Immigration to Canada can be a complicated process. Each applicant's unique circumstances and aspiration often influence the decisions they make. Both the federal Express Entry System and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) provide legitimate pathways to permanent residence; however, their goals are very different, thus the intent of this article is to show the key differences between these two. Both programs aim to draw skilled labor into Canada, but their eligibility, structure, and process differ. There is an additional emphasis on candidates connected to Manitoba or with experience in higher demand locally under the MPNP, which simply aims to develop a regional labor market fit for Manitoba. Generally, Express Entry casts a wider net in screening qualified candidates across the country, and its selection process rewards the top candidates according to a point-based ranking system. This article compares and contrasts these two distinct programs by showing their differences in program structure, application procedures, fees, and selection criteria.

 

	Express Entry	MPNP
Program Type	a federal immigration system to manage applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.	a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) open only to the province of Manitoba to nominate individuals with specific local labor market needs intending to live in Manitoba. Streams include Skilled Worker (in Manitoba or overseas), International Education (Career Employment Pathway, Graduate Internship Pathway, and International Student Entrepreneur Pilot), and Business Investor (Entrepreneur Pathway and Farm Investor Pathway).
Application Process	The candidate fills out an online profile and is ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates in Express Entry are then given an invitation for permanent residency in impaired draws.	The candidate must submit an expression of interest (EIO) via the MPNP Online portal. If the candidate receives a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), he/she can apply to the MPNP, and on being nominated, they can apply for permanent residence through IRCC. Business Investor Stream, however, has a different, separate process that do not use the MPNP Online portal.
Selection Criteria	Candidates are ranked by their age, education, work experience, and language skills, leading to selection conducted through the Rounds of Invitation.	Selection depends on the stream and priority of the province. They include but are not necessarily limited to connection with Manitoba, work experience in an in-demand occupation, and education in Manitoba.
Fees	There is no fee to make a profile. Candidates would have to pay for language tests and Educational Credential Assessments, which are needed to make a profile. If invited for permanent residence application, the applicant will pay for the application fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).	There are no fees to submit an EOI, but if the applicant receives a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), MPNP charges a non-refundable $500 application fee.
Processing Time	Faster processing times of generally not more than six months from the date of application submission after receiving your invitation to apply for permanent residence.	Varied according to the number of applicants and also the particular stream one has to applied for within the MPNP.

 

Between the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and Express Entry system, it is important for applicants to weigh the pros and cons and consider regional fit against federal flexibility. Generally, MPNP prefers individuals who have close ties in Manitoba or those whose skill set meets the economic requirements of the province, thus providing a clear immigration pathway for those intending to settle there. The Express Entry, however, is a speedier and points-based approach for skilled workers with no limitations on where to settle after landing as permanent resident. At the end of the day, it is a matter of individual priorities. By having an understanding of these distinctions, prospective immigrants can align their applications with the program that best advances their journey to Canadian permanent residency.

 

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 website