The Manitoba Labour and Immigration department has announced an important update for international students and graduates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). On June 11, 2026, the department confirmed that it is changing how some Manitoba graduates will be selected in order to better align education, work experience, and labour market needs. Manitoba also stated that retaining Manitoba-educated graduates remains a priority.
This update mainly affects candidates who have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile under the International Education Stream (IES) – Career Employment Pathway (CEP). The Career Employment Pathway is one of the streams created for graduates of designated Manitoba post-secondary institutions, but Manitoba has now changed how many of these candidates will move forward.
What Changed for IES-CEP Candidates?
The biggest change is that MPNP will not conduct any further EOI draws for IES-CEP candidates in 2026. Instead, the MPNP says that candidates who already have an active CEP profile and who have gained at least six months of work experience in Manitoba are invited to transition into the Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) pathway. Manitoba says these candidates may then be considered in future draws on a priority basis.
This is a major shift for international graduates who expected to continue waiting under the CEP stream. It means that many candidates should now review whether they qualify under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway instead of relying on future CEP draws.
Why the MPNP Is Making This Change
According to the MPNP’s official announcement, the goal is to create clear and consistent criteria for Manitoba graduates, support targeted EOI draws that prioritize Manitoba graduates, and place greater emphasis on Manitoba work experience. The government also says graduates who studied in Manitoba and are already working in the province will continue to be strongly positioned for selection.
In simple terms, Manitoba is still supporting international students, but it now wants more focus on graduates who have already built work experience in the province and are able to contribute to Manitoba’s labour market right away.
Who Should Pay Close Attention to This Update?
This update is especially important for international graduates who currently have an active IES-CEP EOI profile and are working in Manitoba. Based on the MPNP’s official update and the email sent to affected candidates, those who have completed at least six months of continuous full-time work in Manitoba may be able to move into the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway if they also have a qualifying long-term job offer.
The Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway requires ongoing Manitoba employment as the main connection to the province. Manitoba explains that, in general, this means the applicant must have a valid work permit and a full-time, long-term job offer from a Manitoba employer after completing the required period of continuous full-time work with that employer.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Candidates who may qualify under Skilled Worker in Manitoba should review their eligibility as soon as possible. Manitoba has specifically advised eligible CEP candidates to update their EOI profile quickly because SWM draws will continue on a regular basis, and candidates need a current Skilled Worker profile in order to be considered in future draws.
According to the communication email sent to candidates, applicants should carefully review their profile and make sure it reflects their current circumstances. This includes confirming that their country of residence is listed as Canada, checking whether they now meet Skilled Worker in Manitoba criteria, and entering the correct NOC code for their current job.
Candidates should also make sure they declare all connections to Manitoba, including completed post-secondary education in Manitoba, previous Manitoba work experience, and any qualifying family or friend connections in the province. Manitoba’s official announcement specifically reminds candidates to declare all Manitoba connections, including completed education in Manitoba.
What Has Not Changed
Not every part of the International Education Stream has changed. The MPNP has confirmed that the Graduate Internship Pathway (GIP) remains in place for eligible master’s and doctoral graduates who complete a Mitacs internship. The MPNP has also continued to describe the International Education Stream as a faster pathway for international students graduating from designated Manitoba institutions.
This means the recent update is important, but it does not remove all immigration options for Manitoba graduates.
Final Thoughts
This MPNP update is a very important development for international students and graduates in the province. If you were waiting for an invitation under the IES-CEP stream, you should not assume that more draws will happen in 2026. Manitoba has made it clear that no further CEP draws are planned this year, and eligible candidates should review whether they can move into the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway instead.
The good news is that MPNP continues to prioritize graduates who studied here and are working here. But because immigration rules and EOI profiles must be completed carefully, it is important to review your eligibility and update your information correctly before making changes.
Need Help With Your Manitoba Immigration Options?
If you received this update and are not sure whether you qualify under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway, legal advice can help you avoid mistakes and better understand your options. Reviewing your EOI profile carefully may make an important difference in your future immigration plans.