Manitoba has issued an important update for candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) whose work permits have expired or are set to expire soon. Eligible individuals now have a limited opportunity to request a Manitoba Support Letter, which will allow them to apply for a two-year Open Work Permit (OWP) under a federal temporary public policy.
The deadline to apply for this support letter is December 16, 2025 at 12:59 a.m. EDT. After this time, no new applications will be accepted.
Why this support letter matters
With a valid Manitoba support letter, candidates can submit their OWP application to the Government of Canada through the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominees.
This policy helps workers continue their employment in Manitoba while they wait for their provincial nomination or permanent residency process to move forward. This announcement was published by the MPNP on December 4, 2025.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for a Manitoba Support Letter, applicants must satisfy requirements from both the provincial program (MPNP) and the federal temporary public policy.
Manitoba eligibility conditions
You must:
- Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile that was valid on January 15, 2025, and continues to remain valid
- Hold a work permit that expired in 2024 or 2025, or will expire during 2025
- Be living in Manitoba continuously since before January 15, 2025
- Present a valid employment letter from your employer in Manitoba
Federal temporary policy conditions
Additionally, you must meet one of these requirements:
- Your work permit will expire in 2025, OR
- You held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 which has since expired, and you applied for a work authorization extension, temporary resident status restoration, or permission to stay in Canada
- You had maintained status on May 7, 2024, and applied for a work permit extension before that date
These applications must either be approved or still in process.
Applying for the Manitoba Support Letter
Applications must be submitted online through the MPNP form.
The form will stop accepting submissions on December 16, 1:00 a.m. EDT.
Manitoba has clearly stated that meeting all requirements does not guarantee a support letter, as the province may limit the number issued.
Required documents:
- Proof of valid EOI profile
- Employment letter from current Manitoba employer
ONE of the following:
- Current work permit
- Proof of authorization to work
- Evidence that you held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, and applied to restore your temporary status
Foreign nationals who already have a nomination are not eligible under this policy.
Validity of this policy
This temporary public policy was introduced on August 11, 2024, and has been extended since then.
Applications for OWPs under this policy will remain open until December 31, 2025 unless federal authorities extend it again.
The intention behind this measure is to support workers already contributing to Manitoba’s labour market but at risk of losing their work status.
Time is running out. If you are an MPNP candidate whose work permit has already expired or will expire soon, this pathway can help you stay employed in Manitoba while you continue your Canadian immigration journey.
