Manitoba Province has immensely sped up its provincial immigration intake through Manitoba Issued 741 LAAs in Latest Expression of Interest Draw #278 held on August 27, 2026. This general draw carried out under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) was for high-scorers among those working in technical trades, healthcare professionals, bus drivers, French-speaking immigrants, and recruitment categories. Impressively, 150 Express Entry candidates got invited and have a straight way to get Canadian permanent residency.
Highlights of Expression of Interest Draw #278
The table below provides the full, verified breakdown of invitations issued across each specific sub-stream during Draw #278.
| Stream / Selection | Sub-Category | Minimum Ranking Score | LAAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba (Major Group 72) | Technical trades and transportation NOC 72 | 731 | 600 |
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba (Occupation-Specific) | NOC 31102 (Physicians) & NOC 73301 (Bus Drivers) | N/A | 62 |
| Skilled Worker in Manitoba (Francophone) | Profiles declaring French as the primary language | N/A | 21 |
| Skilled Worker Stream (Strategic Initiatives) | Candidates invited via MPNP strategic recruitment | N/A | 58 |
| Total Allocation Volume | Across All Categories | — | 741 |
Detailed Breakdown of Selected Categories
The allocation of Draw #278 highlights Manitoba’s continued approach to achieving a fine balance between skilled trades recruitment on a large scale and local community development efforts.
1. Technical Trades and Transportation Officers (600 LAAs)
The largest number of invitations in Draw #278 was extended to candidates already employed in Manitoba from among those in National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021) Major Group 72, who are 600 LAAs in total. This occupational group includes highly valued occupations like electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, machinists and transportation officers. The lowest ranking needed for this occupation is 731 points.
2. Occupation-specific Targeted Selection (62 LAAs)
Sixty-two LAAs received invitations in the following two key public and service unit groups where the candidates were actively working in Manitoba:
- NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians
- NOC 73301: Bus drivers and transit operators
3. Francophone Selection Pathway (21 LAAs)
In order to meet its linguistic goals, the Province allocated 21 invitations to Francophone pathway. The eligible candidates indicated French as their main language of communication with the MPNP and submitted their official French language tests results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada).
4. Strategic Recruitment Initiatives (58 LAAs)
Skilled Worker Stream, including both in-Manitoba and international applicants, granted 58 LAAs to candidates involved in strategic recruitment initiatives –
- Employer Services: 28 LAAs
- Francophone Community: 16 LAAs
- Regional Communities: 7 LAAs
- Ethnocultural Communities: 4 LAAs
- Temporary Public Policy (TPP): 3 LAAs
Express Entry Candidate’s Role
Among 741 LAAs issued during Draw #278, exactly 150 were granted to Express Entry candidates with confirmed profile number and job seeker validation code. Receiving a provincial nomination through MPNP gives the candidate 600 CRS points additionally, and ensures that they receive an ITA for Canadian permanent residence at a future federal draw.
Important Compliance & Regulatory Considerations
MPNP highlighted rigorous integrity requirements for Draw #278 participants –
1. Regulated Occupations
Applicants selected based on regulated occupations (e.g., physicians) must present complete evidence of their provincial registration and employment in Manitoba. Applications not demonstrating completion of all registration steps will be considered ineligible.
2. Valid Language Test Results
Applicants should make sure that their language test scores are legitimate and that legitimate test reference numbers have been reported in their Expression of Interest form.
3. Genuine Invitation Code
Strategic recruitment applicants should possess an authenticated MPNP invitation code.