OConnor Business Insights
The Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP)
Brad O'Connnor
October 28, 2022
What is the MPNP?
Are you considering immigrating to Canada, and would like to buy a business? Well, the MPNP program might be what you are looking for!
The MPNP
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is the immigration program for the province of Manitoba, and it offers three streams, each with their respective pathways. For this blog, we are focusing specifically on the Business Investor Stream (BIS). So far this year, the province has received 13 applications for the BIS.
As a qualified business investor and/or entrepreneur, the Business Investor Stream is for those with the ability and intent to start or buy a business in the province of Manitoba. Within this stream, there are two pathways: The Entrepreneur Pathway (EP) & The Farm Investor Pathway (FIP).
The Entrepreneur Pathway (EP)
The Entrepreneur Pathway is specifically for those who may be seeking to start a business within the province, or would like to buy an existing business. With this program, Manitoba is able to recruit and nominate those from around the world who fulfil specific qualifications, and who are interested in immigrating to the province.[1] The program targets those who wish to undertake an entrepreneurial investment in Manitoba, specifically foreign nationals with entrepreneurial experience.[2]
Eligibility
Eligibility for the program can be found here, and is based on the following criteria: business experience, official language proficiency, education, age, business investment, business research visit, adaptability, net worth, and business performance agreement.
Who Cannot Apply?
In addition to the above listed eligibility criteria, there are federal standards for immigration that can make a person inadmissible. The reasons can include: posing a security threat, having a history of criminal behaviour, or having a medical condition that poses a threat to public safety.[3]
According to the immigration website for Manitoba, the following are not eligible to submit an application to the MPNP:
- Refugee claimants, or individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal process
- Live-in Caregivers currently living in Canada
- Temporary foreign workers currently working and residing in a province other than Manitoba
- Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Individuals who have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and who are not able to address the reason(s) for refusal
- Individuals who have an active immigration application with any other provincial immigration program or federal immigration program in Canada. Note: an Express Entry profile is not considered an immigration application.
Additionally, the website also states that, “If you or your spouse already have an active MPNP application, you are not eligible to submit an additional application to any other stream/pathway of the MPNP.”
Application Process
There are six steps to complete when applying to the Entrepreneur Pathway.
- Self-Assess Eligibility & Conduct Business Research
- Submit an Expression of Interest
- Receive Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) & Submit Completed Application
- At this stage you must also pay the processing fee, which is $2,500.00 CAD. This processing fee is non-refundable.[4]
- Application Assessment, Sign Business Performance Agreement (BPA), and obtain a work permit
- Establish a business & Fulfill the BPA
- Final Recommendation
It should also be noted that the MPNP reserves the right to refuse any application for nomination.[5]
Should you be successful, and are deemed to have successfully fulfilled all of requirements by the MPNP, a recommendation will be made to nominate the candidate, and they will receive a Confirmation of Nomination.
Once someone has received their nomination, they are now considered a ‘Provincial Nominee’, and must then complete an Application for Permanent Residence.[6]
In Conclusion
Are you ready to buy a business in Manitoba? Let the experts at OConnor Business Brokers connect you with the business you are looking for. Contact us today!
Sources:
- https://immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/bis/entrepreneur/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provincial_Nomination_Program#Manitoba_Provincial_Nominee_Program
- https://immigratemanitoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bis-entrepreneur-stream-guidelines-final-may-2022.pdf
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