Great news for Manitoba PNP candidates who are worried about losing their work status! Starting April 22, 2025, some candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) can apply for special work permits valid for up to 2 years.
These permits are meant to help people continue working and living in Manitoba while they wait for their permanent residency process to move forward.
✅ Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
- Your current work permit will expire within 45 days, OR it already expired in 2024 or 2025.
- You’ve been living in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025.
- You had a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile on January 15, 2025, and still have one now.
- You have a job offer or letter of employment from your current Manitoba employer.
- You also meet some federal rules explained below.
🛑 Important: If you’ve already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) for MPNP, you are not eligible for this special work permit.
📅 Application Timeline
- Start Date: April 22, 2025
- Deadline: December 31, 2025
You must apply before this period ends. After December 31, the federal government’s temporary public policy will expire.
📝 How to Apply
You must first apply to MPNP for a Support Letter. Here’s what you need:
- Valid Expression of Interest (EOI) profile number.
- A letter of employment from your current job in Manitoba.
- One of these documents:
- Your current work permit, or
- Proof that you’re authorized to work, or
- Proof that you had a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, and you’ve since applied to restore your status.
➡️ Once you get the Support Letter from MPNP, use it to apply for a work permit through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
🚨 Note: Even if you qualify, you’re not guaranteed to get a Support Letter. Manitoba can limit how many they issue.
🏛️ Why This Policy Was Introduced
Before this, there was no special work permit for PNP candidates waiting for their PR. Many risked losing their work status due to:
- Expiring Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Issues with renewing work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)—especially since there’s a pause on processing LMIAs (Labour Market Impact Assessments) for low-wage jobs.
This new option helps keep skilled workers in Manitoba while they wait for their permanent residency.
“By allowing eligible candidates to extend their work permits, we’re helping more Manitoba workers and families to continue building their lives in Manitoba.”
— Malaya Marcelino, Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister
💬 Q1: I already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) from MPNP. Can I still get this work permit?
No. This special permit is only for people who have not yet received an LAA.
💬 Q2: What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
It’s a profile you create to show your interest in immigrating through the Manitoba PNP. You need to have a valid EOI profile to qualify.
💬 Q3: My work permit expired last year. Am I eligible?
Yes, if your permit expired in 2024 or 2025, and you meet the other requirements (like living in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025, and having a valid EOI).
💬 Q4: Can I apply directly for a work permit?
No. First, you need to apply for a Support Letter from MPNP. Only with that letter can you apply to IRCC for the work permit.
💬 Q5: What if I don’t qualify?
Unfortunately, if you don’t meet the criteria or don’t provide proper documents, your application will be rejected. There is no appeal for this.
🔗 Final Thoughts
This is a much-needed step to support hard-working individuals who contribute to Manitoba’s economy. If you’re eligible, don’t wait—gather your documents and apply once the portal opens on April 22, 2025.
Have questions about your eligibility or need help applying?
👉 Reach out to Ask Kubeir—we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.
📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”
📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services:
- (+𝟭) 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟳𝟳𝟳-𝟯𝟳𝟳𝟳 (Canada)
- +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.