On 12 June 2026 Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) overhauled its International Education Stream, scrapping the Career Employment Pathway (CEP) and requiring international graduates to apply instead through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba category. Graduates must now show at least six months of local work experience to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for provincial nomination. Provincial officials said the move better aligns nomination criteria with market demand. Under the CEP, some graduates secured nominations based almost exclusively on having studied in Manitoba, a practice employers argued did not guarantee job-ready skills. By funnelling applicants into the main Skilled Worker pool—but with priority ranking—the province hopes to retain talent demonstrably integrated into its labour market. For mobility managers, the timeline is tight. Active CEP Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles remain valid but candidates must update them immediately to reflect Skilled Worker eligibility. Companies employing recent graduates on post-graduation work permits should verify that staff meet the six-month threshold and assist with EOI amendments before the next draw cycle. While the Graduate Internship Pathway for master’s and PhD holders remains unchanged, education institutions are advising incoming cohorts to plan for mandatory Canadian work experience after graduation. Immigration counsel suggests integrating paid co-op terms or Mitacs placements to satisfy the new requirement and maintain a clear route to permanent residence. The change underscores a wider provincial trend: targeting nominees with proven regional ties and employment history rather than solely academic credentials. Employers investing in talent pipelines should adjust recruitment calendars and budget for bridging open work permits if processing times lengthen during the transition.
Source: Immigration2Canada
