New application fee for skilled workers takes effect May 15, 2017

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) will begin charging a non-refundable fee of $500 for Skilled Worker applicants effective May 15, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. CST. There will be no cost to submit an Expression of Interest to the MPNP.

Revenue from the processing fees will be reinvested to improve services for immigrants and refugees.

The MPNP Online application system will not be available on May 14, 2017 in order to complete technical changes.

The next Expression of Interest draw for Skilled Worker applications will take place after May 15, 2017.

Province improves service standards, renews Provincial Nominee Program

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) applicants will now benefit from improved service standards, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced today at an event highlighting renewed directions for the immigration program.

"We are pleased to implement higher service standards for applicants to restore the integrity of this important pathway to permanent residence in Manitoba," said Wishart. "As of this month, all candidates who submit complete applications to the program will be processed in six months or less."

Wishart noted the MPNP is an economic immigration program designed to attract job-ready skilled workers and active investors in Manitoba's economy. This program has been a valued part of the immigration system since 1998, but in April 2016 a backlog of more than 5,100 applications had compiled, some dating as far back as 2013, he added.

Thanks to efforts over the last six months, the backlog has now been cleared, Wishart confirmed and noted that less than 70 files from prior years remain in process as the program awaits documents from applicants in accordance with fairness and integrity provisions.

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