The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program made significant changes to its International Education Stream on June 11, 2026. International graduates currently in the Career Employment Pathway (CEP) must now transition to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway to remain eligible for nomination.
This update affects all CEP candidates with active Expression of Interest profiles. Those who have gained at least six months of Manitoba work experience can move to the skilled worker stream, where they will be considered in regular draws alongside other skilled workers on a priority basis.
What Changed in the Career Employment Pathway
Manitoba eliminated the CEP to improve alignment between education, work experience, and current labour market needs. The province wants to ensure that graduates who receive provincial nomination have the skills and experience that Manitoba employers actually need.
Under the previous system, international graduates could apply through the CEP based primarily on their Manitoba education. The new approach requires candidates to demonstrate substantial work experience in the province before becoming eligible for nomination. This shift emphasizes practical job skills over educational credentials alone.
Candidates who already have active CEP profiles do not lose their opportunity for nomination. Instead, they must transition to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway, where Manitoba graduates receive priority consideration in regular Expression of Interest draws.
The six-month work experience requirement ensures that nominees have demonstrated their ability to contribute to Manitoba's economy through actual employment. This requirement applies to all CEP candidates who want to continue in the nomination process.
Benefits of the New Selection System
The revised system provides clear, consistent criteria for all Manitoba graduates seeking provincial nomination. Previously, different streams had varying requirements that could create confusion about eligibility and processing expectations.
Targeted Expression of Interest draws will now prioritize Manitoba graduates within the skilled worker stream. This means international graduates who studied in Manitoba and gained local work experience will compete in a priority pool rather than the general skilled worker category.
The greater emphasis on Manitoba work experience ensures that nominees have established connections to local employers and communities. Six months of employment demonstrates that graduates can successfully transition from student status to contributing members of the workforce.
Manitoba graduates working in the province remain strongly positioned for selection under this new system. Their local education, combined with proven work experience, gives them advantages over candidates who have not studied or worked in Manitoba.
The province designed these changes to retain Manitoba-educated graduates who have already begun contributing to local communities and the provincial economy through employment.
What Remains Unchanged
The Graduate Internship Pathway continues to operate for eligible master's and doctoral graduates who complete Mitacs internships. This stream recognizes the specialized research and innovation contributions that advanced degree holders bring to Manitoba's economy.
Manitoba's commitment to attracting and retaining international students whose education, skills, and experience align with labour market needs remains a government priority. The province continues to welcome students who can fill skill gaps in key sectors.
Regular Expression of Interest draws for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway will continue on their established schedule. CEP candidates who transition successfully will be considered in these ongoing selection rounds.
The fundamental goal of the Provincial Nominee Program remains the same: selecting candidates who can successfully establish themselves economically in Manitoba and contribute to provincial growth and development.
Timeline and Next Steps
CEP candidates should act quickly to transition their profiles to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway. Regular EOI draws continue, and candidates need current, updated profiles to be considered in future selections.
The Manitoba government provides online tools for updating Expression of Interest profiles. Candidates can log into their existing accounts and modify their information to reflect their eligibility for the skilled worker stream.
All connections to Manitoba must be properly declared in updated profiles. This includes completed post-secondary education in the province, current employment, family connections, and other ties that demonstrate integration into Manitoba communities.
Candidates who need assistance with the transition process can contact the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program through their official online contact form. The program staff can provide guidance on eligibility requirements and profile updates.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my place in line if I transition from CEP to Skilled Worker in Manitoba?
No, you will be considered in regular draws with priority given to Manitoba graduates. Your Manitoba education and work experience provide advantages in the selection process.
What happens if I have less than six months of Manitoba work experience?
You need at least six months of work experience in Manitoba to transition to the Skilled Worker pathway. Continue working until you meet this requirement, then update your profile.
Can I still apply if I graduated from Manitoba but work in another province?
The program prioritizes candidates working in Manitoba. You would need Manitoba work experience to be eligible for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway.
Is the Graduate Internship Pathway affected by these changes?
No, the GIP remains unchanged for eligible master's and doctoral graduates who complete Mitacs internships.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: June 12, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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