Manitoba PNP issues 474 LAAs, invites 417 STEM workers

Manitoba PNP draw Sept. 24, 2026: 474 LAAs focused on natural sciences, IT, francophones and strategic recruitment

What happened and why it matters
On September 24, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 474 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in draw #280. Invitations went to 417 workers in natural sciences, engineering, architecture and IT occupations; one family physician (NOC 31102); 16 francophone candidates; and 40 candidates selected through strategic recruitment initiatives. Invited candidates have 60 days to submit a complete provincial nomination application. The draw underscores Manitoba’s focus on local labour needs, targeted recruitment and language-based selection.

How the LAAs were allocated
– Skilled Worker in Manitoba – occupation-specific (natural and applied sciences, engineering, architecture, IT): 417 LAAs (cutoff score 760).
– Skilled Worker in Manitoba – healthcare NOC: 1 LAA (NOC 31102: general practitioners and family physicians).
– Francophone selection (Skilled Worker in Manitoba): 16 LAAs (required French as primary language of communication with MPNP and a valid government-approved French test).
– Skilled Worker Stream – strategic recruitment initiatives (in Manitoba and overseas): 40 LAAs, split as: Regional communities 15, Ethnocultural communities 9, Employer services 9, Francophone community 6, and 1 under the now-expired Temporary Public Policy (TPP).

Note: The Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway accounted for 434 of the 474 invitations (417 occupation-specific + 1 healthcare + 16 francophone). Also, 148 of the 474 invited candidates had a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code recorded in their EOI. As of September 24, 2026, the MPNP has issued 6,883 LAAs across 19 provincial rounds in 2026.

What the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway targeted
This pathway prioritized candidates already employed in Manitoba in occupations under Broad Occupational Category 2 (NOC 20, 21, 22): professional occupations in natural and applied sciences, specialized middle management in engineering/architecture/science/IT, and technical occupations related to natural sciences. Francophone candidates had to declare French as their primary communication language with MPNP and hold valid test results. The healthcare selection required current employment declared under NOC 31102.

Work-permit connections and other policies
Invited candidates who become provincial nominees can request an MPNP work-permit support letter to apply to the federal government for a work permit. Nominees who submit a permanent residence application may also be eligible for a bridging open work permit (BOWP). The source notes a temporary federal policy change as of June 9, 2026 that can allow a base PNP applicant to access a BOWP faster. The draw also references the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge policy: up to 2,700 at-risk Manitoba workers who had a provincial support letter and an active EOI profile as of December 31, 2025, may be able to apply for open work permits under that policy.

Common reasons eligible candidates were excluded
MPNP warned candidates could be excluded if, by the draw date, they had:
– Missing, invalid or expired language test identification numbers/results.
– Declared participation in a strategic recruitment initiative but failed to include a valid invitation number.

Practical takeaways
– Ensure your EOI is accurate: correct employment NOC, employer details, language test ID and validity, and any invitation or referral numbers.
– If you receive an LAA, submit a complete provincial nomination application within 60 days.
– If nominated, request the MPNP work-permit support letter promptly if you need a federal work permit; consider BOWP options after filing your PR application if eligible.
– At-risk workers with a provincial support letter and active EOI as of Dec 31, 2025 should check Workforce Transition Bridge eligibility.

Final observation
This draw highlights Manitoba’s two-track approach: concentrate invitations on high-demand STEM/IT occupations while reserving spots for francophone applicants and candidates recruited through targeted initiatives. For applicants, accurate EOI data and timely submissions are decisive.

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