Immigration Initiative

Applications Temporarily Closed

Due to a limited number of annual endorsement allocations and a significant backlog of applications from prior years, we are not currently accepting new immigration applications.

Our initiative operates under annual quotas and government compliance requirements. To ensure proper assessment and support for applicants already in the process, intake capacity has been reached and the waiting list is currently full. As a result, new applications are temporarily paused until Spring 2027.

Prospective applicants are still welcome to submit a Candidate Profile. Although new files cannot be accepted into the program at this time, profiles received will be retained on file and may be considered if additional capacity becomes available or when intake reopens.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

Candidate selection is based primarily on the eligibility requirements of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) pathway, including Manitoba’s current Occupations In-Demand List  and the language requirements associated with each occupation and National Occupational Classification (NOC) category.

2. Ethnocultural Eligibility

The initiative is intended for individuals who are members of, or have a genuine connection to, the Arab community through Arab ancestry, family relationships, marriage, or long-standing cultural, linguistic, or community ties. Employment, study, or residence in an Arab country alone does not establish eligibility for endorsement.

Ignite Manitoba assesses each applicant individually. Community connection, demonstrated participation, and the ability to integrate into and contribute to Manitoba’s Arab community are considered as part of the overall assessment.

3. Settlement Funds and Readiness

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds based on family size and overall settlement readiness. Published minimum settlement fund requirements may not always reflect the actual costs of establishing a new life in Manitoba. In addition to financial resources, Ignite may consider factors such as employability, labor market readiness, and the estimated time required to secure employment after arrival.

4. Exploratory Visit

Selected candidates are generally required to complete an in-person Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. The visit is by invitation only and forms part of the assessment process. During the visit, applicants are expected to research employment opportunities, communities, and settlement options, and may participate in meetings or an interview with Ignite Manitoba representatives and, where applicable, a Manitoba Immigration Program Officer.

The Exploratory Visit provides candidates with an opportunity to determine whether Manitoba is the right place for their long-term settlement while allowing program representatives to assess the applicant’s preparedness, employability, and genuine intention to establish themselves and contribute to Manitoba’s economy and community life. Visits are scheduled on a staggered basis according to candidate profiles, occupational backgrounds, program requirements, and operational capacity.

To help candidates prepare, we provide an Orientation Guide designed to help them make the most of their time in Manitoba. Applicants are encouraged to use the guide when planning their visit and to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn about Manitoba, experience Canadian life and culture, and enjoy their stay in our province and country.

5. The Endorsement Process

Community endorsement does not constitute a provincial nomination or guarantee that an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will be issued. Eligible candidates endorsed by Ignite Manitoba may receive an additional 500 points when submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the MPNP. Candidates selected by Manitoba may then receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) and proceed with a full MPNP application. All final decisions are made by the Government of Manitoba and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Applications will not be considered if they do not meet the minimum qualifications  

6. Temporary Measure for Workers Already in Manitoba

The Government of Manitoba has introduced a temporary measure under the Ethnocultural Immigration Initiatives that allows Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM) to apply for permanent residence with the support of an approved community partner. The measure is currently in effect until December 31, 2027.

Temporary Measure SWM – Eligibility Requirements

1. Hold a valid temporary work permit;
2. Be currently living and employed in Manitoba;
3. Have completed at least 6 months of full-time employment in Manitoba, or 12 months of full-time employment in Manitoba if they previously studied or worked in another Canadian province;
4. Have ongoing full-time employment with a Manitoba employer;
5. Meet a minimum English language requirement of CLB 5, unless a higher level is required for the occupation;
6. Receive endorsement support from Ignite Manitoba; and
7. Meet all other applicable MPNP and initiative eligibility requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible to Apply?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply through this Initiative:

1. Refugee claimants or individuals involved in a federal appeal, inadmissibility, or removal process in Canada.
2. Temporary foreign workers are currently living and working outside Manitoba.
3. Spouses of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
4. Live-in caregivers currently residing in Canada.
5. Individuals who were refused by the MPNP within the past 6 months who have not addressed the reason(s) for refusal
6. Individuals with an active immigration application under another provincial or federal immigration program.
7. Individuals, or their spouses, who already have an active MPNP application, as duplicate applications under the MPNP are not permitted.
8. Applicants who intend to settle in a Manitoba community that operates its own Strategic Immigration Initiative or selection process.
9. Applicants with significant connections to another Canadian province will be subject to enhanced assessment to determine whether they have a genuine intention to settle permanently in Manitoba.

Eligibility requirements are subject to change based on current MPNP policies and program criteria.

Important Resources

Before applying, please review the following official Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program resources:

MPNP Skilled Worker Overseas Eligibility
https://immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate/skilled-worker/swo/eligibility

Occupations In-Demand List
https://immigratemanitoba.com/work/in-demand-occupations

MPNP Self-Assessment Worksheet
https://immigratemanitoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/manitoba-immigration-mpnp-points-worksheet-interactive-2.pdf

Expression of Interest (EOI) Information
https://immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate/apply/eoi

Application Process

STAGE 1 – Candidate Evaluation

Step 1: Complete the MPNP Self-Assessment

Applicants should first review Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program requirements and complete the self-assessment worksheet to determine whether they meet the minimum eligibility threshold.

Step 2: Submit Candidate Profile Summary

Complete and email the Candidate Profile Summary to igniteimmigration@gmail.com for preliminary review.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet and continue to meet the criteria of the MPNP.

Step 3: Preliminary Assessment

Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, labour market alignment, settlement readiness, and overall suitability for the initiative. If the profile is considered suitable, Ignite may request additional supporting information and documents. Selected candidates may then receive an invitation letter to support an application for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through the appropriate Canadian visa office.

Step 4: Exploratory Visit (EV)

Candidates selected under this initiative are generally required to complete an in-person Exploratory Visit to Manitoba as part of the assessment process. The Exploratory Visit is by invitation only and is intended to help applicants establish a connection to Manitoba, which is an important eligibility factor under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

During the visit, candidates are expected to explore Manitoba communities, research employment opportunities, and assess potential places to live and work as future permanent residents. Applicants may also participate in meetings and an interview with Ignite representatives in coordination with a Manitoba Immigration Officer.

The Exploratory Visit allows candidates to evaluate whether Manitoba is suitable for their long-term settlement while also assisting program representatives in assessing the applicant’s preparedness, employability, and genuine intention to contribute to Manitoba’s economy and community life.

Due to scheduling and coordination requirements, Exploratory Visits are organized on a staggered basis according to candidate profiles, occupational backgrounds, and program availability.

Step 5: Community Endorsement

Candidates approved through the assessment process may receive community support under the initiative.

STAGE 2 – Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

Step 6: Create an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Eligible candidates create an MPNP Expression of Interest profile and enter the selection pool. Eligible candidates supported under the initiative may receive an additional 500 points.

EOI Information:  https://immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate/apply/eoi/

Step 7: Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) 

Candidates selected by Manitoba may receive a Letter of Advice to Apply and proceed with a full MPNP application.

STAGE 3 –Provincial Nomination

Step 8: Submit a Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Application 

Candidates will prepare and submit their complete MPNP application along with all required supporting documents. Ignite may provide guidance regarding required documentation, including preparation of the Exploratory Visit Report.

At the submission stage, candidates will request the final stamped endorsement letter from Ignite for inclusion in the application package.

If approved, Manitoba will issue an official Provincial Nomination Certificate.

STAGE 4 – Permanent Residence

Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residence  

Following nomination, applicants submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

All final decisions regarding permanent residence are made by the Government of Canada.

Regarding Immigration Representatives

Ignite Manitoba does not work with, recommend, or endorse any immigration consultants, representatives, or law firms.

Hiring an immigration representative is a personal choice. Applicants do not receive any priority, preference, or advantage by using one.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their own applications whenever possible.

Business Succession and Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Canada is entering one of the largest business succession transitions in its history. As many business owners retire over the coming years, thousands of successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will require new owners, managers, and successors. This presents an important opportunity for skilled newcomers with management, technical, professional, or entrepreneurial experience to contribute to Manitoba’s economy while building their own future.

Business succession offers an alternative to starting a new business from the ground up. Acquiring or partnering in an established business may provide immediate access to experienced employees, existing customers, operational systems, and an established reputation within the community. Successful ownership transitions also help preserve local jobs, maintain essential services, and support the long-term economic sustainability of Manitoba communities.

Opportunities may exist across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, transportation and logistics, hospitality and food services, retail, construction and trades, agriculture, professional services, technology, accounting and bookkeeping, and other service-based industries.

Individuals considering the purchase or investment in a business should conduct appropriate due diligence and obtain independent legal, accounting, tax, and financial advice before making any investment decision.

As part of its community development efforts, Ignite Manitoba works with business owners, Chartered Professional Accountants, financial professionals, and community partners who may help newcomers explore business succession opportunities and expand their professional networks in Manitoba.

Applicants with entrepreneurial interests are encouraged to explore business succession as one of many pathways to long-term economic integration and community development in Manitoba. Through its network of business owners, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs), entrepreneurs, and community leaders, Ignite Manitoba can facilitate introductions and networking opportunities to help newcomers better understand Manitoba’s business environment and explore potential employment, partnership, investment, and business succession opportunities.

Ignite Manitoba does not provide investment, legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, nor does participation in this initiative guarantee access to a business opportunity, business acquisition, or approval under any immigration program. Applicants should always obtain independent professional advice before making any business or investment decision.