The Steinbach Economic Development Corporation launched the 2026 Rural Community Immigration Pilot on March 1, 2026, to help local businesses in Steinbach, Manitoba, hire skilled workers. This program is designed to fill specific job gaps in the community while helping newcomers stay in the region as permanent residents.
The program focuses on six main industries including health care, education, sales, trades, natural resources, and manufacturing. While many sectors are included, some businesses like gas stations, fast food restaurants, and convenience stores are not eligible to hire through this program.
Local companies must first be approved as a designated employer before they can participate. Since the program is led by employers, workers cannot apply by themselves and must first get a formal job offer from a vetted local business.
To manage the high demand, the Steinbach Economic Development Corporation only allows seven applications to be submitted each month. These are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the local committee will only recommend five people for permanent residency during each monthly period.