Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program: Employer Guide

Many Manitoba employers have trouble filling skilled positions, while internationally educated professionals (IEPs) often work in jobs below their qualifications. The Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program helps bridge this gap by supporting newcomers as they finish licensing and registration in regulated professions. Funding goes to the individual, but employers play an important role in making the program work.

This employer guide explains how the program works, who it supports, and how your business can benefit from being involved.

What Is the Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program?

The Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) Program is a provincial, non-repayable funding program. It helps internationally educated professionals pay for costs related to professional registration in Manitoba’s regulated occupations.

The program is delivered by the Government of Manitoba and is currently open.

Key facts for employers

The program supports 27 non-nursing, self‑regulated professions in Manitoba. **
Funding helps individuals work toward full professional registration in their field.
The goal is faster labour market integration and better job matching for skilled newcomers.

While employers do not receive funding directly, the program helps lower onboarding and training barriers when you hire or promote an internationally trained professional.

How the Program Supports Employers

Although the program is for individuals, employers also see benefits:

Access to job-ready talent: Candidates are already working through Manitoba’s regulatory requirements.
Lower training costs: Assessment, exams, and required courses are funded by the program, not your payroll.
Better retention: Employees working toward licensure often stay longer with supportive employers.

Employers may be asked to:

Confirm job duties or employment status.
Support flexible scheduling while the employee completes exams or training.
Make sure roles match the professional scope required by the regulator.

Who Is Eligible (From an Employer Perspective)

To qualify for the Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program, the employee or candidate must meet all eligibility rules set by the province.

They must:

Live in Manitoba.
Be a Permanent Resident, naturalized Canadian citizen, or Protected Person.
Have international education and work experience in a Manitoba regulated profession.
Have started the registration process with a Manitoba regulatory body.
Be unemployed, underemployed, or working without full professional registration.

As an employer, your main role is to verify employment details or confirm that job duties match the regulated profession.

What Costs Does the Program Cover?

The Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program helps pay for direct costs related to professional registration.

Eligible expenses may include:

Credential and qualification assessments
Professional exams and exam preparation
Mandatory courses or bridging training
Other regulator-required fees

Funding amounts depend on each person’s plan and registration needs.

The Two-Year Action Plan Requirement

Most participants must commit to finishing their registration within two years. This action plan outlines:

Required exams or training
Timelines set by the regulator
Career goals within Manitoba

Employers benefit from this structure because it sets clear expectations and milestones for employee progress. Some exceptions to the two-year timeline may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the funding goes to the employer
The Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program supports the individual, not the business.

Hiring before registration has started
Applicants must have already begun the regulator’s registration process to be eligible.

Misaligning job duties
If the role does not match the regulated profession, the employee’s action plan may be delayed or rejected.

Ignoring scheduling needs
Exams and required training often happen during business hours. Lack of flexibility can slow progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do employers need to apply to the Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program?
No. The individual applies directly. Employers may be asked to provide supporting information or confirmation of employment.

Q: Is there a maximum funding amount?
There is no published cap. Funding depends on the approved action plan and required registration costs.

Q: Can an employee apply if they are already working for us?
Yes. Underemployed individuals or those working without professional registration may still qualify.

Q: Does the program cover wages or salary costs?
No. The program covers assessment, exam, and training costs related to professional registration, not wages.

Q: Is the funding taxable for employees?
Tax treatment can vary. Participants should confirm with a tax advisor.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and support programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.

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Next Steps

If you employ or plan to hire internationally educated professionals in Manitoba, learning about the Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program can help you support newcomer talent and fill skilled roles. GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps identify other provincial and federal programs that support newcomer employment, training, and workforce development across Canada.

Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program: Employer Guide