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Manitoba reopened their Skilled Worker Overseas Stream on April 30, 2015 as part of their Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Manitoba has become a popular destination for many skilled overseas workers over the last 10 years. Approximately 130, 000 people have immigrated to Manitoba over the last 10 years!

Manitoba PNP

Manitoba PNP targets individuals with the skills they need for the province, those who have a desire to settle in the province and have ties to Manitoba. Manitoba PNP has introduced new changes and improvements to the program to ensure future intake stages are not necessary, resulting in faster processing times and a responsive stream. The two main changes are Expression of Interest and Procedural Fairness.

The MPNP Skilled Worker Overseas Stream operates with an Expression of Interest model to target those individuals with the skills Manitoba currently requires in their labour market and easier application management. Procedural Fairness is being strongly enforced to ensure that all applicants can respond to concerns that they have about the application.

It differs from the federal immigration programs because Manitoba PNP directly enables the candidate to settle in the province of Manitoba through the Expression of Interest program. The Federal Skilled Worker Program allows candidates to settle in any province in Canada. Manitoba PNP is administered through their own Expression of Interest system that was introduced earlier this year in January.

It is similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program because it uses a points-based system to assess candidates on relevant factors such as; age, language proficiency, work experience, education and adaptability. Manitoba PNP requires a minimum of 60 points to meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Overseas program.

Connection to Manitoba

One of the main selection factors that Manitoba looks for in candidates are their ties to Manitoba. A successful candidate will demonstrate their connection to Manitoba through the support of family members or friends, through previous education or work experience in the province, or through an Invitation to Apply received directly from the Manitoba PNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

Manitoba Expression of Interest System

Manitoba’s Expression of Interest System is entirely separate from Canada’s Express Entry System. Both are similar in nature; however, candidates who are eligible for any of the streams under the Manitoba PNP, including, but not limited to, the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, may submit profiles into the Manitoba Expression of Interest pool. Candidates are ranked according to the unique Manitoba PNP Ranking Points system and are awarded a score out of a maximum of 1,000 based on their eligibility criteria.

Candidates will be selected from the Manitoba pool and the candidates with the highest points may be issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) for Canadian immigration through the Manitoba PNP. After receiving an LAA, candidates will have only 60 days to submit a complete their application to the province of Manitoba.

Risk Assessment Factors

Manitoba PNP will subtract 100 points if a candidate demonstrates they have family in provinces other than Manitoba and not many relatives in Manitoba itself; have previously worked, studied, or a have made an immigration application to a Canadian province other than Manitoba.

Procedural Fairness

The second major change to the Manitoba Skilled Overseas Worker Program is the level of Procedural Fairness given to the applicant and application. Currently, a request for review of the application can be submitted after the applicant has received a negative decision. The new Procedural Fairness Process allow applicants to respond to and address the concerns and questions that Manitoba PNP representatives have before the final decision is made. This allows for a more transparent and informed process.

Conclusion

Manitoba is a popular destination for immigration because of its strong and stable economy. Its diversity and employment opportunities is what attracts many people in skilled work, professional careers, entrepreneurs and investors.

There are six (6) criteria that an applicant must meet to be eligible for Canadian Citizenship.

1.       Age

An applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship. If the applicant is under 18, a parent/ legal guardian can apply on their behalf, provided the child is a permanent resident and at least one of the parents is a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship at the same time.

2.       Permanent Resident Status

The applicant must be a permanent resident in Canada and must not be under review for immigration issues or under a removal order.

3.       Time you have lived in Canada

An applicant for Canadian citizenship must have resided in Canada for a total of three (3) years in the last four (4) years. This that a person applying to become a citizen of Canada must have lived in Canada for a minimum of 1095 days in the last four years.

4.       Language Skills

As Canada has two (2) official languages, an applicant must show they know at least one (1) of the languages in adequate ability and provide documentation to prove this. In addition, an immigration officer will be testing the applicant’s ability to speak either English or French during the interview.

5.       Criminal History

Should an applicant have any indictable criminal history in the last three (3) years, be under review for immigration fraud, under a removal order, being investigated, or has had citizenship revoked, then they are not eligible to apply for Canadian citizen.

6.       Canadian Citizenship Test

An applicant between the ages of 18-54 must show their knowledge of Canada and the privileges and responsibilities of acquiring Citizenship. This is displayed through a written test on citizenship. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide you with a study guide which can also be assessed on line by clicking on Discover Canada.  

Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship Applications

The current processing time for complete citizenship applications is 24 months. This time can increase if your application raises any questions or concerns that Citizenship and Immigration requires clarification on.

Documentation

In addition to the Canadian Citizenship Application form and payment of for processing fees. See below for supporting documentation required for your application package.

-          Copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)

-          Copy of Permanent Resident Card (PRC), if you have one

-          Original results of an official language test taken (keep in mind that CIC will only accept results of certain third-party institutions that offer these tests. For example, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General Test)

-          Proof of completion of either French or English secondary and post-secondary education (in Canada or abroad). This can be either a diploma, degree, transcript.

-          Copy of passport

-          Official Education records if you attended school within the last four years of applying

-          Two (2) pieces of personal identification (For example, drivers licence, Canadian health card, copy of passport etc.)

-          Two (2) identical citizenship photographs, see specifications on CIC website

-          Any and all documents or proof that display you have settled in Canada and have established ties to the country. (For example, copy of gym membership, copy of employment contract, any membership cards, property ownership etc.)

The information provided above can seem overwhelming. You may not think you are even eligible because you have been working outside of the country or you travel a lot. It is easy to make a mistake and delay or bar yourself from applying for citizenship but many people who believe they are not eligible, in fact, are!