Other Recruitment Options

Employer Services will work with you to determine an effective recruitment method(s) for recruiting overseas workers, when all local avenues have been exhausted. This may include referrals to federal programs, including:

Note: The MPNP Employer Direct Pathway (MEDP) is not intended to replace the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Employers must be able to demonstrate that they have also applied to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and/or other federal programs when submitting a recruitment request to Employer Services.

The table below outlines the different features of the TFWP and MEDP.

Temporary Foreign Worker ProgramMPNP Employer Direct Pathway
EligibilityAdvertise for a minimum of four (4) consecutive weeks within the three months prior to submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application and maintain advertising continuously until a decision on the application is finalized.

Provide copies of the advertisements and information to support where, when, and for how long the position was advertised.

Provide proof that the print media and websites used to advertise targeted an audience that has the appropriate education, professional experience or skill level required for the occupation.

Wages offered to temporary foreign workers should be similar to wages paid to Canadian and permanent residents.
Advertise for a minimum of four (4) consecutive weeks prior to contacting the Employer Services and maintain advertising continuously until a worker is found or a decision on the application is finalized.

Contact Manitoba Start's Job Matching Unit to determine if you can find the skills needed among the pool of recently arrived immigrants to Manitoba.

Provide copies of the advertisements and information to support where, when, and for how long the position was advertised.

Ensure the positions are not seasonal in nature, are full-time and long-term, are salary- or hourly-based vs. commission-based, have a commercial space location, and that you are not selling the business to the foreign worker being recruited.
ProcessAdvertise for one (1) month.

Complete LMIA application and Transition Plan or cap calculation.

Pay processing fees of $1,000 per position.

Maintain advertisements while LMIA assessment is in process.
Advertise for one (1) month preceding submission to Employer Services.

Complete the Employer Recruitment Form (ERF).

Register your business with Manitoba Start and consult with their Job Matching Unit.

Submit ERF and proof of advertising along with company information to Employer Services.
OutcomesService Canada will assess LMIA application on the basis of labour market need. If Service Canada confirms a labour market need is valid, the employer is authorized to source worker(s) to fill the position(s).

Service Canada confirmations are intended to meet the immediate need of the employer and will not be considered to meet business growth potential.

If Service Canada does not confirm the labour market need, the processing fees are not refunded.

Labour market confirmations are valid for six (6) months.

Selected workers apply for their work permit through IRCC.
Employer Services will assess human resources needs to determine if recruitment of workers will result in a positive labour market impact. Employer Services will also determine which option may best address human resource needs.

Ongoing need of workers spaced out through the year can be effectively managed through the MPNP Employer Direct Pathway.

When employer needs are for larger recruitment of workers for a defined timeline, recruitment can be effectively managed through an overseas recruitment mission. Overseas recruitment missions are subject to available resources and departmental approval.

Wages offered to overseas workers should be similar to wages paid to Canadian and permanent resident, or wage should be consistent with prevailing wage in the geographical area where employer is situated.

Wage must meet prevailing wage rate for that occupation.
Temporary-to-Permanent ProcessTemporary foreign worker (TFW) receives work permit issued by IRCC. Cost of the work permit is $155.

TFW arrives in Manitoba and commences working for employer. TFW is eligible for Manitoba Health services if their work permit is valid for one (1) year or longer. Spouses of TFWs in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 positions are entitled to an open work permit at a cost of $255.

After six (6) months employment, TFW may be eligible to submit an application to be considered for permanent residence through the MPNP as a Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM). Employers must confirm the employment will continue and they support the candidate's application for permanent residence.

Upon successfully submitting an application to MPNP and receiving a nomination certificate, the worker can submit an application for permanent residence to IRCC.

Average processing time from MPNP to permanent residence is 18 to 24 months.
Candidates are nominated for permanent immigration.

Successful foreign workers who have been interviewed as part of an overseas recruitment mission or the Employer Direct Pathway will be invited to apply to the MPNP and receive 500 points towards their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. When submitting their application to the MPNP, they will pay a $500 application fee.

Nominated workers will submit an application for permanent residence to IRCC and will also receive a work permit support letter allowing them to apply for an LMIA-exempt work permit. Employers will complete the Government of Canada's Employer Portal registration and pay the $230 compliance fee.

Workers will be able to get their work permits and come forward to work while their application for permanent residence is in process in the background. Spouses are also eligible to receive an open work permit.

Average processing time from MPNP to permanent residence is 18 to 24 months, but workers can arrive in and work Manitoba within four (4) months after nomination while applying for their permanent residence through IRCC.