Manitoba welcomes experienced business owners and investors ready to build successful ventures and create local jobs—especially outside of Winnipeg. Through its Business Investor Stream (BIS), Manitoba offers two immigration pathways for foreign entrepreneurs: the Entrepreneur Pathway and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
Manitoba’s BIS allows the province to nominate individuals with the experience, net worth, and intent to establish or purchase a business in Manitoba. It’s an attractive route for business-savvy immigrants seeking a more affordable, community-driven life in the heart of Canada.
| Criteria | Entrepreneur Pathway | Rural Entrepreneur Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth | Minimum CAD $500,000 | Minimum CAD $500,000 |
| Investment | Minimum CAD $250,000 (Winnipeg) | Minimum CAD $150,000 (Rural) |
| Business Experience | 3+ years as owner or senior manager | 3+ years as owner or senior manager |
| Exploratory Visit | Recommended | Required |
| Minimum Ownership | 33.3% | 33.3% |
| Language Requirement | CLB 5 in English or French | CLB 5 in English or French |
| Business Operation Duration | At least 6 months | At least 12 months |
| Deposit Required? | No | No |
| Minimum Education | Completion of high school (secondary education) | Completion of high school (secondary education) |
| Step | Description | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory Visit | Conduct a self-funded visit to rural Manitoba to explore potential business opportunities, meet with local stakeholders, and assess your fit within the community. Strongly recommended but not mandatory. Must occur within 12 months prior to EOI submission. | 1–2 weeks |
| Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) | Create and submit an online profile through the Manitoba PNP portal. No supporting documents required at this stage. | 1–2 days |
| Receive Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) | If your EOI ranks among the top candidates, Manitoba will issue a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA). | 1–6 months |
| Submit Full Application | Submit a comprehensive application including business plan, visit report, financial and identification documents. CAD $2,500 fee. Deadline: within 120 days of LAA. | Within 120 days of LAA |
| Attend Interview with MPNP Officers | Attend an interview with MPNP officers to evaluate your proposal and qualifications. | 1–2 months after full application |
| Sign Business Performance Agreement (BPA) | Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) outlining investment amount, business type, operational plan, and settlement location. | Within 1 month of the interview |
| Apply for a Work Permit | Receive a Work Permit Support Letter and apply for a temporary work permit through IRCC. | 1–4 months, based on IRCC processing times and country of application |
| Operate Your Business in Manitoba | Relocate to Manitoba and operate your business as outlined in the BPA. Submit progress reports every 6 months. | Submit business activity updates to MPNP every 6 months |
| Apply for Provincial Nomination for Permanent Residence | After fulfilling BPA conditions, apply to MPNP for nomination. If approved, apply for permanent residence to IRCC. | 1–2 months after meeting BPA requirements |
Rural regions in Manitoba offer a wide range of business opportunities in sectors such as:
Why Consider Rural Manitoba?
As the capital and largest city, Winnipeg offers a more urban business landscape ideal for entrepreneurs targeting larger markets.
Key Industries in Winnipeg:
Why Consider Winnipeg?
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