
- Yve Camae Biriaei Najafabadi
- 2025/03/14
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Programs (MPNPS) provides international students wanting to build a bright future in Canada with various pathways toward permanent residency in Manitoba through the International Education Stream (IES). Criteria for eligibility include where you studied and what you're intending to do after graduation. In this article, i will discuss the three pathways for international students under the International Education Stream (IES). Generally, it is designed to attract international students who attended designated Manitoba institutions. Check out the eligibility for each pathway below:
1. Career Employment Pathway
This is ideal for graduates who secured employment that are long-term in Manitoba's in-demand areas.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
Education: Graduation from a Manitoba post-secondary program (at least one year/two semesters) in the last three years.
Language: CLB/NCLC 7 in either English or French.
Job Offer: A full-time one-year job offer in an occupation on the In-Demand List that aligns with the field of studies. You must have a valid work permit at the time of application assessment.
Settlement Funds: Proof of funds supporting Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) or active employment (full-time, long-term) in Manitoba.
Adaptability: Residing in Manitoba; submit a Career Employment Plan indicating intentions to stay.
Note: Degree holders from Manitoba might qualify provided the contract offers are in TEER 0-3 roles i.e. those formally listed as NOC 0, A, B.
2. Graduate Internship Pathway
Offering incentives for innovation to master’s or doctoral graduates through Mitacs placements, this pathway recognizes collaboration between academia and industry.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
Educational background: Must have completed his/her master's or PhD program in Manitoba within three years.
Internship: Completed Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship in Manitoba.
Language: minimum CLB/NCLC 7.
Job offer: Not required at the time of application.
Settlement funds: Savings meeting LICO’s criteria or current employment.
Adaptability: Live in Manitoba and submit a Career Employment Plan.
This pathway rewards academic excellence and industry collaboration, with no requirement for immediate formal work.
3. International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)
For budding entrepreneurs, ISEP has up to 20 nominations per year for graduates who launch businesses in Manitoba.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
Education: Completed a two-year full-time program in Manitoba.
Business Experience: The business must be Manitoba-based and run for at least six months with 51% ownership.
Age: Between 21–35 years.
Language: minimum CLB/NCLC 7.
Funds: Proof of 12-month savings that meet LICO and verification from a third party regarding net worth.
Adaptability: Valid open work permit, continuous residence since graduation, and intent to continue to reside in Manitoba.
Business Performance Agreement: This must be signed before an an approval-in-principle letter is issued, which will allow you to implement your business plan.
**For those who graduated from another Canadian province: While students from elsewhere in Canada are ineligible for IES, they may qualify through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway if they have a job offer, Manitoba work experience, and homeland ties.
Through its International Education Stream, the MPNP allows graduates from Manitoba to move from study permits to permanent residency. Each stream emphasizes the contribution to the economy and community of Manitoba. It is strongly advisable to read qualification requirements beforehand and gather corresponding documentation early on before presenting an application. For candidates graduating from other provinces, the Skilled Worker route is an alternative option. To turn your aspirations and skills into an asset for today, consider the MPNP as a passkey into a bright future in Canada.
Disclaimer: Please note that Canadian immigration laws and regulations are subject to change. The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and may not reflect the most current legal developments at the time of your application. We strongly recommend consulting official government resources or seeking advice from a qualified legal professional before making any decisions or taking action based on the content of this article.
For personalized legal guidance, please email us me info@bnborderless.ca or visit our website to book a consultation.
Sources: MPNP IES