Manitoba's Career Employment Pathway for International Student Graduates
Canada has built a reputation for opportunities available tointernational students seeking world-class education and a pathway to permanent residency. Recently, however, as the number of international students to Canada has increased significantly (especially in Ontario and British Columbia), and as Express Entry has become extremely competitive, international students who wish to transition to permanent residency need to study Provincial Nominee Programs in building a strategy.
Manitoba has a three-pronged International Student Stream as part of its Provincial Nominee Program. This blog focuses on the Career Employment Pathway, which is designed to provide “faster nomination pathways for post-secondary students who graduate and find long-term employment in Manitoba in an in-demand occupation consistent with their training.”
Career Employment Pathway - A Closer Look
This stream is exclusively tailored for international students who have completed their post-secondary education in Manitoba and are eager to establish their careers in the province. International students who graduated in another province of Canada are not eligible under this stream, but may be eligible under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Career Employment Pathway, candidates need to meet specific criteria, including:
Education: Graduated from an MB DLI within the past 3 years from a full-time program at least one year/two semesters in length.
Language: CLB 7/NCLC 7
MB Employment: You must have a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer with a minimum 1-year contract in an occupation on Manitoba's In-Demand Occupations List that is consistent with your completed program of studies in Manitoba.
You must be working full-time in Manitoba with a valid work permit at the time your application is assessed.
Note: The MPNP may impose program or occupation-specific limits. Manitoba degree-program graduates qualify provided they have a job offer in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously NOC 0, A, or B) on the In-Demand Occupations List.
Settlement Funds: You need to show liquid funds that meet Canada’s low income cut-off (LICO) requirements for a six-month period or be employed in a full-time long-term position in Manitoba.
Adaptability: You have to live in Manitoba at the time of application. You also must show your intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after nomination, including the submission of a Career Employment Plan demonstrating opportunities for a successful career track in Manitoba.
Nomination Available Directly After Graduation
One of the most attractive aspects of the Career Employment Pathway is the opportunity for immediate nomination. Graduates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) right after graduating and obtaining a qualifying job offer.
This opportunity can provide significant peace of mind.
Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba
Why Manitoba?
Manitoba is a province renowned for its economic stability, safety and security, diverse communities, outdoor spaces, and an array of job opportunities spanning various industries. The province offers a high quality of life with an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive place to settle and build a future.
Watch the live or recorded version of this January 20 webinar about post-secondary education and immigration opportunities.
The Application Journey
Applying through the Career Employment Pathway entails several steps. This section provides an outline of the application process, which can begin after graduating from a qualifying program in Manitoba.
Step 1: Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) Profile
You will be allocated points based on your age, language proficiency, education level, work experience, and adaptability factors (e.g., family, friends, education, and work experience in Manitoba).
Step 2: If you receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), submit a full application to the Manitoba PNP. The application requires a non-refundable fee of $500. Processing time is around 4 months as of the time of writing.
Step 3: If your application is approved and you are issued a provincial nomination certificate, then you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 180 days. Processing times are around 18 months as of the time of writing.
Understanding the Expression of Interest (EOI) System
On January 11, 2024, Manitoba completed Expression of Interest Draw #207. As is typical for the International Student Streams, there was no cutoff score published for the International Student Stream; 58 candidates meeting the requirements of the International Student Stream received LAAs.
It’s useful to understand how points are allocated because aspiring immigrants should be open to multiple streams. You can self-assess here and understand how competitive you would be in recent draws at the EOI Archive.
If you need assistance in understanding how to build your Manitoba strategy, book a free virtual coffee at https://www.yourcanadianstory.ca/lets-meet
