MPNP - (Worker) Manitoba Employer Direct Initiative (EDI)

Employer Direct Initiative (EDI) is Manitoba's international recruitment initiative, supporting eligible employers in hiring skilled workers from abroad when they have made domestic recruitment efforts but have not been able to meet their labor needs. EDI is an employer-driven process; candidates cannot apply for EDI on behalf of a business.

Who is eligible?

Manitoba employers with a genuine recruitment need and workers abroad who meet the initiative's criteria, the vacancy requirements, and MPNP standards. A concurrent assessment of both the business profile and the candidate profile is required before starting.

Key requirements for employers

• Active operation in Manitoba for at least 3 years; valid registration, in good standing, and with a physical business location in the province.
• Minimum gross annual revenue of CAD 350,000 in each of the last 3 years and the financial capacity to sustain employment.
• Compliance with foreign worker recruitment requirements, including WRAPA registration when required; demonstration of a genuine employer-employee relationship.
• Provision of evidence of domestic recruitment and an international recruitment plan according to EDI guidelines. Home-based businesses or owner-operator models do not meet program requirements.

Candidate eligibility

Candidates must meet EDI and MPNP criteria, including experience, education, language, ability to perform the job, and intention to reside in Manitoba. The eligibility assessment scale requires a minimum of 60 points; achieving this does not automatically lead to an invitation or nomination.

Process

1. Employer reviews eligibility, prepares forms, and gathers recruitment evidence.
2. Submit the application following EDI guidelines to employerdirect@gov.mb.ca for Manitoba's assessment.
3. Execute recruitment steps and refer candidates according to Manitoba's approval/guidance.
4. Eligible candidates proceed through the EOI process, invitation, and MPNP application when instructed. Work permit or permanent residence applications with IRCC are separate steps.

Profile assessment with KeyApply

Register for an assessment to review the employer's eligibility, job position, work permit status, experience, and ability to meet MPNP requirements. The 0 CAD price for the assessment registration option is not the total cost of the immigration file. Government fees and professional service fees, if applicable, are determined separately based on the scope of support.

Being supported by an employer does not guarantee a nomination, work permit, or permanent residence. Each step must meet the requirements of Manitoba and IRCC at the time of processing.

Updated: 06/10/2026. Official sources: EDI, candidate criteria, and application guidelines.

Events Calendar and Immigration Live Streams