Overview
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has issued a final call to eligible candidates whose work permits have expired or are soon to expire. They must apply for a Manitoba support letter by December 16, 2025, at 12:59 a.m. EDT to take advantage of a special two-year open work permit under a temporary policy.
With the support letter, candidates can apply to the federal government for the two-year open work permit under the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) program for prospective PNP candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
MPNP Requirements
To qualify for a Manitoba support letter under the MPNP, candidates must:
- Have had a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile on January 15, 2025, and still maintain a valid profile.
- Possess a work permit that expired in 2024 or 2025 — or a work permit that will expire in 2025.
- Have resided in Manitoba continuously since before January 15, 2025.
- Have a letter of employment from a current employer in Manitoba.
Federal Temporary Public Policy Requirements
In addition to MPNP’s requirements, under the federal policy the candidate must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Hold a valid work permit that will expire in 2025.
- Have held a work permit on May 7, 2024, which has since expired — and have applied for an extension of work authorization, restoration of status, or authorization to remain as a temporary resident.
- Maintain status from May 7, 2024 and have submitted a work permit extension application before that date.
Applicants must submit their request via the MPNP’s online submission form before December 16, 2025, 1:00 a.m. EDT.
It’s important to note that even if all criteria are fulfilled, MPNP does not guarantee issuance of a support letter — the province reserves the right to limit the number of letters issued.
What Happens Next
If you receive a Manitoba support letter, you may then apply for a two-year open work permit through IRCC under the existing temporary public policy for PNP candidates.
However:
- Applications for the special work permit remain open only until December 31, 2025 — the date the federal temporary policy is currently scheduled to end.
- It is not yet clear if the temporary policy will be extended beyond this date.
Conclusion
This is the last chance for eligible MPNP candidates with expiring or expired work permits to apply for a support letter — a critical step if they wish to continue working in Manitoba via a special two-year open work permit. If you meet all eligibility criteria, ensure your application is submitted before December 16, 2025.