Manitoba PNP candidates can now extend their work permits.
These permits may be issued for a maximum of two years.
To be eligible, an candidate under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program must:
- Hold a work permit that will expire within 45 days or one that expired in 2024 or 2025.
- Have continuously lived in Manitoba since before January 1, 2025.
- Have had a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as of January 15, 2025, and still maintain that profile.
- Possess a current letter of employment from a Manitoba-based employer.
Additional federal eligibility requirements must also be met.
The MPNP will begin accepting applications for these work permits starting April 22, 2025.
Eligible candidates can apply online to MPNP for a Support Letter, which must then be submitted with their IRCC work permit application.
This program is available until December 31, 2025, after which the federal temporary policy will expire. The introduction of these work permits was officially announced by Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino on April 15, 2025.
Note: Individuals who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) to the MPNP are not eligible for this special work permit.
These permits are issued under IRCC’s temporary public policy to facilitate work permits for prospective Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
This temporary public policy was launched by IRCC on August 11, 2024, to allow certain PNP candidates to apply for an Open Work Permit.
Candidates must also satisfy additional federal conditions, including:
- Holding a valid work permit
- Having held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, that has since expired and applying for an extension or restoration
- Being on maintained status as of May 7, 2024, with a submitted and pending (or approved) extension application
How To Submit Your Application?
Special work permits are available for Manitoba PNP candidates. If you meet the above criteria, you can submit a request for a Support Letter via an online form starting April 22, 2025.
To apply, you must provide your Expression of Interest profile and a current letter of employment.
Additionally, include one of the following documents:
- Your current work permit
- Proof of authorization to work
- Evidence that you held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, and have since applied for restoration under section 182 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria or lack the proper documentation will be refused.
Note: Even eligible candidates are not guaranteed a Support Letter, as Manitoba may limit the number of letters issued.
Why This Matters?
Manitoba PNP candidates can now extend their work permits. Special work permits for Manitoba PNP candidates aim to fill a crucial gap. The IRCC and Manitoba government are collaborating to protect foreign workers who are contributing to the local economy but risk losing work status as they await permanent residency through MPNP.
While Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) exist for those who’ve already submitted their permanent residence applications, no such option previously supported candidates still in the PNP stage. Many of these workers faced uncertainty regarding their right to stay and work in Canada.
This new temporary measure allows provinces like Manitoba to support such candidates and help maintain their employment during the transition to PR status.
Moreover, Minister Malaya Marcelino highlighted that this policy enables workers and their families to remain in Manitoba and continue contributing. She noted that it’s a win for local businesses, community stability, and the province’s long-term workforce needs.
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