Special Work Permits for Manitoba PNP Candidates: What You Need to Know
Manitoba has introduced a special work permit option for
certain Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates, aimed at
helping them maintain their status while they await further processing. This
new initiative is designed to ensure that individuals don’t lose their work
status while contributing to Manitoba’s economy.
Who Is Eligible for the Manitoba Work Permits?
The special work permits will be available for candidates
who meet the following criteria:
- Work
Permit Expiry:
- Must
hold a work permit expiring within 45 days or have held a work
permit that expired in 2024 or 2025.
- Residence
Requirement:
- Must
have been living in Manitoba continuously since before January
15, 2025.
- Expression
of Interest (EOI) Profile:
- Must
have had a valid MPNP EOI profile as of January 15, 2025,
and still have an active profile.
- Employment
Letter:
- Must
provide a letter of employment from their current employer in
Manitoba.
- Additional
Federal Criteria:
- Must
meet the additional federal government program criteria, as established
in IRCC's temporary public policy.
How to Apply for the Manitoba Work Permit
If you meet the above eligibility criteria, you can apply
for the Support Letter needed to apply for the work permit. Here's how:
- Submit
an Online Application:
Starting April 22, 2025, eligible candidates can complete an online submission form to apply for a Support Letter from the MPNP. - Required
Documents:
- Expression
of Interest profile
- Letter
of employment from your current Manitoba employer
- One
of the following:
- Current
work permit
- Proof
of authorization to work
- Proof
of work permit status on May 7, 2024, and
evidence that you applied for status restoration (if applicable).
- Deadline:
The application for these work permits will be available until December 31, 2025, as the federal government’s temporary public policy expires at the end of the year.
Important Notes
- No
Guarantee: Even if you meet the eligibility
requirements, there is no guarantee that you will receive a Support
Letter. Manitoba may limit the number of letters issued at its discretion.
- Not
Eligible:
Foreign nationals who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply for the Manitoba PNP are not eligible for these special work permits.
Why Are These Work Permits Important?
This new policy comes at a time when many foreign nationals
in Manitoba face uncertainty about maintaining their work status. Whether it’s
due to the expiration of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or
difficulties renewing Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permits,
these special work permits provide a crucial solution to ensure workers can
continue contributing to the province without interruption.
Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya
Marcelino stated, “By allowing eligible candidates to extend their work
permits, we’re helping more Manitoba workers and families to continue building
their lives in Manitoba.”
Next Steps
If you meet the eligibility requirements, be ready to apply
starting April 22, 2025. Make sure to gather all the necessary
documentation, including your employment letter and Expression of Interest
profile, to ensure a smooth application process.
These special work permits are part of a larger effort by Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Manitoba to help workers remain
in the province while their PNP applications are under consideration. By
addressing gaps in work status, Manitoba is ensuring that skilled workers
continue to thrive in the province, contributing to its ongoing economic
success.
