements align with both provincial and federal immigration guidelines.
Application Process – Step by Step
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create a profile in the MPNP online portal, detailing your qualifications, language scores, work history, and Manitoba connection. -
Wait for a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA)
If your EOI ranks high enough, you may receive an LAA. This gives you sixty days to submit a complete application to the province. -
Submit Your MPNP Application
Upload documents such as your language test results, education credentials, work experience letters, proof of settlement funds, and your Manitoba connection. -
Receive Nomination and Apply for Permanent Residence
If approved, you’ll get a Provincial Nomination Certificate and instructions to submit your federal permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Application Processing Time
Once you’re nominated, you have six months to apply for permanent residency federally. Paper-based applications typically take up to eighteen months to process.
Final Thoughts
Manitoba’s Skilled Workers Overseas stream continues to be one of the most accessible ways for international professionals to immigrate to Canada—especially if you’re outside the country.
With the province actively recruiting through ethnocultural, employer, and community-based initiatives, this is the perfect time to check your eligibility and prepare a strong profile.
Start your journey today. Your future in Canada could begin with one invitation.
