Manitoba’s immigration system is offering fresh relief for skilled workers who might be at risk of losing their status while waiting for their permanent residency applications to move forward. A newly announced special work permit stream for certain Manitoba PNP candidates will allow them to legally continue working in the province as they await further application decisions.
This temporary measure, available from April 22, 2025, to December 31, 2025, is a much-needed solution for many workers facing work permit expiry. Let’s break down what this means and who can benefit.
Why Is Manitoba Introducing This Special Work Permit?
For years, candidates in provincial nominee programs have faced gaps in work authorization due to lengthy processing times for permanent residency applications. Unlike those with Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs), Manitoba PNP candidates didn’t have a dedicated work permit option while awaiting decisions.
This new stream was designed to address that issue. It allows those already contributing to Manitoba’s workforce to maintain their legal working status without disruptions. By securing employment continuity, this move supports both workers and local employers, especially as industries across Manitoba grapple with labour shortages.
Who Is Eligible for This New Manitoba Work Permit?
Not every nominee will qualify for this special work permit. The program sets out specific criteria, and applicants must meet both provincial and federal eligibility requirements.
Provincial Requirements
To qualify under the Manitoba PNP, candidates must:
- Hold a work permit expiring within 45 days, or one that expired in 2024 or 2025.
- Have been living continuously in Manitoba before January 15, 2025.
- Maintain a valid Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as of January 15, 2025.
- Possess a letter of employment from a current employer in Manitoba.
Additionally, applicants must also satisfy federal conditions outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under its temporary public policy.
Federal Eligibility Criteria
The IRCC’s temporary public policy—originally introduced in August 2024—offers a framework for PNP candidates applying for open work permits. To qualify under this federal policy, candidates must:
- Hold a valid work permit.
- Have held a work permit on May 7, 2024, which has since expired and applied for a work authorization extension or restoration of status.
- Or, have maintained status on May 7, 2024, with a work permit extension application either pending or already approved.
How to Apply for a Manitoba PNP Support Letter
Qualified candidates must first apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for a Support Letter. This letter is a crucial requirement for the subsequent work permit application to IRCC.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide:
- A copy of their current EOI profile.
- A letter of employment from their Manitoba employer.
- One of the following:
- A valid work permit.
- Proof of authorization to work.
- Evidence of a previous work permit held as of May 7, 2024, along with proof of status restoration application.
It’s important to note that receiving a Support Letter is not automatic, even for eligible candidates. The provincial government may limit the number of letters issued based on demand and operational capacity.
What This Means for Workers and Employers
This work permit option is timely for Manitoba’s economy, addressing a long-standing gap in the immigration system. Many foreign nationals under the Manitoba PNP have faced uncertainty, especially those whose Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) or employer-specific permits expired without immediate options for renewal.
With this policy, Manitoba ensures that candidates already contributing to its workforce can stay employed while their nomination and permanent residence applications are processed. It also provides businesses with the security of retaining valued employees during a critical time for the province’s labour market.
A Smart Move for Manitoba PNP and the Local Economy
This newly announced work permit stream offers a much-needed lifeline for eligible candidates under the Manitoba PNP. By preventing status loss and work disruptions, it strengthens the province’s workforce stability while supporting both businesses and families building their futures in Manitoba. Applications officially open on April 22, 2025, and eligible individuals are encouraged to gather required documents and submit early. This policy not only benefits individual workers but also keeps Manitoba’s industries thriving. Stay updated with ImmigCanada for further developments in the Manitoba PNP 2025
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