MPNP Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative (MCDII)

The Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative (MCDII) takes an active role in identifying new permanent residents for the community through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

Successful candidates and their dependent family members become Canadian permanent residents

An overview of Morden

Morden is a small city in the Pembina Valley region of southern Manitoba, Canada, about 19 km from the US border. With a population of around 9,929 (2021 census), Morden is the fastest-growing city in Manitoba, up 14.5% on 2016. Founded in 1882, when the Canadian Pacific railway passed through Dead Horse Creek, Morden takes its name from Alvey Morden, who owned the land there.

Known for its humid continental climate, with hot summers (a high of 25.6°C in July) and cold winters (a low of -19.1°C in January), Morden is a centre for agricultural and horticultural research, thanks to its warm temperatures. The city is home to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, which displays the country’s largest collection of marine reptile fossils, including a 13-metre mosasaur. The annual Corn and Apple Festival in August draws large numbers of visitors with free corn and apple juice.

Morden welcomes immigrants through theManitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)and the Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative (MCDII), which helps skilled workers integrate. The city has a stable economic environment focused on agriculture and manufacturing, making it an ideal place to live and work.

Requirement

A detailed article onMPNP requirements for the candidate.

The Morden immigration initiative works with local employers to identify target occupations in order to meet local labour market needs. Candidates must be in one of the following target occupations:

• Welders
• Carpenters
• Cooks
• Plumbers/pipefitters

Requirements for welders

To be eligible to apply to the Morden immigration initiative as a welder, a candidate must:

• Be aged between 21 and 45
• Have no connection to other parts of Canada (that is, through friends, relatives, or previous employment/study)
• Have completed a post-secondary education or training programme lasting at least 1 year, through which they received a diploma, certificate or degree
• Have passed theIELTS General Trainingtest with a minimum score of 5 in each skill
• Have a genuine intention and the ability to become economically established and settle in Morden
• Have the settlement funds required by the MPNP (CAD 10,000 for the principal candidate and CAD 2,000 for each dependant). This amount is in addition to the costs needed for the exploratory visit
• Have 2 years of recent work experience in commercial or residential welding and carpentry.

Requirements for the other occupations (carpenters, cooks, plumbers/pipefitters)

The candidate must:

• Be aged between 21 and 45.
• Have no connection to other parts of Canada (that is, through friends, relatives, or previous employment/study)
• Have completed a post-secondary education or training programme lasting at least one year, through which they received a diploma, certificate or degree
• Have the settlement funds required by the MPNP (CAD 10,000 for the principal candidate and CAD 2,000 for each dependant). This amount is in addition to the costs needed for the exploratory visit
• Have a genuine intention and the ability to become economically established and settle in Morden
• Have an active federalExpress Entryprofile, requiring a CLB 7 language score and a post-secondary level of education supported by anEducational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Have 2 years of recent work experience within the past 5 years in their target occupation.

The initiative gives priority to candidates with experience of living in a rural area, with the ability to adapt to the local culture and climate. Candidates who meet the criteria and are selected as prospective immigrants to Morden under the initiative are required to make an exploratory visit to the area. The main purpose of the visit is to pass the MPNP interview, although establishing local connections and seeking job opportunities are also recommended.

The MPNP requires candidates to ensure that they meet all the minimum criteria at the time of the exploratory visit. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining the absence of any connection outside Morden and in other parts of Canada throughout the application process and until they arrive in Morden. This means that where a friend or relative moves outside Morden, the application is reassessed by the Morden Selection Committee to consider whether Morden’s support for the application continues.

The application process

An overview of the steps in the application process is set out below. To apply and come to Canada, an individual needs to:

Step 1: Determine eligibility

• Check whether the candidate meets the requirements set out above.

Step 2: Express Entry profile requirement

• The MCDII accepts applications only from those with an active Express Entry profile (with the exception of welders and carpenters).

Step 3: Submit the application

• The candidate must have the following in order to apply (including the federal Express Entry number, where applicable):
  • The application form
  • The curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé of the principal candidate and spouse
  • A copy of the passport
  • IELTS result
  • Proof of finances (a bank statement or an estimate of assets).

Step 4: Receive an invitation for an exploratory visit

• If selected, the candidate receives an invitation to make an exploratory visit.

Step 5: Make the exploratory visit

• During the exploratory visit, the candidate researches Morden and prepares for the interview with MPNP staff at the end of the visit.

Step 6: Receive an invitation to apply to the MPNP

• Where, after the interview, MPNP staff assess the candidate as suitable for the MCDII and the MPNP, they receive an invitation to apply to the MPNP.

Step 7: Submit an online application to the MPNP

• The candidate submits an online application for a provincial nomination through the MPNP, usually after returning from the exploratory visit.

Step 8: Receive the nomination letter

• Where, after the MPNP’s review, the candidate is found to meet all the MPNP’s minimum criteria, they receive a Nomination Letter from the MPNP.

Step 9: Submit the application to IRCC

• Using the Nomination Letter, the candidate applies toImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)as a provincial nominee.

Step 10: Further assessment by IRCC

• IRCC carries out a further review, including medical and criminal record checks.

Step 11: Receive the permanent resident visa and move to Morden

• After receiving the Permanent Resident Visa, the candidate and their accompanying family members may arrange to move to Morden.

Further information

• Rural priority: the MCDII gives priority to candidates with experience of living in a rural area and the ability to adapt to Morden’s culture and climate, helping to ensure long-term success in the community.
• The requirement to have no connection outside Morden: the candidate must maintain the absence of any connection (friends, relatives, employment, or study) in other parts of Canada throughout the application process. Where a new connection arises, the Morden Selection Committee reassesses the application.
• Exploratory visits: this is a mandatory step in assessing the candidate’s intention and ability to settle. Candidates should use the visit to establish relationships with the local community and to seek job opportunities.
• Target occupations: the occupations targeted (welders, carpenters, cooks, plumbers/pipefitters) reflect Morden’s specific labour needs, ensuring that candidates contribute to the local economy.

Candidates should consult the official MCDII and MPNP websites for up-to-date information and detailed guidance on the application process athere.