Manitoba International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)

Student Entrepreneur Pathway

The International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP) enables up to 20 foreign students who have graduated in Manitoba to pursue business rather than job opportunities. Once the applicant has fulfilled the terms of their Business Performance Agreement, they are nominated for permanent residence. Under this program attending an information session is required before you submit any forms to the MPNP.

Eligibility

Criterion	Minimum Requirement
Business Experience	A business plan is required as part of your application to MPNP. You must operate the business as a senior manager on a daily basis from the place of business in Manitoba for at least 6 months prior to nomination while on a valid temporary work permit, consistent with the requirements of your Business Performance Agreement (BPA). Business equity ownership of at least 51%.
Official Languages Proficiency	Minimum CLB/NCLC 7
Education	Complete a full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba that is at least 2 years in duration (distance learning or compressed academic programs are not eligible). Studies and/or work/business experience outside of Canada will be considered as beneficial but not are not an eligibility requirement.
Adaptability	You must : Have a valid open work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the time of application. Have continuously resided in Manitoba since graduation; and Show intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after nomination.
Age	21-35
Net Worth/Settlement Funds	A deposit is not required. Minimum net worth is not an eligibility criterion; however, net worth/ source of funds will be considered for the purpose of evaluating the potential for you to successfully execute on your business plan. You must demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to low income cut-off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources for a twelve-month period. Your personal net worth will be verified by a third-party supplier approved by the MPNP. A verification report, along with the application, must be submitted to the MPNP within 120 days of receiving your LAA.
Business Performance Agreement	After an application is approved, a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) must be signed prior to the MPNP issuing you an approval-in-principal letter to implement your business plan.

Ineligibility

Refugee claimants, or individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal process.
Live-in Caregivers currently living in Canada.
Temporary foreign workers are 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.

How to apply

Step 1: Self-assessment

Conduct an objective self-assessment and determine if you meet the minimum criteria of the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot.
Complete an Interest Guideline Form.

Step 2: Explore Manitoba and research your Business Concept

Conduct an objective self-assessment and determine if you meet the minimum criteria of the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot.
Complete a Business Concept Form.

Step 3: Submit your Self-assessment and Business Concept forms to the MPNP

Submit your forms by email to MPNP-BusinessStream@gov.mb.ca. The following forms are required:

Your Business Concept Form
Your Interest Guideline Form; and
Code of Conduct for Immigration Representatives, if applicable.

Step 4: Submit your full application to the MPNP.

If you have received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) submit your completed application to the MPNP within the period outlined in the LAA.
Electronic submission (email) of all provincial and federal forms is required. Paper copies of these forms will not be accepted.
Physical copies (hard copies) of supporting documents can be submitted by mail or in person.
All documents listed in the Instructions and Document Checklist and your net worth verification report (if required) must be submitted, and your application fee of $2,500 must be paid at the time of submitting your application.

Step 5: Application assessment

The assessment process will include an in-person interview with the MPNP.
If your application meets all the requirements of the MPNP, the Program will email you an approval letter.
You must sign an ISEP-Business Performance Agreement (BPA) prior to the MPNP approving your application in principle so you can pursue your business plan.

Step 6: Operate your business in Manitoba.

Implement your business plan and operate your business in Manitoba.

Step 7: Receive your MPNP nomination.