The Municipal Nominee Program (MNP) is a proposed regional economic immigration program that IRCC has discussed for several years. IRCC has described it as a way to help smaller and mid-sized communities support local labour needs and newcomer settlement.
The most important point: IRCC still describes the MNP as “being developed,” and there is no public application intake or official application portal for people to apply through today.
This page is a status update so readers don’t rely on outdated or unofficial claims.
Is the Municipal Nominee Program open for applications?
As of the latest public IRCC documents that mention the MNP, IRCC describes it as under development (not as an open program with published application steps).
IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan tables have repeatedly noted that admissions under the Municipal Nominee Program would be counted “following program launch.”
That wording is a signal that the program is not launched in the same way as established programs with active application links.
What has IRCC said the MNP is meant to do?
IRCC’s consultation material explains the idea as a regional program focused on distributing the benefits of immigration beyond major cities.
IRCC’s departmental planning document also says the program is being developed with attention to the capacity of settlement providers and participating communities, and that it would involve working with provinces/territories and stakeholders on design and delivery.
A federal mandate letter has also referenced “moving forward” on a Municipal Nominee Program as part of supporting small and medium communities.
What we do NOT know yet (and why that matters)
IRCC has not published (in the sources above):
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a confirmed launch date
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a list of participating municipalities
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a final eligibility checklist for applicants
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an official application portal or intake instructions
Until IRCC publishes those details, any website promising “how to apply now” should be treated carefully.
How to track real updates safely
The safest places to watch are IRCC’s own public pages:
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IRCC consultations and published reports (historically includes MNP consultation material).
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IRCC Immigration Levels Plan pages (often where “following program launch” notes appear).
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IRCC departmental planning documents (often mention program development work).
Common misunderstandings
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“MNP is the same as a PNP.” Not exactly. PNPs are run by provinces/territories. The MNP concept is described as community/municipality-focused.
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“It’s open because it’s listed in some plans.” IRCC’s own wording says admissions would be counted after launch, which suggests it is not operating as an open intake yet.
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“Someone can sell me an MNP nomination.” No legitimate Canadian immigration program works that way. If a person or company claims they can “get you into MNP” right now for a fee, treat it as a serious red flag.
FAQ
Is the Municipal Nominee Program currently accepting applications?
IRCC has described the MNP as being developed and has referenced admissions being counted after program launch, but it has not published an open intake process in the sources above.
Where did the MNP idea come from?
IRCC has discussed it in consultation materials and departmental planning documents as part of regional economic immigration design.
Will MNP give permanent residence directly?
IRCC materials describe it as a permanent residence-focused regional economic program concept, but the exact pathway mechanics have not been published as a live program.
How can I avoid misinformation?
Rely on IRCC pages (consultations, levels plan documents, and official announcements).
Reality check
The Municipal Nominee Program is not something most people can plan around today, because the key operational details (launch, eligibility, participating municipalities, and application process) are not publicly published as an active intake.
If you are making immigration decisions, treat MNP as a policy-in-development, and base your plan on programs that are currently open and have official application instructions.
IRCC discussion guide (Municipal Nominee Program consultation context):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/consultations/2020-consultations-immigration-levels-and-municipal-nominee-program/discussion-guide.html
IRCC Departmental Plan 2023–2024 (mentions developing MNP):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/departmental-plan-2023-2024/departmental-plan.html
IRCC consultations index (lists MNP consultation report):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/consultations.html
Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026 supplementary info (mentions MNP counted after launch):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/supplementary-immigration-levels-2024-2026.html
Minister’s mandate letter (mentions moving forward on MNP):
https://pm.canada.ca/en/mandate-letters/2021/12/16/minister-immigration-refugees-and-citizenship-mandate-letter
