This update is part of the Express Entry draws hub, with the Express Entry guide. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program issued 474 Letters of Advice to Apply for provincial nomination on September 24. This latest draw primarily targeted workers in natural sciences, engineering, architecture, and IT occupations, with 417 invitations extended to these skilled professionals.

Beyond the 417 STEM workers, the draw also included 16 French speaking candidates and 40 strategically recruited candidates. Those invited can now apply for Canadian permanent residence by submitting a complete application for provincial nomination within 60 days.

The cutoff score for occupation specific selection in natural sciences, engineering, architecture, or IT was 760. Additionally, one Letter of Advice to Apply was issued for employment in healthcare, specifically National Occupational Classification 31102, General practitioners and family physicians.

A total of 148 Letters of Advice to Apply went to candidates who possessed a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. As of September 24, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has issued 6,883 Letters of Advice to Apply across 19 provincial immigration rounds over the course of 2026.

The selection criteria for Expression of Interest draw number 280 focused on occupation specific selection for natural sciences, engineering, architecture, or IT occupations, employment in a healthcare National Occupational Classification, and Francophone selection. The Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway accounted for 434 invitations.

Successful nominees can request a work permit support letter from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. This letter allows them to apply to the federal government for a work permit. Provincial nominees may also be eligible to apply for a bridging open work permit after submitting their permanent residence application.

A temporary policy easing requirements, effective June 9, 2026, allows a base Provincial Nominee Program applicant to apply for a bridging open work permit months faster. Furthermore, candidates not invited in this draw may be among the 2,700 at risk Manitoba workers who can apply for open work permits under the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge policy if they had a provincial support letter and active Expression of Interest profile as of December 31, 2025.