"NEW IMPROVED SERVICE FOR MANITOBA PNP'

1. 70% OF BACKLOG OF 5100 APPLICATIONS UNDER PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM PENDING SINCE 2013 HAVE BEEN CLEARED AS CLAIMED BY CANADA GOVT WITH PROMISE TO FINALIZE CURRENT APPLICATIONS WITHIN 6 MONTHS TIME.

2. FIRST TIME DEMAND JOB LIST FOR EXPRESS ENTRY SYSTEM TO BE REGULARLY UPDATED TO HELP IMMIGRANTS

Helping Attract Skilled Workers, International Students Seeking Careers in Manitoba: Wishart Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) applicants will now benefit from improved service standards, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced today at an event highlighting renewed directions for the immigration program.

“We are pleased to implement higher service standards for applicants to restore the integrity of this important pathway to permanent residence in Manitoba,” said Wishart. “As of this month, all candidates who submit complete applications to the program will be processed in six months or less.”

Wishart noted the MPNP is an economic immigration program designed to attract job-ready skilled workers and active investors in Manitoba’s economy. This program has been a valued part of the immigration system since 1998, but in April 2016 a backlog of more than 5,100 applications had compiled, some dating as far back as 2013, he added.

Thanks to efforts over the last six months, the backlog has now been cleared, Wishart confirmed and noted that less than 70 files from prior years remain in process as the program awaits documents from applicants in accordance with fairness and integrity provisions. The minister also highlighted several features of the renewed program. . A new online resource that will include an in-demand jobs list will be updated regularly according to provincial labour market analysis and real-time labour market information from industry groups and training partners. The list will help prioritize invitations to apply from the Expression of Interest pool based on whether the candidate has in-demand occupational skills, is currently employed in Manitoba or has a high potential for employment. The minister noted the new resource will be published once approval is received from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in accordance with the Canada Manitoba Immigration Agreement. “Better information sharing and openness will improve service for applicants and ensure the respectability of this program moving forward,” said Wishart. “Our new online resource will include priority areas such as increased francophone and regional immigration.”

In recognition that community connections help newcomers successfully settle in the province, the program will continue providing additional points to applicants with close family ties in Manitoba who are able to demonstrate employable skills. The minister also confirmed, in response to community feedback, the MPNP will no longer consider having a close relative in a different province or territory as a risk factor and subtract points from applicants on this basis.