MPNP International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot offers a unique pathway for international students who have graduated from Manitoba to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while working towards permanent residency in Canada. This innovative pilot program provides up to 20 selected participants per calendar year the opportunity to establish and grow their businesses in Manitoba, rather than seeking traditional employment.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the eligibility criteria, program requirements, and benefits of the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot, guiding you through the application process and highlighting the advantages of pursuing this unique opportunity to combine entrepreneurship and permanent residency in Manitoba.

Table of Contents

• Eligibility Criteria for International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Application Process Overview
• EOI Ranking System
• Forms and Documents
• FAQs for International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

Eligibility Criteria for International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

By meeting the specific criteria and conditions outlined in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, International Student Entrepreneur Pilot participants can demonstrate their commitment to entrepreneurship and their ability to contribute to Manitoba’s economic growth. 

To be eligible for the Manitoba International Student Entrepreneur Pilot, applicants must have graduated from a Manitoba post-secondary institution, submit a valid business plan, demonstrate business experience, possess sufficient funds, hold a valid work permit, and reside in Manitoba with the intent to contribute to the province’s economy, culture, and society. Read the criteria in detail below.

Business Experience:  

• Prepare a business plan as part of your application.
• Operate the business as a senior manager daily from the place of business in Manitoba for at least 6 months before nomination, consistent with the requirements of your Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
• Hold at least 51% ownership of the business equity.

Official Languages Proficiency:  

• You should have a minimum CLB or NCLC 7 in a test taken within the last 2 years.

Education:  

• You must have completed a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba lasting at least 2 years.

Age:  

• Between 21 to 35 years of age.

Adaptability:  

• Hold a valid open work permit at the time of application.
• Continuously resided in Manitoba since graduation.
• Demonstrate intent to continue residing in Manitoba after nomination.

Net Worth/Settlement Funds:  

• Minimum net worth is not an eligibility criterion; however, net worth/source of funds will be considered.
• You must either show liquid funds equivalent to low-income cut-off requirements for twelve months.

Business Performance Agreement:  

• Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) after application approval, prior to receiving an approval-in-principle letter from MPNP to implement the business plan.

Who Cannot Apply for the Graduate Internship Pathway?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply to the Graduate Internship Pathway:

• Refugee claimants or a person involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
• Live-in caregivers currently living in Canada.
• Temporary foreign workers who are neither working nor residing in Manitoba.
• Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Individuals who have been refused by the MPNP within the last six months and are unable to address the reasons for refusal.
• Those with an active immigration application with any other provincial or federal immigration program in Canada (Note: an Express Entry profile is not considered an immigration application).
• Individuals with an active MPNP application, including their spouse, are ineligible to submit another application to any other MPNP stream or pathway.

EOI Ranking System

The Expression of Interest (EOI) Ranking System evaluates applicants based on a range of factors that reflect their skills, experience, and adaptability. Get details of the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot EOI Ranking System below:

Factor 1: Language Proficiency

Language proficiency evaluates an applicant’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in the designated language(s), with higher scores awarded for higher proficiency levels.

Factor 2: Age

This factor considers the applicant’s age at the time of application, with applicants in a certain age bracket generally awarded more points.

Factor 3: Work Experience

The work experience factor evaluates the duration and relevance of an applicant’s work experience, with higher scores awarded for longer and more relevant experience in skilled occupations.

Factor 4: Education

Education is another important factor in the EOI Ranking System, as it reflects an applicant’s knowledge, skills, and potential to contribute to the host country’s economy. The factor considers the level of education an applicant has achieved, with higher scores awarded for higher levels of education, such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate.

Factor 5: Adaptability

The adaptability factor evaluates factors such as an applicant’s family ties, previous study or work experience in the host country, and their ability to speak the language of the host country.

Factor 6: Risk Assessment

The risk assessment factor assesses factors such as an applicant’s criminal history, health status, and compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Application Process Overview

The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot offers a streamlined application process for international students who have graduated from Manitoba post-secondary institutions and are eager to pursue entrepreneurship while working towards permanent residency in Canada. By following the outlined steps and meeting the specified deadlines, applicants can maximize their chances of being selected for this unique program and start their entrepreneurial journey in Manitoba.

Step 1: Self-assessment

• Assess if you meet the minimum criteria.
• Complete the Interest Guideline Form.

Step 2: Researching more about your Business Idea’s suitability with Manitoba

• Research Manitoba’s business environment.
• Attend a mandatory ISEP information session.
• Complete the Business Concept Form.

Step 3: Submit your forms to the MPNP

• Email your forms to MPNP-BusinessStream@gov.mb.ca.
• Required forms: Business Concept Form, Interest Guideline Form, and Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives (if applicable).

Step 4: Now wait for LAA and submit your application 

• If you receive a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA), submit your completed application within the specified timeframe.
• Electronic submission of all forms is mandatory.

Step 5: Application assessment

• Your application will be assessed, including an in-person interview.
• If approved, you’ll receive an approval letter.

Step 6: Operate your business in Manitoba

• Implement your business plan with assistance from MPNP Officers.

Step 7: Receive your nomination from MPNP

Forms and Documents

Manitoba provides various forms and documents for the Business Investor Stream, including the Entrepreneur Pathway Self-Assessment Form, Business Concept Form, and application forms such as the Instructions and Document Checklist, Business Plan Guidelines, and Generic Application Form. These forms must be completed and submitted as part of the application process. Read about the forms below.

Manitoba Forms (Step 1-3)

For steps 1 to 3 mentioned above, these forms must be completed.

• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Process Map
• ISEP Interest Guideline Form
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Business Concept Form
• Manitoba Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Business Performance Agreement Overview

Manitoba Application Forms (Step 4)

For step 4 mentioned above, you are required to submit these forms.

• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Application Guide 
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Business Plan Guideline 
• Business Investor Stream Fee Payment Form
• Business Investor Stream Information Release Form
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Application Form
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot Business Plan Templates for Appendices A-C 
• Business Investor Stream Consent to Indirect Collection and Disclosure of Personal Information

In conclusion, the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot offers a remarkable opportunity for international students who have graduated from Manitoba post-secondary institutions to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations while working towards permanent residency in Canada. By providing up to 20 selected participants per year the chance to establish and grow their businesses in Manitoba, the ISEP recognizes the valuable contributions that international graduates can make to the province’s economic and cultural landscape. 

Through the ISEP, participants can leverage their skills, knowledge, and innovative spirit to transform their business ideas into thriving enterprises. The program’s supportive environment and a clear path to permanent residency upon successful completion of the Business Performance Agreement serve as strong incentives for aspiring entrepreneurs to invest their talents and efforts in Manitoba.

FAQs for International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

1. Who is eligible for the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)?
A. To qualify for ISEP, applicants must have graduated from a Manitoba post-secondary institution, possess a valid business plan, demonstrate business experience, show sufficient funds, hold a valid work permit and reside in Manitoba to contribute to its economy, culture, and society.

2. What are the language proficiency requirements for ISEP?
A. Applicants should have a minimum CLB or NCLC 7 in a language test taken within the last 2 years.

3. Can I apply if I have studied outside of Canada for ISEP?
A. Yes, international education and work/business experience are considered beneficial but not mandatory.

4. Is there an age limit for applicants for ISEP?
A. Yes, applicants must be between 21 to 35 years old.

5. What is the process for applying to ISEP?
A. The application process involves self-assessment, exploring Manitoba and researching a business concept, submitting forms to MPNP, completing the full application, undergoing assessment and interview, operating the business in Manitoba, and finally receiving nomination from MPNP.

Also read,

• New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
• PEI PNP International Graduates