In the latest Manitoba PNP draw, an unusually high number of invitations were issued to Express Entry candidates under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream. Apart from an outlier draw in April, which issued 373 invitations to Express Entry candidates, draws this year have seen just a small handful of invitations to Express Entry candidates, usually in the single or double digits. This is also the first draw of the year that targeted only those in the Express Entry pool.
What does it mean to receive an invitation in this PNP draw as an Express Entry candidate?
Express Entry candidates who receive an invitation through one of Manitoba’s Skilled Worker or International Education streams still need to apply to the province for nomination. Once the processing of the application has been finalized and a positive decision made, the nomination will be extended on the candidate’s Express Entry profile. Upon accepting the nomination, a candidate’s Express Entry profile will automatically receive an additional 600 points towards their CRS score. This will essentially guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
Who would have received an invitation in this draw?
MPNP’s draw targeted candidates with a minimum score of 601 or higher on their points grid. The maximum a candidate can score for language, age, work experience, and education factors is 500. To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, a candidate must meet one of the following adaptability criteria:
- Have a friend or family member to act as a supporter or
- Previous education or work experience in Manitoba or
- Invitation to Apply received directly through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative
Candidates with only a friend as their tie to the province would receive only an additional 50 points and not have a high enough score to receive an invitation through this draw. One would need at least 150 additional adaptability points to meet the requirements of this draw (see MPNP’s adaptability points grid below).
| Factor | Points |
| Close relative in Manitoba | 200 |
| Previous work experience in Manitoba (6 months or more) | 100 |
| Completed post-secondary program in Manitoba (2 years or more) | 100 |
| Completed post-secondary program in Manitoba (1 year) | 50 |
| Close friend or distant relative in Manitoba | 50 |
| Ongoing employment in Manitoba for 6 months or more with long-term job offer from the same employer | 500 |
| Invitation to Apply under a Strategic Initiative | 500 |
| Intend to live in a destination in Manitoba outside of Winnipeg | 50 |
Manitoba’s recent nominee draw shows a trend of provinces increasingly using the Express Entry system to issue invitations to qualifying candidates that meet their requirements. It can also be noted from the high points cut-off, that Manitoba is continuing to issue invitations to candidates with strong ties to the province.
Lauren Boorman
