Manitoba offers two new ways for international graduates to get Canadian PR

International student graduates in Manitoba now have two new ways to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

According to Immigrate Manitoba, the Graduate Internship Pathway (GIP) and the Student Entrepreneur Pathway are now open, seeking to attract and retain talented innovators and entrepreneurs from across the globe.

Both programmes came into effect on 1 November 2018 and are “part of the province’s International Education Stream, which was created a year ago as part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)’s renewal program”, according to CIC News.

The International Student Entrepreneur Pathway

International graduates who have completed a full-time post-secondary programme in Manitoba that ran for at least two years can apply for this stream. Source: Shutterstock

International graduates from Manitoba institutions, who are between the ages of 21 and 35 and wish to establish and operate a business in the province, can apply under The International Student Entrepreneur Pathway.

Immigration.ca notes that to be eligible, international graduates must complete a full-time post-secondary programme in Manitoba that is at least two years in duration. Distance learning or compressed academic programmes are not eligible.

The website further notes that “Studies and/or work/business experience outside of Canada will be considered as beneficial but are not an eligibility requirement.”

Candidates must submit a business plan as part of the application to MPNP, and those who are accepted receive a temporary work permit under this stream.

Graduate Internship Pathway (GIP)

International students who have graduated with a masters or PhD from a Manitoba university can apply for the GIP programme. Source: Shutterstock

International students who have graduated with a masters or PhD from a Manitoba university within the past three years can apply for the GIP programme.

The programme provides faster nomination pathways for international postgraduates through internships that contribute to industry innovation in Manitoba.

In order to apply, graduates must have completed an Accelerate or Elevate internship through Mitacs, whether or not they have a job offer, and must be residing in the province at the time of application.

Mitacs is a national not-for-profit organisation that builds partnerships between universities and industry, with funding coming from the Manitoba government.

Additionally, Immigration.ca notes that “candidates must show the intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after the nomination, including the submission of a Career Employment Plan demonstrating opportunities for a successful career track in Manitoba.”

International students bring new ideas, global connections and an entrepreneurial spirit to Manitoba and can make the province more competitive. Source: Shutterstock

According to a press release published on Immigrate Manitoba, Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen said: “By providing students a fast track to nomination for permanent residency, we hope to attract and retain more talented innovators and entrepreneurs from all over the world.”

He added that “International students bring new ideas, global connections and an entrepreneurial spirit to our province and when they create opportunities for themselves, Manitoba becomes more competitive and innovative.”

Meanwhile, CIC News reports that immigrants are expected to play an important role in Manitoba’s 2018-2024 labour market forecast.

“A total of 168,700 job openings are forecasted for the period spanning 2018 to 2024, which works out to 24,100 total job openings per year,” it said. “An almost equal number of new workers – 168,400 – is expected to join Manitoba’s labour force over this seven-year stretch.

“Of the 24,100 new workers who are expected to join the labour force each year, the report estimates that an average of 5,500 will be net in-migrants, of which immigrants are a major component.”

Liked this? Then you’ll love…

Canada: International students want more support – report

Removing the barriers for international students to work and settle in Canada