Quick Answer
Manitoba retired the Career Employment Pathway (CEP) on June 11, 2026. International graduates must now apply through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream after 6 months of continuous full-time work in the province.
What Changed on June 11, 2026?
Effective immediately, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has closed its Career Employment Pathway (CEP) under the International Education Stream. This pathway previously allowed international graduates from Manitoba designated learning institutions (DLIs) to apply for permanent residence (PR) with a 1-year job offer in an in-demand occupation. The MPNP announced this change on its official news webpage, stating the goal is to establish "clear, consistent criteria for all Manitoba graduates" and better align education, work experience, and labour market needs.
The closure affects all applicants with an active Expression of Interest (EOI) under the CEP. These candidates must now review eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway and update their profiles if they meet the new requirements. Manitoba has conducted 11 draws in 2026 targeting this stream, with the most recent draw inviting candidates on June 5, 2026.
One key difference is the work experience requirement. Under the CEP, graduates needed a job offer but no prior work experience in Manitoba. The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway now requires 6 months of continuous, full-time employment with the same employer before a job offer can be considered for PR eligibility. This shift prioritizes candidates who have already integrated into the provincial labour market.
| Before (CEP) | After (Skilled Worker in Manitoba) |
|---|---|
| 1-year job offer in an in-demand occupation, consistent with program of study | Full-time, long-term job offer after 6+ months of continuous employment with the same employer |
| Completion of a 1-year/2-semester in-province study program within the past 3 years | No specific education requirement (but must have studied in Manitoba) |
| CLB/NCLC 7+ language proficiency | Sufficient language proficiency to fulfill job duties and economically establish in Manitoba |
| Settlement funds or long-term employment in Manitoba | No explicit settlement funds requirement |
| No settlement plan required | Settlement plan required |
| Career Employment Plan required | No Career Employment Plan required |
11
Skilled Worker in Manitoba draws held in 2026
6
Months of continuous work experience now required
📅 Key Date
June 11, 2026: MPNP officially retires the Career Employment Pathway. Active EOI profiles under CEP must be updated to reflect eligibility for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway.
Who This Affects: Eligibility Details
International Students on Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
Students who graduated from a Manitoba DLI and are currently on a PGWP are the most affected group. Previously, these graduates could apply for PR through the CEP with a job offer alone. Now, they must secure 6 months of continuous, full-time employment with the same employer before their job offer can be considered for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway. This change delays PR eligibility by at least half a year for new graduates.
For example, a student who graduated in December 2025 and secured a job offer in January 2026 would have been eligible for the CEP immediately. Under the new rules, they must work until at least July 2026 before their job offer qualifies them for the Skilled Worker stream. This delay could impact PGWP holders whose permits expire before they accumulate the required work experience, potentially forcing them to apply for a work permit extension or leave Canada.
Skilled Workers in Manitoba
Skilled workers already employed in Manitoba may benefit from this change. The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway has historically had lower language requirements and no explicit settlement funds requirement, making it more accessible for candidates who have already established themselves in the province. The MPNP has stated that this change will prioritize candidates with in-province work experience in targeted EOI draws, which could lead to more frequent invitations for workers in high-demand occupations.
However, workers in occupations not listed on Manitoba's In-Demand Occupations List may find it harder to qualify. The CEP allowed graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher to qualify with a TEER 0–3 job offer, even if it was not related to their studies. The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway does not have this flexibility, meaning workers in lower-skilled roles may struggle to meet the new criteria.
Master's and Doctoral Graduates
Graduates with master's or doctoral degrees from Manitoba DLIs are the least affected by this change. The Graduate Internship Pathway remains open for eligible candidates who complete a Mitacs internship. This pathway does not require a job offer or prior work experience, making it a more straightforward route to PR for advanced-degree holders. However, competition for Mitacs internships is fierce, and not all fields of study are eligible, limiting options for some graduates.
Your Action Plan: 5 Steps to Take Now
- Check Your EOI Status: If you have an active EOI under the CEP, log in to your MPNP account and review the new eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway. Update your profile to reflect any changes, such as declaring all Manitoba connections, including your post-secondary education in the province.
- Secure Continuous Employment: If you are currently employed, ensure your role is full-time and with the same employer for at least 6 months. Avoid switching jobs during this period, as it will reset your work experience clock. If you are not yet employed, prioritize finding a full-time role in a high-demand occupation to maximize your chances in targeted EOI draws.
- Prepare Your Settlement Plan: The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway requires a settlement plan. Start researching communities in Manitoba where you intend to live, including housing options, language training programs, and community resources. Document your plan to include in your application.
- Assess Language Proficiency: While the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway does not specify a minimum language score, you must demonstrate sufficient proficiency to fulfill your job duties and economically establish in Manitoba. Take a language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French) if you haven’t already, and aim for a score that aligns with your occupation’s requirements.
- Monitor MPNP Draws: The MPNP conducts regular draws for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway. Keep an eye on the MPNP website for draw results and invitations. If you receive an invitation, submit your application within the specified timeframe to avoid missing your opportunity.
Pro Tip
If your PGWP is expiring soon and you haven’t secured 6 months of work experience, consider applying for a work permit extension under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR2PR) Pathway or another federal program. This can buy you time to meet Manitoba’s new requirements while maintaining legal status in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still apply for the Career Employment Pathway if I already have a job offer?
No. The CEP is officially closed as of June 11, 2026. All new applications must be submitted through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway, which requires 6 months of continuous, full-time employment with the same employer before a job offer can be considered.
2. What happens to my active EOI under the CEP?
Your EOI will remain in the MPNP system, but it will no longer be considered for the CEP. You must update your profile to reflect eligibility for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway. This includes declaring all Manitoba connections, such as your post-secondary education in the province. Failure to update your profile may result in your EOI being removed from the system.
3. Does this change affect the Graduate Internship Pathway?
No. The Graduate Internship Pathway remains open for eligible master's and doctoral graduates who complete a Mitacs internship. This pathway does not require a job offer or prior work experience, making it a viable option for advanced-degree holders.
4. How does this change compare to other provinces' student PR pathways?
Manitoba’s decision to retire the CEP aligns with a broader trend among Canadian provinces to prioritize candidates with in-province work experience. For example, Ontario’s International Student Stream requires a job offer but no prior work experience, while British Columbia’s International Graduate category requires a job offer in a skilled occupation. Manitoba’s new 6-month work experience requirement is more stringent than most, reflecting the province’s focus on retaining workers who have already integrated into the local labour market.
5. What are my options if I don’t qualify for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway?
If you do not meet the new requirements, consider the following alternatives:
- Federal Express Entry: If you have skilled work experience, you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). These programs do not require a job offer but have higher language and work experience requirements.
- Other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Explore PNPs in other provinces, such as Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker: Students category or Alberta’s Opportunity Stream, which may have more flexible eligibility criteria.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension: If your PGWP is expiring, apply for an extension under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR2PR) Pathway or another federal program to maintain legal status while you explore other options.
📋 Official Source
Verified against the official MPNP Skilled Worker in Manitoba Pathway page. Always confirm with canada.ca before submitting applications.
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