The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has announced the closure of the Career Employment Pathway (CEP) under its International Education Stream, effective immediately.

Former CEP candidates looking to settle in Manitoba will now need to explore alternative pathways to secure permanent residence.

Moving forward, individuals with a minimum of six months of in-province work experience may be considered for selection through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

This adjustment aims to prioritize students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in Manitoba and are currently employed in the province in targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) draws.

With the discontinuation of the CEP, Manitoba seeks to establish clear and consistent criteria for all its graduates, aligning education, work experience, and labor market demands more effectively.

Graduates with an active EOI under the CEP are advised to review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway and update their profiles accordingly if they fulfill the pathway requirements.

Candidates with an active EOI under the CEP should ensure that they have disclosed all their Manitoba connections, including their completion of post-secondary education in the province, during profile updates.

Regular draws for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway will continue to be conducted, with the province having already held 11 draws targeting MPNP candidates through this stream in 2026.

Furthermore, the Graduate Internship Pathway will remain available for eligible master’s and doctoral graduates who have completed a Mitacs internship.

Eligibility Requirements Comparison: CEP vs. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway

For in-province graduates, the eligibility criteria for the MPNP’s Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway differ from those of the CEP in various aspects.