Manitoba Expression of Interest Draw #254 – Skilled Worker Stream Issues 911 Invitations

Canada continues to rely on skilled newcomers to fill regional labour shortages, and the latest Manitoba Expression of Interest Draw #254 proves just that. On September 18, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) invited 911 candidates under the Skilled Worker Stream. This targeted draw highlights Manitoba’s priority sectors, from healthcare and trades to Francophone communities, ensuring the province continues to thrive with a diverse and talented workforce.

Manitoba Expression of Interest Draw #254 — Key Details

Here’s a quick breakdown of the draw results:

Important note: Candidates linked to Express Entry and holding a valid job seeker code were given priority in many cases, strengthening their chances of being selected.

Why Manitoba Focuses on Strategic Recruitment

Unlike general draws, Manitoba Expression of Interest Draw #254 was highly targeted. The province selected candidates through strategic recruitment initiatives, ensuring only applicants who matched current labour market demands were invited.

Manitoba’s priorities reflect three key goals:

• Supporting critical services: By inviting healthcare and community-service workers, the province is addressing shortages in hospitals, schools, and social services.
• Boosting Francophone immigration: Manitoba continues to build its bilingual workforce, especially important for settlement and integration services.
• Encouraging settlement beyond major cities: Invitations through regional and ethnocultural communities help smaller towns benefit from immigration, reducing pressure on urban centres like Winnipeg.

This targeted approach balances both immediate labour needs and long-term growth.

Connection Between MPNP and Express Entry

One of the highlights of EOI Draw #254 was the 341 invitations issued to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles. This link between the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and Express Entry provides a faster route to permanent residence.

Here’s how it works:

• Candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool can indicate interest in Manitoba.
  
  
• If nominated by the province, they gain an additional 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next federal round.
  
  
• This dual pathway helps skilled workers transition smoothly from temporary work permits to permanent residency.
  
  

For applicants, it means a stronger chance of success and faster processing. For Manitoba, it ensures that high-quality candidates remain in the province long-term.

Challenges Highlighted in the Draw Notes

While the draw created new opportunities, the official notes from the Manitoba government also highlight some challenges:

• Candidates missing or invalid language test numbers were not considered, even if they met the score.
  Invitations under strategic recruitment required valid invitation numbers — without these, profiles were skipped.
  For regulated occupations, candidates had to prove licensing eligibility. Applications could be refused if proper licensing documents were missing.
  
  This shows how critical it is for applicants to maintain accurate, up-to-date profiles and submit all required documents. Even a small error can result in being left out of the draw.

What This Draw Means for Immigration to Manitoba

The 911 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) reflect Manitoba’s reliance on immigration to fill labour shortages. By directing the majority (847) through a temporary public policy supporting work permits, the province is also making it easier for candidates already working in Manitoba to transition to permanent residency.

In the bigger picture, the draw sends a clear message:

• Manitoba is prioritising applicants who can directly contribute to its economy.
  Express Entry-linked candidates are highly valued.
• Francophone, regional, and ethnocultural applicants remain integral to Manitoba’s long-term immigration strategy.
• If you’re aiming to apply through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program or want to take advantage of the link between MPNP and Express Entry, staying tuned can make all the difference. With so many rules, categories, and technical details, staying informed is vital. Canada Immigration News provides the clarity and direction you need to move forward with confidence.

Manitoba’s EOI Draw #254 Strengthens Pathways

The Manitoba Expression of Interest Draw #254 shows how provincial draws are becoming increasingly targeted to meet labour shortages. With 911 invitations issued, including 341 Express Entry-linked candidates, Manitoba continues to build a strong, diverse workforce.

For prospective applicants, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Meeting all requirements, submitting accurate documents, and aligning with Manitoba’s strategic needs are now more important than ever. With the right support, you can position yourself strongly for the next round.