November 3, 2009

APPLICATIONS TO PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM TO BE MADE EASIER BY NEW SERVICE: ALLAN

Applying to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will be faster and easier thanks to a joint initiative between the province and the Immigrant Centre Manitoba (formerly the International Centre), Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today.

The new Manitoba Nominee Application Centre will provide hands-on services to clients including regular information sessions and one-on-one consultations on completing PNP applications as well as notary services and referrals to other community services.

“In the past, incomplete applications have slowed down the approval process for prospective immigrants,” said Allan. “By having knowledgeable staff providing information and guidance to clients at no cost, the new centre will assist in the efficient completion of applications which will reduce processing times and facilitate the immigration process.”

The Nominee Application Centre will also help Manitobans assisting family and relatives in other countries, temporary foreign workers and international students already in Manitoba with their PNP applications and subsequent applications for permanent residency.

“The demand for this service has been high and is expected to grow as Manitoba continues to be a destination of choice for newcomers,” said Immigrant Centre Manitoba executive director Linda Lalande. “The immigrant centre is proud to deliver this innovative service with the expertise and personal touch that our clients have come to expect and we believe that this service will greatly facilitate the application process.”

The Nominee Application Centre will be located in the Immigrant Centre Manitoba’s new expanded location on the main floor of 100 Adelaide St. in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. The centre will officially open its doors to clients today. The centre will be open Monday to Friday during the day, Thursday evenings and by appointment on Saturday. Two information sessions will be offered per week including one Thursday evening.