Maple News reports that Manitoba will soon roll out special temporary work permits designed to support candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) at risk of losing legal status due to expiring work authorizations.
These Manitoba-specific permits will be valid for up to two years and aim to provide stability for foreign nationals whose MPNP-related immigration processes are still underway. According to the provincial government, applications will be accepted starting April 22, 2025, offering a critical stopgap for eligible individuals awaiting permanent residency decisions.
To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria. Specifically, they must currently hold a work permit expiring within 45 days or have had one that expired in 2024 or 2025. In addition, candidates must have resided continuously in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025. They are also required to have a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as of January 15, 2025, and still maintain that validity. A letter of employment from their current Manitoba-based employer is also mandatory.
Beyond these provincial prerequisites, applicants must also satisfy federal requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If these conditions are met, candidates can apply online for a Support Letter from the MPNP, a document they will use to request a work permit from IRCC.
The application window for this public policy initiative will remain open until December 31, 2025, which is when the temporary federal measure is scheduled to end.
Manitoba’s Minister of Labour and Immigration, Malaya Marcelino, officially announced the initiative on April 15, 2025, recognizing the need for continuity and job security for workers awaiting immigration outcomes. However, it’s important to note that those who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply under the MPNP are excluded from this special work permit category.
This initiative underscores the provincial government’s commitment to retaining talent and preventing disruptions for employers and communities that rely on foreign workers. It also reflects broader national efforts to streamline immigration pathways and provide timely support to those stuck in bureaucratic limbo.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments related to this program and other provincial immigration initiatives across Canada.