Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative

Introduction

The Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative (FSRI) is a special rural economic initiative under the auspices of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business (PNP-B). The FSRI is for individuals with proven farm business experience, sufficient available capital to invest, and who intend to establish and operate a farm operation in rural Manitoba. It is expected that successful applicants of the FSRI will establish a farm business in rural Manitoba producing primary products that is consistent with the province’s current farm industry. The type of operation and investment must correlate with Provincial statistics and be relevant to Manitoba’s farm industry. Agri-business operations not producing primary products may qualify under the Business Program criteria.

Please review carefully prior to applying to determine whether you qualify to be considered for the FSRI. Do not complete and submit this application kit unless you are confident that you adequately meet the eligibility criteria of the FSRI and have conducted an Exploratory Visit. This Application Kit outlines the eligibility requirements for the FSRI. All of the necessary forms, along with instructions for completing the forms, are included. Applications received from individuals who have not completed the mandatory Exploratory Visit will not be interviewed and their applications will be returned unprocessed.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a provincial immigration program made possible through the Canada-Manitoba Immigration Agreement. It allows the Government of Manitoba to recruit and nominate immigrants who are best suited to contribute to Manitoba’s economy. Applicants nominated by Manitoba should receive favourable and prompt consideration from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as long as they comply with IRCC’s statutory requirements, submit bona fide documents, and have a genuine intention to reside in Manitoba.

There are two immigration streams under the MPNP. One is for skilled workers and the other is for business investors. This application kit contains information for applicants to the Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative (FSRI) which is a special rural economic initiative under the auspices of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business (PNP-B). Instructions for completing your application are included in this kit; however, forms are also available for downloading from our website at www.gov.mb.ca/jec/invest/pnp-b/fsri/fsri_forms.html

The PNP-B will only nominate individuals who intend to reside in Manitoba with their dependent family members, make an investment into a farm business and assume an active managerial role in that business. Individuals who do not meet all program requirements are encouraged to explore other provincial and federal immigration programs.

PNP-B officers assess applications based on eligibility requirements and selection factors. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. However, applicants should also be aware that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination. Priority is given to the applicants who have the greatest potential to become economically established in Manitoba. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the entirety of this application kit. Do not complete and submit this application kit unless you have completed your exploratory visit and are confident that your meet the FSRI eligibility criteria. Applications received by individuals who have not completed the mandatory Exploratory Visit will be returned unprocessed.

A decision to nominate does not guarantee the issuance of a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa. IRCC retains the final authority in the issuance of all visas. IRCC will review the file, conduct security and health checks, and may request an interview. Moreover, your nomination may be withdrawn by the PNP-B at any time prior to the issuance of a PR Visa. Reasons for the withdrawal of a Nomination Certificate include, but are not limited to:

• The PNP-B is no longer satisfied that you meet the requirements under which you were nominated.
• A material and relevant fact related to your application was misrepresented or withheld.
• The PNP-B is no longer satisfied that you intend to reside in Manitoba.

Approved applicants will be required to submit a good-faith deposit in the amount of CDN $75,000. This deposit is refundable to applicants, without interest, once they have met the terms and conditions of their Deposit Agreement. Prior to landing as a PR, an applicant who withdraws his/her application will be refunded his/her deposit without interest.

Eligibility

Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative Eligibility

Exploratory Visit | Business Experience | Business Intent | Preparing the Business Intent | Eligible Investments

To qualify for the Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative (FSRI), interested applicants must:

• have a minimum verifiable personal net worth of CDN$350,000.
• have a minimum of three years farm business management or farm ownership and operation experience supported by verifiable documents.
• demonstrate adaptability, specifically relating to practical farming skills, technical knowledge and experience in technological based farming practices that will transfer directly to Manitoba’s current primary farm production industry.

The PNP-B advises you to review and understand the eligibility requirements carefully. The FSRI is a special rural economic initiative under the auspices of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business (PNP-B). Although the FSRI does not employ an adaptability matrix that awards points for English or French language capabilities, the FSRI recognizes language capabilities in either of Canada’s two official languages are an important adaptability skill that will accelerate your ability to become economically established in rural Manitoba. If you feel that you will be unable to demonstrate your adaptability, specifically relating to your practical farming skills, experience and technical knowledge of technological based farming practices which will transfer directly to Manitoba’s current primary production farm industry, the PNP-B does not recommend that you apply to the FSRI Program. Farm business persons who are unable to demonstrate that they meet the FSRI criteria are encouraged to review the PNP-B criteria. Please refer to FAQ #7 to 12 for further information.

The applicant must also:

• conduct an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. The applicant must provide a visit report and other documents to demonstrate the research conducted during this visit .
• attend and conduct an interview upon request of a PNP-B officer in either of Canada’s two official languages after the Nomination Application with application fee have been submitted.

The applicant must also be prepared to:

• make an Eligible Farm Business Investment in Manitoba; and
• reside in Manitoba along with his/her dependent family members.

Note. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination.

Ineligible applications

Applications will not be accepted from individuals who:

• have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada;
• are in Canada illegally;
• are subject to a removal order in Canada;
• are prohibited from entering Canada;
• have an application pending with another Provincial Nominee Program in Canada;
• had a prior PNP-B or FSRI application refused within the last 12 months; or
• had a prior PNP-B or FSRI application refused for misrepresentation or false documentation within the last 24 months.

Applicants residing in Manitoba while their applications are being processed are responsible for maintaining their legal status in Canada as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Applicants should be aware that they may be ineligible for nomination by the PNP-B, if they:

• do not meet the eligibility criteria as determined by the PNP-B;
• have committed misrepresentation and/or fraud during the application process;
• have been refused by another provincial or federal immigration program in Canada and the reasons for refusal are applicable to the PNP-B;
• have close relatives and/or children residing in other province(s) of Canada;
• are unable to provide sufficient explanation with supporting documentation proving that the acquisition of their earned income and net worth were legally obtained; or
• are unable to demonstrate that they have the necessary resources and skills to operate their intended business.

Applicants may also be ineligible for immigration to Canada, if:

• the applicant or any dependent family member (whether accompanying or not) has a serious medical condition;
• the applicant or any dependent family member (whether accompanying or not) over the age of 18 has a criminal record; or
• the applicant has unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any member of the family.

Provincial Nominee Program for Business Eligibility

Qualifications

Exploratory Visit | Business Experience | Business Intent | Preparing the Business Intent | Eligible Investments

To qualify for the PNP-B, interested applicants must:

• have a minimum verifiable personal net worth of CDN$350,000;
• have a minimum three years of successful business ownership and management experience or a minimum three years of executive-level experience as senior manager of a business; and
• score a minimum of 60 points in the Adaptability Assessment Matrix.

The applicant must also be prepared to:

• attend an interview with a PNP-B officer;
• make an Eligible Business Investment in Manitoba; and
• reside in Manitoba along with his/her dependent family members.

The applicant may have to:

• conduct an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. The applicant must provide a visit report and other documents to demonstrate the research conducted during this visit (please see details on page 14); and
• provide the results of a language competency test to demonstrate language proficiency.

Note. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination.

Please note that if your intention is to establish a primary production farming operation, you are not eligible to apply through this regular business stream of the Provincial Nominee Program for Business (PNP-B). You must apply through the Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative (FSRI) which is a special initiative of the PNP-B for farm business applicants.

Ineligible applications:

Applications will not be accepted from individuals who:

• have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada;
• are in Canada illegally;
• are subject to a removal order in Canada;
• are prohibited from entering Canada;
• have an application pending with another Provincial Nominee Program in Canada;
• had a prior PNP-B application refused within the last 12 months; or
• had a prior PNP-B application refused for misrepresentation or false documentation within the last 24 months.
• if your intention is to establish a primary production farming operation.

Applicants residing in Manitoba while their application is being processed are responsible for maintaining their legal status in Canada as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

An applicant is only permitted to have one MPNP application in process at one time, and cannot apply through both the skilled worker and business categories of the program. The MPNP reserves the right to require applicants who, in the view of the Program, have the intention to immigrate to Canada for business purposes, to apply through the business category only.

Applicants should be aware that they may be ineligible for nomination by the PNP-B, if they:

• do not meet the eligibility criteria as determined by the PNP-B;
• have committed misrepresentation and/or fraud during the application process;
• have self-assessed an inaccurate number of points in the Expression of Interest (EOI) process;
• have been refused by another provincial or federal immigration program in Canada and the reasons of refusal are applicable to the PNP-B;
• have close relatives and/or children residing in other province(s) of Canada;
• are unable to provide sufficient explanation with supporting documentation proving that the acquisition of their earned income and net worth were legally obtained; or
• are unable to demonstrate that they have the necessary resources and skills to operate their intended business.

Applicants may also be ineligible for immigration to Canada, if:

• the applicant or any dependent family member (whether accompanying or not) has a serious medical condition;
• the applicant or any dependent family member (whether accompanying or not) over the age of 18 has a criminal record; or
• the applicant has unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any member of the family.

Exploratory Visit

Qualifications

Exploratory Visit | Business Experience | Business Intent | Preparing the Business Intent | Eligible Investments

What is an Exploratory Visit?

If you are considering immigrating to Manitoba through the PNP-B you may choose to strengthen your knowledge of and connection to the province by making an Exploratory Visit to investigate business and lifestyle opportunities.

The Exploratory Visit is an optional initiative for an applicant, but is recommended and should be completed prior to submitting an EOI or applying to the PNP-B. You are encouraged to conduct an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. The PNP-B allots an additional 15 points under the “Enhanced Settlement Factors” section of the Adaptability Assessment Matrix for such Exploratory Visits.

The Exploratory Visit must be conducted no more than one year prior to submission of an EOI. You can also conduct an Exploratory Visit after submission of the EOI and update your EOI with this information to enhance your point score.

You must visit Manitoba for a period of not less than consecutive five working days (excluding the days of arrival and departure), to conduct extensive business and lifestyle-related research. Although an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba must be for a minimum of consecutive five working days, longer visits are also recommended as they provide the applicant with a better opportunity to explore Manitoba.

An Exploratory Visit provides you with time to research business opportunities available, as well as the lifestyle in Manitoba. It is expected that you will conduct research activities such as, but not limited to:

• Collecting necessary information to prepare his/her Statement of Business Intent, which may include identifying business, general start-up costs, as well as the costs of leasing or purchasing business space, purchasing tools and equipment, hiring skilled labour, analyzing the competition, targeted customers and suppliers.
• Researching information related to moving to and living in Manitoba such as schooling for children, the costs and availability of housing (rent or purchase), recreational activities, services available for newcomers and the general cost of living.

During an Exploratory Visit, you must dedicate a significant portion of time to conducting business-related research and meeting with various stakeholders and business advisors. You are expected to provide details of your business and lifestyle research through an Exploratory Visit Report which forms part of a Nomination Application.

How to Request and be Approved for an Exploratory Visit
You are not required to send any request to the PNP-B or require any approval from the PNP-B to conduct this visit. The PNP-B will not issue a letter of advice to support an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary travel documents (such as a Visitor’s Visa) required for travel to Manitoba, Canada. The PNP-B does not provide letters of support for you to obtain a Visitor’s Visa and cannot intervene in cases in which a potential applicant is denied a Temporary Resident Visa.

Weekly Information Seminar
The Business Settlement Office is hosting weekly information seminars on the "Business Investment through Business Immigration". This seminar is designed to serve the needs of potential foreign business investors who wish to explore the opportunity to immigrate and invest in Manitoba through the PNP-B. Please view the detailed information about this seminar here.

Submitting an Exploratory Visit Report with the Nomination Application
If you have conducted an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba, you are required to submit a report of this visit with the Nomination Application. There is no prescribed format for this report; however, you must describe all the activities you have undertaken during this visit. This report must cover the entire period of stay in Canada starting from the first day of entry to the day of leaving Canada and also including time spent in other provinces, if any. You should include pictures, airline tickets, boarding passes, hotel receipts, business cards and all other relevant details to describe the activities undertaken during the visit. Please do not attach brochures, flyers, maps or information booklets collected during the Exploratory Visit with this report.

Business Experience

Qualifications

Exploratory Visit | Business Experience | Business Intent | Preparing the Business Intent | Eligible Investments

Business Ownership or Senior Management Experience

You must have at least three years of full time work experience in the past five years either as a business owner or in a senior management role of a successful business. Your job title, place of employment, responsibilities and business skills must be described clearly in the resume and in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Generic Application Form - Business (PNP-B APP). The application will be evaluated taking into consideration your business ownership and management experience, or your senior management experience or a combination of both.

Business Owner: As an entrepreneur, you must be engaged actively and on an ongoing basis in providing goods or services to customers. Also, as an entrepreneur, you should bear the risk of return for the capital investment in your business enterprise.

Being self employed does not qualify you as a business owner for the purposes of the Program. Some examples of small businesses where you would be considered self-employed include a home-based business with no or very few employees, an on-line business with low turnover, a street side vendor, a self-employed trades person, owner-operated transportation, self-employed professionals, such as doctors or dentists managing their clinic, or commission agents. The list is not exhaustive. We encourage you to review the requirements for Manitoba's Skilled Worker Program to see if you can apply under that program.

Senior Management Experience:

• If your application is based on Senior Management experience, you must demonstrate that you have had a role with significant decision-making responsibilities involving a minimum of two of the following aspects of business:
• You have occupied a position in the highest level of the management structure of a major business. In that position, you were responsible for the strategic policy development affecting a major component or a wide range of operations of that major business, and have done so for at least three of the past five years prior to applying.
  • Distribution
  • Production/Operations/Project management
  • Purchasing
  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Human Resources/Personnel
  • Research and Development
  • Information Technology management
  • Quality Control
• In addition to the above, you should also demonstrate that your level of income is commensurate with the prevailing income level of senior managers of other major businesses in your country. You must clearly demonstrate this level of income through documentation.

Adaptability Matrix

Expression of Interest (EOI)

In order to apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business (PNP-B), a prospective applicant must submit an EOI and receive an advice from the PNP-B to apply. An EOI is not an application and there is no fee for the submission of an EOI. An EOI is an indication that you would like to be considered for a Nomination Application to the PNP-B.

All EOI candidates must answer all EOI questions correctly and completely. An EOI is used to evaluate the potential of an applicant to successfully settle and become economically established by starting a business in Manitoba. The PNP-B does not require a minimum score for the submission of an EOI; however, a higher score increases your chance of being selected from the participating group.

You are not required to attach documents to an EOI. However, it is imperative that you enter accurate information in your EOI that conforms to the information in your supporting documents. It is important to remember that, if invited to apply to the PNP-B, the information you have submitted with your EOI becomes part of your application. If you provide false or misleading information in your EOI, it may be considered misrepresentation. The application could be refused and you may be subject to a ban which would prevent you from applying to the PNP-B for a period of two years. If the information supplied in your EOI is not correct, there could also be adverse consequences for your Permanent Residence Visa application.

An advice to file a Nomination Application is based only on the information presented in an EOI. If you later submit a Nomination Application and the points under the Adaptability Assessment Matrix are less than claimed in the EOI, that application will be refused even if you are able to pass the points test or meet other threshold criteria. You will not receive a refund of any Nomination Application fees if your Nomination Application is refused.

There are no deadlines for the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PNP-B. However, the PNP-B criteria may change without notice and your application will be assessed according to the criteria in place at the time the PNP-B issues you a Letter of Advice to Apply. The PNP-B is not obliged to assess your EOI for the applicable criteria on the date of its submission. Your EOI may be assessed with any changed criteria irrespective of the date of submission and the EOI criteria applicable on that date.

For more information about how to calculate the points, please review our Adaptability Assessment Matrix, in the Program Eligibility section of our website.

How to Submit an EOI

An EOI must be submitted through the MPNP on-line system. There are no alternative ways to submit your EOI. When you complete the EOI questions, you should take your time and ensure that you understand the questions. If you are not certain about the meaning of a question, use the help icons or visit our website for further information.

You will need an active email address to create your EOI account. You must create a username and password to access the on-line EOI system.

Please read this message carefully before you start ...

Completing your submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business

1. The EOI is an official submission which will become a part of your future Nomination Application, and great care has to be taken when completing it. The PNP-B will not consider an incomplete submission for selection and subsequent issuance of a Letter of Advice to Apply.
2. Before you submit your EOI, you can preview your submission. We recommend you save/print a copy of this PDF report for your records.
3. You do not need to enter all your information and complete your EOI in one sitting. You can log off, then return to the EOI tool and continue. EOIs should be completed within 90 days of your first login. If you are logged in to the EOI system and are inactive for more than 15 minutes, the system will automatically log you off without saving your information.
4. All representatives must initially register with the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Authorized representatives must present their submission through their assigned Username. Otherwise, the submission will not be considered for selection and subsequent issuance of a Letter of Advice to Apply.

After you Submit an EOI to the PNP-B
Periodically the PNP-B will select the highest scoring applicants from the EOI pool and issue them a Letter of Advice to Apply. A summary report of such selection will be periodically published on our website. This will give you an indication of your potential for receiving an advice to apply in the future. You may strive to further increase your points, such as conducting an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba or enhancing your language proficiency through language training.

You must be ready to provide supporting documents for the claims you make in your EOI submission. An advice to submit a Nomination Application may be issued shortly after you submit your EOI and you will have 60 days to submit a complete Nomination Application.

If you do not submit a Nomination Application after receiving a notice of advice to apply, your EOI will be removed from our database and will not be considered for future selection. Your EOI will be considered for selection for a period of one year from the date of your submission subject to the above stated conditions, after which it will also be removed from the PNP-B database.

Business Intent