Manitoba’s Temporary Public Policy: Work Permit Support Letters for Prospective PNP Candidates

This new temporary public policy from the Government of Manitoba aims to bridge the gap from temporary status to provincial nomination by offering eligible prospective Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates the chance to apply for a province-specific, two-year work permit. 

Starting April 22, 2025, eligible individuals can apply for a Support Letter from the province, which they can then use to apply for a new open work permit tied to Manitoba. This policy runs until December 31, 2025, and is designed to give workers more time and stability as they continue on their path to permanent residency. 

Key Takeaways 

1. This policy helps workers with expiring or expired permits stay employed in Manitoba while they await MPNP nomination. 
2. You must have had an active EOI profile on or before January 15, 2025, and still have one at the time you apply. 
3. Only apply for a Support Letter within 45 days of your permit expiring (or after it expires). 
4. Restoration of status applicants may qualify if they meet all the other conditions and include a valid job offer. 
5. Support Letters are limited, so eligible candidates should apply as soon as their eligibility window opens. 

Rationale for this Public Policy 

The core purpose of this policy is to support temporary residents in Manitoba who are actively seeking nomination through the MPNP but face the risk of falling out of status or losing employment due to expiring work permits. Many of these individuals are essential contributors to Manitoba’s economy, working in sectors where local employers rely on them. 

“By allowing eligible candidates to extend their work permits, we’re helping more Manitoba workers and families to continue building their lives in Manitoba,” Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said. “This is good news for our economy, businesses and communities across Manitoba.” 

The temporary measure fills a gap for people: 

• Whose work permits have expired or are expiring soon, and

• Who have shown their intent to remain in Manitoba through their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles,

• But who haven’t yet received a Letter of Advice to Apply from the MPNP.

This program helps workers in Manitoba avoid legal limbo, maintain their employment, and strengthen their case for permanent residency, while also giving employers continued access to needed talent. 

It’s likely that Manitoba in particular has been able to negotiate this public policy due to ongoing labour shortages and a lower-than-average unemployment rate. So, if you’re hoping for a similar program in Ontario, we would be surprised to see one open there.  

Eligibility 

To be eligible for a Support Letter under this public policy, you must meet at least one of the following work authorization scenarios: 

• You currently hold a work permit that will expire in 2025, or 

• You held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, and have since: 

• Applied for a new work permit (section 200), or 

• Applied to extend your stay as a temporary resident (section 181), or 

• Applied for restoration of status (section 182), or 

• Were authorized to work under paragraph 186(u) (implied status) on May 7, 2024, and have applied for a new work permit or extension of status. 

You are not eligible if you have already received a Letter of Advice to Apply from the MPNP. This public policy is strictly for prospective candidates who are waiting to be invited. 

Application Criteria 

To apply for a Support Letter under this temporary public policy, you must meet all of the following conditions:

EOI Profile Requirements 

You had an active Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Expression of Interest profile as of January 15, 2025, and you should currently have a valid EOI profile when you apply. 

Residency Requirement 

You were physically residing in Manitoba prior to January 15, 2025, and have remained living in the province continuously. 

Employment Requirement 

You must be currently employed in Manitoba with a Manitoba employer, and your employer must provide a letter of employment stating that they are offering you full-time employment.

Additionally, if your work permit has expired and you’ve applied for restoration of status, you must instead submit a valid job offer for future employment once your permit is restored.

Intent to Reside in Manitoba 

You must demonstrate a clear intention to live and work in Manitoba long-term and eventually become a permanent resident through the MPNP. Candidates with stronger ties to other provinces or who fail to meet the core nomination criteria may not be supported or nominated. 

When and How to Apply 

Manitoba will publish a link to an online form on April 22, 2025, here. But the key notes regarding when and how to apply include:  

• Applications will open April 22, 2025, via an online submission form that will be published on Manitoba’s official immigration website. 

• The Support Letter is required to apply for the new Manitoba-specific open work permit. 

• You can only apply for the Support Letter once your work permit has expired or will expire within 45 days. 

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept work permit applications under this policy until December 31, 2025. 

Documents Required 

You may need the following documents to apply:

• A letter of employment from your current Manitoba employer (or valid job offer, if restoring status), 

• A copy of your current work permit or proof of expired status and a pending restoration application, 

• A copy of your Expression of Interest profile. 

Given that Manitoba reserves the right to limit the number of Support Letters it issues, even before the public policy ends, we would strongly encourage you to get started on your application today to be prepared to apply as early as possible.