The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot is one of the pathways in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program’s (MPNP) International Education Stream.
Each calendar year, the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot permits up to 20 international students who have graduated in Manitoba to pursue and establish a business on a temporary work visa in Manitoba. Should the applicant meet the terms of their Business Performance Agreement, Manitoba will nominate them for permanent residence in Canada.
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What are the minimum eligibility requirements?
Here’s a quick rundown of the minimum eligibility requirements for the Career Employment Pathway.
| Criteria | Minimum Requirement |
| Business Experience | Applicants must present a business plan and have at least 51% ownership of the company’s equity.
In addition to that, you also must have operated the business as senior management on a daily basis from the Manitoba location for at minimum of 6 months before nomination while on a valid temporary work permit, in accordance with the terms of your Business Performance Agreement (BPA). |
| Education | Applicants must have completed a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba that has a minimum duration of two years.
Studies and/or work or business experience from outside Canada will be considered advantageous but are not required for admission. Please keep in mind that distance learning and accelerated academic programs are not qualified. |
| Language ability | Candidates must demonstrate at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 language competency. |
| Age | The age requirement for applicants is between 21 to 35 years old. |
| Adaptability | Applicants should hold a valid open work permit or post-graduate work permit (PGWP) at the time of application, have consistently lived in Manitoba since graduation, and have demonstrated intent to remain in Manitoba following their nomination. |
| Settlement funds | There is no requirement for a deposit or a minimum net worth. However, your net worth or a source of finances will be reviewed in order to assess your ability to properly execute your business plan.
Applicants must additionally show that they have liquid funds comparable to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) standards for independent financial resources over a 6-month period.
A third-party supplier recognized by the MPNP will verify your personal net worth. Within 120 days of acquiring your LAA, you should submit a verification report together with your application to the MPNP. |
| Business Performance Agreement | Should your application be successful, you must then sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) before the MPNP can provide you a letter of support to apply for a work permit. |
In addition to these requirements, you also need to ensure that you are eligible for the MPNP.
How do I apply for Permanent Resident status through this pathway?
If you want acquire Permanent Resident status through this pathway, you should first get in touch the MPNP via email at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca.
Manitoba will invite eligible individuals to an information session for the MPNP, where complete details regarding the application process will be presented. To be eligible to apply for this program, applicants must first attend this information session.
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