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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
What is the
Manitoba Provincial Nominee program (MB PNP)?
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee program is an immigration program. It allows
the government of Manitoba to recruit and assess immigrants who are best
suited to contribute to the province’s economy and who intend to live and work
in Manitoba. The MB PNP seeks out potential immigrants who are good candidates
for Manitoba but who otherwise may not qualify under Canada’s immigration
criteria. An applicant nominated by Manitoba should receive favourable and
prompt consideration from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as long as they
comply with medical and statutory requirements.
There are two categories of immigrants under the Provincial Nominee program.
One is skilled workers and the other is business immigrants. This application
kit has information and forms for skilled workers; that is, individuals with a
combination of education, training and experience that allow them to
contribute to and benefit from Manitoba’s economic growth. Information on the
Manitoba Provincial Nominee program for business is available on the Internet
at www.immigratemanitoba.com or by contacting Manitoba Labour and Immigration
at (Canada 001) 204-945-2806.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee program for skilled workers
Under the MB PNP for skilled workers, Manitoba recruits, screens and nominates
prospective immigrants with the skills to fill specific Manitoba labour market
requirements. If you are a skilled worker and are interested in living and
working in Manitoba, you have the best chance of being nominated if:
• your training
and work experience is in demand in Manitoba;
• you have a guaranteed job offer consistent with your training and
experience; and
• you have settlement supports in Manitoba to assist you upon your arrival
in Manitoba.
The above factors
are determined when your application is assessed according to the criteria
outlined in this kit. If Manitoba nominates you, a Certificate of Nomination
will be issued. You can then apply for a permanent resident visa through
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). You must still meet the federal
regulatory requirements (medical examination, security and criminal checks) as
outlined by CIC.
How do I know
if I should apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee program?
Please consult the section entitled, “Who May Apply?”. If you meet these
conditions, complete the Self-Assessment Guide to see if you have 55 or more
points. If your self-assessment shows that you have a good chance to be
considered, and you want to live and work in Manitoba, you should submit your
application and necessary supporting documents to Manitoba Labour and
Immigration.
What criteria are used to assess Provincial Nominee applications?
The criteria, as defined by Manitoba Labour and Immigration, include age,
education, occupational demand in Manitoba, guaranteed employment in Manitoba,
work experience, regional development, language and adaptability.
Do I need to engage the services of a representative (i.e. lawyer or
consultant) to help me complete my forms or advise me on my application?
You are not required to have a representative. Some people do choose to have a
representative; however, if you hire someone, your application will not
receive special attention, or be handled differently from other applications.
Please see the brochure Immigration Representatives: Who they are and what you
should know about them, included in this package or on our Web site:
www.immigratemanitoba.com
Who do I include in my application?
Your spouse and all your dependent children must be included in your
application. (See Important Terms for a definition of dependent children.)
Your spouse and other dependent family members 18 years of age or over must
complete the IMM 0008 and IMM 5406 forms.
What about my dependents who are not accompanying me to Canada?
All your dependents, whether they accompany you to Canada or not, must be
included in Part A of your IMM 0008 application form. If they are 18 years of
age or over, they must complete their own IMM 0008 and IMM 5406 application
forms whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not.
Can my child, who is not considered a dependent according to CIC, come with my
family to Manitoba?
Manitoba Labour
and Immigration may issue Provincial Nominee Certificates of Nomination for
accompanying adult dependents in order to facilitate the settling and
retaining of the larger family unit in Manitoba. Certain conditions must be
met for your adult dependent to be considered an accompanying family member
under MB PNP. Consult “Who May Apply?” for details.
Can I claim my
fiancé(e) as a dependent?
A fiancé(e) is not a dependent for purposes of immigration. If your
fiancé(e) intends to accompany you to Manitoba, and you are not getting
married before you apply for the MB PNP, he/she would need to fill out their
own application and qualify on their own as a principal applicant.
Does it help if I have relatives in Manitoba?
Yes. If you or your spouse have a daughter, son, brother, sister, parent,
grandparent, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew or first cousin in Manitoba, you will
have a better chance of qualifying for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee
program. Your relative must reside in Manitoba, be a permanent resident or
Canadian citizen
who is 18 years of age or older, and may be required to sign an affidavit of
support. Proof of that relationship will be required.
What if I have no relatives in Manitoba but other Manitoba residents have
offered to assist me in settling in Manitoba?
Under the family-like support provisions, a group of five or more adults are
eligible to commit support for a provincial nominee. The supporters must meet
established criteria and sign an affidavit that they will support the
applicant and any dependents for a minimum of one year. A copy of the
affidavit is available
from Manitoba Labour and Immigration.
If my intended occupation requires licensing or registration, do I need to
have all my work-related documentation in order before applying to the
Manitoba Provincial Nominee program?
It depends on your occupation. Each province in Canada has different and
strict accreditation requirements. Please research your individual case
carefully. Consult our Web site, www.immigratemanitoba.com for links to sites
that can give you more information.
Do my documents have to be translated by a certified translator?
All documents must be accurately translated into English or French for the
Manitoba Provincial Nominee program. If nominated, the Canada visa office may
require your documents to be translated by a certified translator.
I have a guaranteed job offer but my occupation is not on the Manitoba High
Demand Occupations List for Provincial Nominees (HDOL-PN). Will I receive
points for this job offer?
We recognize that there may be guaranteed job offers for occupations where you
possess unique skills that are in demand, but the number of positions
available do not warrant being listed on the HDOL-PN. There is a possibility
we would consider giving points for your job offer, if your intended
occupation is one
considered to be in demand in Manitoba. The employer may provide any available
documentation to help determine that your employment will not take jobs away
from Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
How do I qualify for points under Regional Development?
If there is a demonstrated connection to your destination, which is
outside the perimeter of Winnipeg, you may qualify for points under Regional
Development. You need to demonstrate this connection and prove to Manitoba
Labour and Immigration that you truly intend to settle and work there. Proof
may include, but
is not limited to:
• relatives in
the area
• friends in the area
• other unique ties to the community
• experience living and/or working in a rural area
• a list of potential employers in the region who require your occupation in
that region
• proof of direct contact between the applicant and the employer
• any other documentation to help establish this connection
How much money
must I bring with me to settle in Manitoba?
Provincial nominees are expected to be financially self-sufficient when
they arrive in Manitoba. The amount of available money that you need will
depend on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to whether
you have a job in Manitoba, if you have relatives or other family-like
support, or if your spouse has a good chance of finding work. We will ask for
further information about your financial resources when necessary. It is your
responsibility to convince Manitoba Labour and Immigration that you have
sufficient support. As a general guide, the Government of Canada recommends
that you have at least $10,000 (Canadian) plus $2,000 (Canadian) for each
accompanying dependent.
Is there a deadline for applying to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee
program?
No. However, the selection criteria may change without notice. The
occupations that are in demand in the province of Manitoba may also change.
Your application will be assessed according to the criteria in place at the
time we receive your application.
What fees will I have to pay?
There is no fee for applying to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee program. If
you are approved as a provincial nominee, you will have to pay all federal
processing fees and Right of Landing fees that apply to each member of your
family. Do NOT include fees with your Provincial Nominee application for
skilled workers.
The federal fees, which are paid to the Canada visa office, should ONLY be
paid if, and when, you are instructed to do so, by Manitoba Labour and
Immigration.
Who assesses the applications for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee program?
Immigration program officers at Manitoba Labour and Immigration assess all
applications. Each application is reviewed by at least two program officers.
If I am approved for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee program for skilled
workers, what is my next step?
If you are approved as a Manitoba provincial nominee, you will receive a
letter that explains the next steps. Successful applicants will be asked to
submit their ORIGINAL application to a Canada visa office as soon as possible,
and not longer than 180 days of being nominated by Manitoba Labour and
Immigration.
NOTE: The first step in this two-step application process is to submit your
Manitoba Provincial Nominee application to Manitoba Labour and Immigration
(address indicated in this package). Those chosen for the Manitoba Provincial
Nominee program will be instructed on how to apply for their permanent
resident
visa through Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which has the final authority
for issuing immigration visas. Do NOT send original documents to the Manitoba
Provincial Nominee program.
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS
TO A CANADA VISA OFFICE UNTIL THEY ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY MANITOBA LABOUR
AND IMMIGRATION.
Will I require a medical examination or criminal and security clearance?
Although a medical examination, and criminal and security checks are not
required to be approved as a Manitoba provincial nominee, they will be
required before you can receive a permanent resident visa for Canada. A person
who is approved as a Manitoba provincial nominee, his or her spouse and
dependent
children, whether accompanying or not, will each need to have a medical
examination. All adults will require a criminal and security check as well.
Any related costs are the responsibility of the applicant. The medical
examination and background checks are requirements of Citizenship and
Immigration Canada.
Successful applicants will receive further instructions regarding how and when
to complete these tasks. Manitoba will withdraw the PN Certificate of
Nomination prior to the issuance of the Permanent Resident visa (IMM 1000) if:
• the
provincial nominee, or any accompanying dependent, is found inadmissible as
a result of medical, criminal or security checks, or
• Manitoba Labour and Immigration learns that information provided in the
application is false or misleading.
DO NOT TAKE A
MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR IMMIGRATION PURPOSES UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO
BY CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA. OTHERWISE, YOUR EXAM RESULTS MAY
EXPIRE, AND YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY TO RE-DO THE EXAM.
How long will
it take for me to receive a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa?
Applying for a permanent resident visa under the Provincial Nominee program is
a two-step process. The first step is the assessment and decision made on your
application by Manitoba Labour and Immigration. Information on current
processing times is available by contacting Manitoba Labour and Immigration.
If approved as a Manitoba provincial nominee, the second step begins when you
apply to a Canada visa office for a permanent resident visa. Citizenship and
Immigration Canada attempts to process Manitoba provincial nominees as quickly
as possible. While processing times can vary from post to post, processing
times on average are significantly less for provincial nominees than for
applications through the federal streams. A significant difference is that if
all documents are complete, an interview by the Canada visa office may not be
required for Manitoba provincial nominees.
NOTE: There is no guarantee that an interview will be waived; however,
experience has shown this is more likely to occur if an applicant is supported
by a Manitoba Provincial Nominee Certificate.
The following can delay processing of your application: incomplete or unsigned
application forms; missing documents; insufficient postage; missing fees;
unclear photocopies; documents not accompanied by a certified English or
French translation; a medical condition that may require additional tests;
involvement in criminal activity; family situations such as divorce, custody
or maintenance issues; or failure to notify of a change of address. YOUR
APPLICATION WILL BE PROCESSED FASTER IF ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE AVOIDED.
Who May Apply?
General: Skilled workers may apply if they:
• are 18 years
of age or older when their application reaches Manitoba Labour and
Immigration;
• believe, after completing the self-assessment guide, that they meet the
selection criteria and can provide all the required supporting documents;
and
• reside outside of Canada OR have proof of legal status in Canada*.
*Please be
advised that Manitoba Labour and Immigration will only assess an application
if the applicant and dependents (if applicable) are residing outside of
Canada or can provide proof that they have legal status in Canada. For
example, refugee claimants in Canada are not eligible for consideration.
Foreign
temporary workers in skilled occupations may apply if they:
• have an
employment authorization for work in Manitoba that was validated by Human
Resources Development Canada. The current employer may be contacted to
determine the need for permanent workers in that occupation, and/or a
willingness to hire on a permanent basis.
Foreign
temporary workers in semi-skilled occupations* may apply if they:
• have been
working in Manitoba for at least 12 months in a semi-skilled job that was
validated by Human Resources Development Canada;
• have an employment authorization for work in Manitoba that is valid for
longer than 12 months, or one that has been renewed beyond the initial 12
months; and
• have a guaranteed job offer from their current Manitoba employer that
meets the criteria as explained in the Self-Assessment Guide.
*Semi-skilled
occupations, for purposes of assessment under the MB PNP, have certain
factors in common, including high turnover, frequent internal movement and
on-the-job training. Semi-skilled occupations generally require two to four
years of secondary school education (high school) along with short work
demonstration or on-the-job training.
International
students in Manitoba may apply if they:
• are 18 years
or older when their application reaches Manitoba Labour and Immigration;
• have completed a course of post-secondary studies in a Manitoba
educational institution;
• have completed at least six months of post-graduate employment (E08
Exemption) and are working in a study-related job; and
• have a guaranteed job offer in Manitoba that meets the criteria explained
in the Self-Assessment Guide.
Accompanying
adult dependents may be issued a MB PNP Certificate of Nomination if the
principal applicant (parent) is approved as a provincial nominee and if the
adult dependent:
• is between
the ages of 18-25 and is not considered a dependent child by CIC;
• achieves a minimum of 25 points under CIC’s skilled worker program;
• has never been married or had children of their own;
• is living with the principal applicant (parent) at the time the
application is made; and
• will be travelling to Manitoba at the same time as the principal
applicant.
Adult dependents
who wish to accompany their families to Manitoba, and who meet the above
conditions, should include an IMM 0008, IMM 5406 and supporting documents for
those forms together with the parent’s application.
MB PNP
http://www.gov.mb.ca
An introduction to Migration to Canada
Migration to
Canada contains the latest and
up-to-date information on Canadian Immigration
that is useful for the persons intending to
apply for Immigration to Canada under different categories. Information
about Family Members Sponsorships, Live-in Caregivers, Provincial Nominee
Program, Visitor Visas, Study Permits, Temporary Work Permits, Permanent
Resident Cards and Refugee Claimants and other categories under Canadian
Immigration are also available.
Guide to Canadian immigration covers all major issues about Canada immigration
and provide Immigration and Naturalization Service. Police Clearance
Certificates, Medical Examination instructions, Interview Guidelines are some
of the topics covered under
Guide to Canada Immigration.
We provide
Immigration and Naturalization Service to Migration to
Canada
also has online assessment forms for Skilled Worker Class, Business Class and
Provincial Nominee Programs to let the applicant know their chance before they
actually apply for Immigration to Canada. The assessment is free of
charge.
Provincial Nominee Programs gives information regarding immigration to British
Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador and Saskatchewan
provinces.
Immigration and
Naturalization Service for Migration to
Canada
also offers free subscription to
Immigration Today, a newsletter giving information regarding latest
developments in Canada Immigration Laws.
Under Immigration and Naturalization Service we are also offering an eBook
'Success Secrets for Migration to Canada' for information on Canadian
Immigration.
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