On April 15, 2025, Manitoba announced a temporary public policy to facilitate work permits for prospective Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates. As of April 22, 2025, the province began accepting applications for Support Letters, allowing eligible candidates to apply for a two-year Manitoba-specific work permit extension. This policy targets individuals whose work permits expired in 2024, 2025, or will expire within the next 45 days, offering them a chance to remain legally employed while awaiting permanent residency.
The temporary policy, set to expire on December 31, 2025, aims to stabilize Manitoba’s labor market by retaining skilled workers already contributing to the province’s economy. However, Manitoba has reserved the right to cap the number of Support Letters issued, urging candidates to apply promptly.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this extension, candidates must meet one of the following scenarios:
- Hold a valid work permit expiring in 2025.
- Have held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, that has since expired, with a pending or submitted application for a new permit, extension, or restoration of temporary resident status under sections 181, 182, or 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
- Have been authorized to work under paragraph 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations on May 7, 2024, with a pending or approved work permit extension and a submitted application for a new permit or extension of temporary resident status.
Additionally, candidates must meet all of the following conditions:
- Have a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as of January 15, 2025, and maintain a valid profile at the time of application.
- Have been residing in Manitoba continuously since before January 15, 2025.
- Be currently employed in Manitoba with an employer willing to provide a letter of employment.
- Intend to establish permanent residency in Manitoba.
Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply for a Support Letter through an online submission form available since April 22, 2025, at https://twpe.gov.mb.ca/en-US/. Applications must include:
- A letter of employment from the candidate’s current Manitoba employer.
- A copy of the current work permit, proof of work authorization, or evidence of a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, with a restoration application under section 182 if applicable.
- A copy of the candidate’s MPNP EOI profile.
Incomplete applications will not be approved. Candidates who held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, and have since applied for status restoration must also provide a valid job offer from their Manitoba employer. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept work permit applications under this policy until December 31, 2025.
Context and Impact
This policy comes amidst broader immigration challenges in Canada, including the federal government’s decision to halve Manitoba’s PNP allocation for 2025 to 4,750 nominees, down from 9,540 in 2024. Despite this reduction, Manitoba welcomed a record 9,540 nominees in 2024, highlighting the province’s reliance on skilled foreign workers. The extension policy reflects Manitoba’s effort to retain talent amid federal cuts and lengthy permanent residency processing times, which often leave temporary workers in limbo.
As of May 3, 2025, with the recent federal election resulting in a Liberal minority government, immigration policies may face further scrutiny. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, a potential contender for federal NDP leadership following Jagmeet Singh’s resignation, has yet to comment on the election’s implications for provincial immigration strategies. However, this temporary policy demonstrates Manitoba’s proactive approach to supporting its workforce and economy during uncertain times.
Next Steps
Prospective MPNP candidates are encouraged to apply for Support Letters as soon as possible, given the potential cap on issuances.