The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has introduced a new measure to help certain immigration candidates avoid losing their legal status. Select candidates under the MPNP may now apply for special Manitoba-specific work permits valid for up to two years.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this special work permit, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Their work permit is expiring within 45 days or already expired in 2024 or 2025.
- They have been living continuously in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025.
- They had a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile on January 15, 2025, which remains active.
- They hold a current job in Manitoba and have an employment letter from their employer.
Applicants must also meet additional criteria set by the federal government.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications open on April 22, 2025. Qualified candidates must apply online to the MPNP for a Support Letter, which is required when applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the work permit.
This initiative will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, when the federal public policy is scheduled to expire.
Important Notes:
- Candidates who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) from the MPNP are not eligible for this special permit.
- Work permits will be issued in line with IRCC’s Temporary Public Policy to support work permits for future PNP applicants.
Federal Public Policy Requirements
Introduced on August 11, 2024, IRCC’s temporary public policy supports Open Work Permits for certain PNP candidates. To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a valid work permit;
- OR have held a permit on May 7, 2024, that has since expired and applied for either an extension or status restoration;
- OR have maintained status as of that date and submitted a permit extension application, which is still pending or approved.
For more detailed federal eligibility rules, you can refer to previous articles discussing this policy.
How to Apply for the Support Letter
To request a Support Letter from MPNP starting April 22, 2025, you must:
1. Complete the online submission form.
2. Upload your active Expression of Interest profile.
3. Include a letter of employment from your current Manitoba employer.
4. Submit one of the following documents:
- A valid work permit;
- Proof you are authorized to work;
- Or evidence that you held a work permit on May 7, 2024, and have applied for status restoration under section 182 of the IRPR.
Applications missing any documents or not meeting the criteria will be rejected. Also, even if you qualify, a Support Letter is not guaranteed, as Manitoba may limit the number of letters issued.
Why This Policy Was Introduced
This new permit helps bridge a gap for PNP candidates who might lose their ability to work legally while waiting for permanent residency. Many foreign workers, such as those on Post-Graduation Work Permits or low-wage LMIA-based work permits, are at risk of losing status due to permit expiry or the federal pause on low-wage LMIA processing.
Unlike permanent residency applicants who can get Bridging Open Work Permits, MPNP candidates didn’t have a similar option—until now.
Manitoba’s Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino shared in an April 15, 2025 announcement,
“By allowing eligible candidates to extend their work permits, we’re helping more Manitoba workers and families to continue building their lives in Manitoba.”
