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Guide to Making an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba (PDF)

2007 PNP Young Farmer Brochure:
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2007 Manitoba-Canada Presentation:
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Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business Immigration (MPNP-B)

The Manitoba Young Farmer Nominee Program (MPNP-YF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Manitoba Young Farmer Nominee Program (MPNP-YF)?

A. The Manitoba Young Farmer Nominee Program is a component of an existing immigration program that was created through an agreement between the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba. The purpose of this program is to attract young farmers from around the world who are able and willing to make a capital contribution and be active in a new or existing farm in the Province of Manitoba.

Q. How much net worth must I have to qualify as a farm business immigrant?

A. Young Immigrant Farmers are required to have a legally earned or obtained net worth of at least $150,000 (CDN) and be willing and able to make a capital contribution of at least $150,000 into a new or existing farming business venture in which they will be actively involved.

Q. How much does the MPNP-YF require me to invest in Manitoba?

A . The amount of investment you make in Manitoba will be dictated by the type of farming business you establish, what size it is and whether it will be a new farming business, or an existing farming business, or an existing farming business in which you become an active partner. Depending on the size of the farm it may be in the hundreds of thousands, or it may be in the millions of dollars. However, the investment amount must not, under any circumstances, be lower than $150,000. This does not include the $75,000 deposit.

Q. If I meet the basic requirements of the MPNP-YF, will I automatically be nominated by Manitoba?

A. Although you might meet the basic requirements of the MPNP-YF, it will not guarantee a favourable decision by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will base its decision on factors that it would consider to most likely contribute to Manitoba’s economic growth and development.

Q. Must I make an exploratory visit to Manitoba before submitting my application?

A. Yes. Exploratory visits are mandatory for a minimum of seven (7) days. This visit will allow you to identify and assess potential farming business opportunities as well as experience Manitoba’s quality of life. For more information on exploratory visits, contact the Business Immigration and Investment Branch at pnp-b@gov.mb.ca; phone ( Canada 001) 204-945-1872; or fax (204) 948-2179, or visit the “Guide to Making an Exploratory Visit to Manitoba.”

Q. Do my documents have to be translated by a certified translator?

A. All documents must be accurately translated into English or French for the MPNP-YF. Education and employment documents that are translated must be notarized by a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths if they are not prepared by a certified translator. Copies of the official language documents must also be included. If nominated, the CIC Visa Office may require all translations to be notarized.

Q. I do not understand English or French. How do I find an interpreter to help me with the Exploratory Visit?

A . You must advise our office at least three weeks prior to your arrival to Manitoba that you will require an interpreter. Our office will provide an interpreter to assist you during your interview with a Program Officer. However, if you require the services of an interpreter when conducting the rest of your exploratory visit, you may contact the Language Bank of the International Centre of Winnipeg at 204-943-9158, or after hours and weekends at 204-943-7954.

Q. If I obtain a Letter of Appointment from your office, will I be guaranteed a Visitor’s Visa to come to Canada?

A. Not necessarily. Although the Letter of Appointment is intended to assist interested potential applicants in their application for a visitor’s visa to Canada, it may or may not. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Young Farmers will extend letters of appointments to applicants meeting the basic requirements of the program. However, the issuance of all visas is the sole responsibility of the Federal Government’s Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Q. I have never owned a farm business. Does this affect my chances of qualifying?

A. While the experience of owning a successful farm business improves your chances of being selected, it is not essential. You must, however, be able to prove significant farm and management experience. This may include financial, marketing or operations/production management experience, or expertise in the field specific to the intended farm.

Q. What kind of information should I include in my Farm Proposal?

A . Please find the “Guidelines for Farm and Off-Farm Income Estimates” on page 21 of the application kit. The guide will provide you with some valuable information as to what factors your Farm Proposal document should take into account. You may include any other information to your Farm Proposal document that is not referred to in the Guide, but that you think will be helpful in strengthening your proposal.

Q. Do I need to hire a lawyer, consultant, or representative to help me complete or advise me on my application?

A. Our Program does not require you to hire a lawyer, consultant or representative to assist you with your application. In some cases (for example, if you have difficulty understanding the forms) you may wish to hire someone to help you fill out the forms or give advice. However, if you hire someone, your application will not receive special attention, or be handled differently from other applications.

Q. What kind of farm businesses will not be considered?

A. Although the program offers flexibility in the types of farms being considered, it is essential that the planned business be an operating entity. Passive investments will not be considered.

Q. Are partnership or group applications permitted?

A. Only under certain circumstances. Please note that each individual must qualify for the Manitoba Young Farmer Nominee Program on their own merits. For more information, contact Manitoba Business Immigration and Investment Branch at pnp-b@gov.mb.ca; phone ( Canada 001) 204-945-2466, or fax 104-948-2179.

Q. Why is a Cash Deposit Agreement required?

A. The Cash Deposit Agreement is required of the successful Young Farmer Nominee to ensure that the level of investment in a farm is undertaken as planned in Manitoba.

Q. When do I deposit the $75,000?

A. After you have been nominated, you will be given detailed instructions regarding the deposit of the $75,000 to the Province of Manitoba.

Q. When is the $75,000 Deposit released?

You have 2 years from the date of landing to fulfill the requirements of the Cash Deposit Agreement. Once you have met the terms and conditions specified in your Cash Deposit Agreement, your $75,000 deposit will be returned to you in full. Cash deposits are released to the applicant only at their current address or may be wired to the applicant's account upon request.
Any changes to the Cash Deposit Agreement must be discussed and approved by the Manitoba Business Immigration and Investment Branch before proceeding with any other business.

Q. If I am approved for the Manitoba Young Farmer Nominee Program, what is my next step?

A. If you are approved as a Provincial Nominee, you will receive a letter from Manitoba Business Immigration and Investment Branch which will provide detailed instructions about the deposit and the forwarding of Federal Immigration forms and Federal processing fees to the appropriate Canadian Visa Office that serves your area.

Q. How long will it take for me to receive my immigration visa and what are the factors that may delay processing my application?

A. Based on current experiences with the program, applicants may receive their visas between 10 and 12 months after a complete application is received by the Business Immigration and Investment Branch office. There are several factors that can delay processing of your application. These may include, but are not limited to: not having completed an exploratory visit; the need for an interview with the Canadian Embassy; incorrectly completed or unsigned application forms and/or cheques; missing documents; unclear photocopies; documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation; failure to provide an accurate mailing address or change of address; verification of information and documents provided or a change in family situation; a medical condition which may require additional tests or consultations; and a criminal or security problem.

Note: Experience has shown that applicants who move to Manitoba before they have been granted a Permanent Resident Visa experience significant delays in obtaining Landed Immigrant status.

Q. May I change my plans for my farming venture after I arrive in Manitoba?

A. You may do so only with the approval of the Province of Manitoba. You will be required to contact the Business Immigration and Investment Branch for counseling and guidance as soon as you think you may have difficulty fulfilling, and/or need to change, your business plans.

Q. What if I need more time than the two years after landing to establish my farm business?

A . An extension may be granted depending on your circumstances and what kinds of activities you had undertaken within the two-year period. Extensions are not automatically granted unless requested for with an adequate explanation as to why the extension should be granted.

Q. What if I am unable to proceed with my farming venture in Manitoba?

A. If the proposed farming venture does not go ahead, or another approved farm involving comparable levels of investment and employment is not undertaken, your $75,000 deposit will be forfeited to the Province of Manitoba.

Q. If my application is declined, can I appeal the decision, or if not, can I apply again?

A. The decision that the Selection Committee makes is final. Such a decision will not prevent you from submitting another application at a later date. However, before submitting your next application, please ensure that all of the issues that would have been raised as a result of your first application are fully addressed.

Q. If I already have applied for immigration under a Federal Government Program, or under any other Provincial Nominee program, can I still apply under the MPNP-YF?

A. You may apply under the MPNP-YF only if your other application was filed with the Federal Government’s Immigration Program even if that application is still waiting for a decision. Your application under the MPNP-YF will not be accepted if you already have a pending application with any of the other provinces of Canada.

Q. What fees will I have to pay?

A. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Young Farmers does not charge any processing fees. If you are nominated, you will be responsible for all federal immigration processing and the Right of Permanent Residency Fees. You will receive detailed instructions on payment of these fees after you are nominated. Do not include payment of any fees with your provincial nominee application package.

Q. What is off-farm income?

A. Off-farm income is supplementary income that you or your spouse may need to earn by working outside of your farm. A significant number of Manitoba farmers work during the farming off-season to earn additional income. This income may be earned either through employment, or through operating a business. If the off-farm income is through employment, supporting documents could include offer of employment, trade or profession credentials in which experience was obtained. If the off-farm income is obtained through operating another business, a business proposal is required, including a forecast (please refer to the general “Guidelines for Farm and Off-Farm Income Estates” on page 21.

Q. How do demonstrate potential off-farm income?

A. You can demonstrate potential off-farm income capability by providing documentation that shows your and/or your spouse’s training and/or experience in areas other than farming along with supporting information to demonstrate earning capability in Manitoba.

Q. How do I prepare a budget/forecast for my farm?

A. You will find some helpful hints on how to prepare a budget/forecast in a Manitoba “Farm Plan” web site at: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/financial/farm/software.

Q. Who do I contact after I arrive in Manitoba?

A.It is important that you meet with staff of the Business Settlement Office, which is located on the 6 th floor – 259 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, telephone number 945-1872, and bring your landing papers with you at that time. The Business Settlement Office provides advice and guidance to newcomer farming business entrepreneur immigrants in preparing for and going through the establishment of their proposed farms.

NOTE: DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB OR SELL OR DISPOSE OF YOUR PERSONAL POSSESSIONS AND FARM OR BUSINESS ASSETS UNTIL YOU HAVE OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION FROM CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE A PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA.

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