What Is the International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (ISEP)?
Launched as part of Manitoba’s International Education Stream (IES), the ISEP allows international students who have graduated from Manitoba post-secondary institutions to pursue entrepreneurship rather than traditional employment. Instead of securing a job offer, eligible graduates can establish or acquire a business and become nominated for permanent residence once specific conditions are met.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ISEP, applicants must meet a set of business and personal requirements:
- 🎓 Education: Must have completed a minimum two-year full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba.
- 💼 Business Experience: Must operate a business in Manitoba for at least six months before being nominated.
- 🧾 Business Performance Agreement (BPA): Before receiving a letter of support for a work permit, the applicant must sign a BPA with the province.
- 🏙️ Business Ownership: Must own at least 51% of the business, and the enterprise must be active and involved in the day-to-day operations.
- 💬 Language: CLB 7 or higher in either English or French.
- 🧍 Age: Between 21 and 35 years old.
- 💰 Settlement Funds: Must prove sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents.
How the Process Works
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants submit their business concept and personal profile through the MPNP portal.
- Invitation to Apply: Top-scoring candidates receive an invitation to submit a full application.
- Business Establishment: Selected applicants operate their business for six months on a temporary work permit.
- Nomination for Permanent Residence: Upon meeting all requirements, including the BPA terms, applicants can be nominated for PR.
Why Choose This Path?
For entrepreneurial-minded graduates, the ISEP offers several unique advantages:
- 🌱 No Job Offer Needed: Unlike many immigration streams, you don’t need an employer-sponsored job.
- 🌐 Immigration + Business: You can build a career on your own terms by running your own business.
- 🏡 Community Integration: By starting a business locally, you naturally become integrated into the Manitoba economy and community.
- 💡 Supportive Ecosystem: Manitoba’s startup and small business community is welcoming, with many resources for new entrepreneurs.
Business Ideas That Qualify
Manitoba is open to many types of businesses under ISEP, as long as they are economically viable, legal, and beneficial to the province. These can include:
- Tech startups
- Retail stores
- Food and beverage ventures
- Educational services
- Creative and digital services
Note: Passive investments and speculative businesses are not eligible.
Final Thoughts
Manitoba’s International Student Entrepreneur Pilot is more than an immigration program—it’s an invitation to build your dream life in Canada through entrepreneurship. For international students who want to stay, grow, and innovate in Manitoba, this pilot stream could be the ideal path.
Whether you’re still studying or have just graduated, now’s the time to think big. Your business could be your ticket to permanent residency—and a thriving future in the heart of Canada.