Manitoba PNP Increases Immigration Quota by 50% for 2023

On March 9, 2023, the Manitoba PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) announced a significant increase in their quota for 2023

The MPNP receives a set allocation from the Canadian government’s immigration department, and according to Manitoba’s labour and immigration minister, Jon Reyes, they will receive 3,175 more nominations this year. This represents a 50% increase in their annual PNP allocation from IRCC. Manitoba will now have a total annual PNP quota of 9,500 for 2023, almost equal to the PNP allocation for Alberta, which also increased by 50% this year.

With the Canadian government’s immigration levels plan for 2023-2025 targeting the welcoming of 105,500 immigrants via PNP this year, attention has now shifted to the provinces. MPNP has already issued 1,549 letters of advice to apply (LAAs) in four draws this year, including 50 LAAs in three special draws solely for Ukrainians.

Minister Reyes expressed the Manitoba government’s strong support for the increase, stating that it will enable them to utilize immigration even more to expand Manitoba’s economy and meet labour market demands in crucial areas such as healthcare. Since the program’s inception in 1998, nearly 185,000 MPNP candidates and their families have moved to the province from all around the world, with almost 21,000 immigrants naming Manitoba as their anticipated Canadian destination in 2022. Provincial nominees accounted for 64% of all immigrants who arrived in Manitoba last year.

Manitoba PNP to Hold Sector-Specific Draws

As per a recent press release by Manitoba’s labour and immigration minister, Jon Reyes, the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will conduct Sector-Specific draws to meet the labour market needs of Manitoba. This announcement comes after the recommendation of the Immigration Advisory Council’s report. These specific draws will take place in addition to the usual biweekly draws.

IRCC Express Entry System Moving to Category-Based Targeted Draws

The announcement of Sector-Specific draws for the MPNP program coincides with the IRCC Express Entry system’s move to new category-based targeted draws this spring. These changes aim to streamline the immigration process and ensure that Canada’s labour market demands are met.

Immigration Programs to Meet Corporate Demand for Labour

Reyes highlighted that the MPNP program’s primary objective is to bring skilled workers to Manitoba to fulfil corporate demand for labour, ultimately supporting the province’s Skills, Talent, and Knowledge Plan. The increase in PNP quota for 2023 will enable the province to expand its economy and satisfy labour market demands in vital areas such as healthcare.