Special work permits are available for Manitoba PNP applicants.
These special work permits can be issued for up to two years.
In order to qualify, a Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program applicant must:
- Hold a work permit that will expire within 45 days, or have held a work permit that expires in 2024 or 2025.
- Have been continuously residing in Manitoba since before January 1, 2025.
- Have had on January 15, 2025 a valid MPNP Expression of Interest profile, and still have a valid profile.
- Have a letter of employment from their current employer in Manitoba.
They must also meet additional program criteria established by the federal government.
The MPNP will begin to accept applications for these work permits starting April 22, 2025.
If an MPNP applicant qualifies, they can apply online to the MPNP for a Support Letter, which they will use in their work permit application to IRCC.
Applications for these work permits will be open until December 31, 2025. Manitoba Labor and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino declared the forthcoming availability of these work permits on April 15, 2025.
Moreover, foreign nationals who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply to the Manitoba PNP are not eligible for this special work permit.
These work permits will be issued in accordance with IRCC’s ‘temporary public policy to facilitate work permits for prospective Provincial Nominee Program applicants.’
IRCC’s temporary public policy allowing PNP applicants to apply for an Open Work Permit was introduced on August 11, 2024.
MPNP applicants must also meet some additional requirements of the temporary public policy established by the federal government, which may be summarized as:
- Holding a valid work permit
- Having held a work permit on May 7, 2024, that has since expired, and have since either applied for an extension of authorization or restoration of status
- Having held maintained status on May 7, 2024, and having submitted a work permit extension application prior to this date – with the application currently pending or having been approved
How To Apply For Consideration?
Special work permits are available for Manitoba PNP applicants. Those who meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria might apply for a Support Letter by completing an online submission form.
In order to be eligible, you must provide a copy of your Expression of Interest profile and a letter of employment from your present employer.
You will also need to attach a copy of one of the following pieces of documentation:
- Your current work permit
- Proof of authorization to work
- Proof that, as of May 7, 2024, you held a valid work permit and have since applied for restoration of your temporary resident status (under section 182 of Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations)
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria or have failed to provide adequate documentation, your application will be rejected.
Note: You are not guaranteed to receive Support Letters even if you are eligible. Well, that’s because Manitoba retains the authority to restrict the quantity of issuances at its discretion.
Rational
Special work permits are available for Manitoba PNP applicants. IRCC and the Province of Manitoba are working together to support workers who are contributing to Manitoba’s economy. However, they are at risk of losing their work authorization while waiting for their PR through the MPNP.
Typically, Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) are available to individuals who have already submitted their permanent residence (PR) applications. However, no such permit existed for those still in the PNP candidate stage, which created a gap in support. Many workers faced the possibility of losing their legal right to work in Canada.
To address this, a temporary public policy was introduced. This enabled provinces like Manitoba to provide a solution for nominated workers who are actively employed and awaiting PR processing. This new policy gives eligible candidates the ability to extend their work permits during the transition period.
Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino stated that the policy provides workers and their families with the opportunity to stay in Manitoba and continue contributing to the community. She emphasized that it represents a positive step for the province’s economy, benefits local employers, and supports the long-term strength of Manitoba’s workforce.
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