Special Work Permits Now Available for Eligible Manitoba PNP Candidates

The Manitoba government has announced a new initiative allowing certain Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates to apply for special work permits to help them maintain their status in Canada.

These Manitoba-specific work permits, which may be issued for up to two years, aim to support foreign nationals at risk of losing their right to stay and work in the province. The permits are part of a temporary federal policy designed to offer flexibility to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates whose work permits are expiring or have recently expired.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the special work permit, MPNP candidates must:

• Hold a work permit set to expire within 45 days or have held a work permit that expired in 2024 or 2025;
• Have been continuously living in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025;
• Have had a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) profile under the MPNP as of January 15, 2025, which remains valid; and
• Possess a letter of employment from their current Manitoba-based employer.

Candidates must also meet additional eligibility criteria under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) temporary public policy.

Application Window Opens April 22

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program will begin accepting applications for support letters required for these permits starting April 22, 2025. Applicants will use the MPNP-issued Support Letter to apply for an open work permit through IRCC. The application window will remain open until December 31, 2025, coinciding with the expiration of the federal temporary policy.

Importantly, foreign nationals who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply to the MPNP are not eligible for this special work permit.

Federal Public Policy Background

These new work permits align with IRCC’s Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates, which came into effect on August 11, 2024.

Under this policy, PNP candidates must also meet one of the following federal criteria:

• Currently hold a valid work permit;
• Held a work permit on May 7, 2024, which has since expired, and have applied for an extension or restoration of status; or
• Maintained legal status on May 7, 2024, with a pending or approved work permit extension application submitted before that date.

The program is part of a broader effort by the federal and provincial governments to support skilled foreign workers while ensuring they can continue contributing to Manitoba’s economy.

Announcement by Minister Marcelino

Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino formally announced the initiative on April 15, 2025, affirming the province’s commitment to retaining skilled workers and addressing labour market needs.