Immigration Announcement
Manitoba Launches New Immigration Pathways for Employers and Temporary Residents
Manitoba has unveiled two exciting updates to its immigration programs that are set to benefit both employers and skilled workers. On September 2, 2025, the province reopened applications for the Employer Direct Initiative (EDI) with refreshed eligibility rules. Alongside this, Manitoba introduced the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP), a forward-thinking program aimed at helping employers retain talented temporary residents already working in the province.
These changes strengthen the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), offering businesses more options to meet labour needs while creating fresh opportunities for international workers looking to make the province their permanent home.
Employer Services at the Heart of Manitoba Immigration
At the center of these programs is Employer Services, a branch designed to support local businesses with their hiring challenges.
Employer Services works closely with eligible employers to:
- Endorse international candidates through the MPNP
- Simplify pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers
- Help employers build stable and long-term teams
Through these initiatives, Manitoba not only attracts global talent but also ensures communities continue to grow with workers who are committed to staying.
Employer Direct Initiative Reopens
The Employer Direct Initiative is back with updated guidelines, giving Manitoba employers an important tool when local recruitment efforts are not enough.
This program allows businesses to:
- Recruit international workers when local hiring falls short
- Demonstrate how international hires will bring economic benefits to Manitoba
- Contribute to job creation and business growth in the province
| Employer Direct Initiative Benefits | Description |
| International Recruitment | Fill labour shortages when local talent is unavailable |
| Business Growth | Skilled hires help expand Manitoba’s economy |
| Long-Term Settlement | Workers have a clear path to permanent residence |
For employers facing persistent shortages, EDI offers a reliable way to bring in skilled workers and strengthen their workforce.
Temporary Resident Retention Pilot
Alongside EDI, Manitoba launched the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot to help employers hold on to skilled temporary residents who are already contributing to their operations.
This pilot is designed to:
- Support workforce stability
- Ensure businesses can keep valued employees in critical roles
- Offer temporary residents a pathway to stay in Manitoba permanently
By retaining experienced staff already working in the province, this initiative directly addresses urgent labour needs while supporting business continuity.
What Job Seekers Need to Know
It’s important to note that Employer Services does not match job seekers with employers. If you’re looking for work in Manitoba, the recommended platforms are:
- Work in the Manitoba Job Portal
- Government of Canada Job Bank
Applicants can connect directly with hiring employers through these portals while also exploring pathways like the MPNP. With the reopening of the Employer Direct Initiative and the launch of the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot, Manitoba is setting a positive example of how immigration can support both businesses and workers.
These programs create fresh opportunities for international hires while helping local employers address long-standing labour shortages. For skilled workers and employers alike, the latest Manitoba immigration pathways mark an important step toward building a stronger, more stable future in the province.
