Manitoba draw #246: 30 invitations sent to skilled workers abroad - threshold at 606 points
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Albert is a Member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC). He is also a Certified International Student Advisor.
On May 29, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its 246th draw in the Foreign Skilled Worker category, targeting exclusively candidates who have received a direct invitation as part of a strategic recruitment initiative. This draw demonstrates the province's clear commitment to recruiting highly specific profiles, notably via the Express Entry system.
Results of the #246 draw: a high threshold and a highly targeted selection
In this draw :
- 30 Letters of Invitation to Apply (LAA) were issued;
- The minimum score required to receive an invitation was 606 points;
- Of these 30 candidates, 5 had a valid profile in the Express Entry system and a job seeker validation code.
This meant that the draw was not open to all candidates from the EOI basin, but only to those who had been directly invited by the MPNP as part of a strategic initiative - a format usually reserved for international recruitment missions, targeted partnerships or specific events.
What are strategic recruitment initiatives?
Manitoba's strategic recruitment initiatives enable the province to select specific candidates to meet targeted economic needs. These initiatives include :
- Participation in international recruitment missions (in Europe, Africa, Latin America, etc.);
- Partnerships with Manitoba employers and educational institutions;
- Pilot projects in key sectors (health, education, transport, etc.).
To be eligible for this type of draw, you must :
- Receive a personal invitation from the province as part of a strategic project;
- Make sure you enter the correct information in your EOI profile, including a valid invitation number and a current language test.
Answers to 3 frequently asked questions about this type of print
1. Can I be selected without a strategic invitation in this type of draw?
No. This draw only targeted candidates who had been directly invited as part of an MPNP strategic initiative. If you do not have this invitation, you are not eligible for this specific draw.
2. I have a score above 606 but I have not been selected. Why not?
Two possible reasons:
- You have not entered a valid language test number, or it has expired;
- You claimed to have a strategic invitation, but did not provide a valid number. Update your EOI profile.
3. How to participate in an MPNP strategic initiative?
This usually involves participating in a recruitment mission organized by Manitoba, or being referred by a partner employer. Watch for announcements on the MPNP website or consult a regulated Canadian immigration consultant to identify upcoming opportunities.
Express entry and MPNP: a combined route for some candidates
This draw also shows that Manitoba continues to use Express Entry alongside its own EOI system. The 5 candidates invited via Express Entry were not only identified in the federal pool, but also received strategic validation from Manitoba. This dual alignment increases the chances of permanent immigration for these candidates, who can then receive a provincial nomination adding 600 points to their score.
Practical advice for potential candidates
If you are planning to immigrate to Manitoba :
- Take an active part in recruitment events promoted by the provincial government;
- Keep your Express Entry profile and EOI up to date with valid documents;
- Find out what sectors are in demand in the province (health, skilled trades, transportation, technology);
- If you have an employer in Manitoba, explore the possibility of being invited to participate in a future strategic initiative.
Conclusion: Manitoba targets specific profiles - be strategic too!
The May 29, 2025 draw demonstrates Manitoba's commitment to recruiting talent through specific, targeted channels, such as strategic initiatives. If you weren't selected, it doesn't mean your profile is weak, but rather that it didn't fit this specific recruitment strategy.
📌 Need help integrating a strategic initiative, validating your EOI profile or maximizing your chances of being invited?
Make an appointment now with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCC). He or she will help you prepare a solid file that meets MPNP requirements.
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