Manitoba Announces Special Work Permits for At-Risk Provincial Nominee Program Candidates

By Vikrant Singh, April 22, 2025

In a major development for international workers in Manitoba, the provincial government has introduced a special work permit initiative designed to help Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates retain their legal status and continue contributing to the province’s economy.

Announced by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino on April 15, this new measure allows certain MPNP candidates to apply for Manitoba-specific work permits valid for up to two years. Applications officially open today, April 22, 2025, and will remain available until December 31, 2025.

Who is Eligible?

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

• Hold a work permit that will expire within 45 days or one that expired in 2024 or 2025

• Have been continuously residing in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025

• Have had a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) profile with the MPNP on January 15, 2025, which is still active

• Provide a current letter of employment from a Manitoba employer
  

Additionally, applicants must meet federal eligibility requirements under IRCC's temporary public policy introduced on August 11, 2024, which include proof of prior work permit status or pending applications for extensions or restorations.

Foreign nationals who have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) for the MPNP are not eligible for this special work permit.

Application Process

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online for a Support Letter from MPNP, which will be required when submitting a work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Applicants must upload:

• A copy of their valid EOI profile

• An employer letter confirming current employment in Manitoba

• One of the following:

  • Current work permit

  • Proof of work authorization

  • Evidence of prior valid permit as of May 7, 2024, with restoration of status or extension application in progress
    

Purpose and Impact

The special permit is part of IRCC's temporary public policy allowing prospective PNP candidates to apply for an open work permit. While Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) exist for PR applicants, no such mechanism was previously available for PNP candidates awaiting nomination or further processing—putting many at risk of losing legal work status.

“The new permit option bridges a critical gap,” said Minister Marcelino. “By allowing eligible candidates to extend their work permits, we’re helping more Manitoba workers and families to continue building their lives in Manitoba. This is good news for our economy, businesses, and communities.”

This policy is expected to benefit international workers with expiring Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) or those unable to renew work permits due to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) moratorium on low-wage jobs.

Final Notes

While qualifying candidates may apply, Manitoba retains discretion in issuing Support Letters and may limit the number distributed.

For detailed information on federal eligibility rules, candidates are encouraged to review the IRCC’s temporary public policy on open work permits for PNP candidates.

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