Canada has introduced an important update for certain Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates who are working in Manitoba and are waiting for their provincial nomination pathway to progress.
Under a temporary public policy, eligible Manitoba workers may be able to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to continue working in Manitoba while pursuing their permanent residence pathway.
The policy is particularly relevant for candidates who were already in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program process by the end of 2025.
According to the current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements, the candidate must have been placed in the Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest pool on or before December 31, 2025, and must have received an open work permit support letter from Manitoba on or before that date.
What Is the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge?
The measure is a temporary public policy designed to provide eligible Manitoba temporary workers with an additional option to maintain their ability to work while progressing through the provincial nominee process.
The open work permit is different from a regular employer-specific work permit. It allows an eligible worker to work in Manitoba without being tied to a single employer, subject to the conditions of the permit.
IRCC states that this open work permit can allow eligible candidates to work in Manitoba for up to two years.
The policy is not intended for individuals who have already received a provincial nomination. It is aimed at eligible prospective Provincial Nominee Program candidates who meet the specific requirements of the temporary public policy.
Who May Be Eligible?
The current IRCC eligibility requirements for Manitoba include several important conditions.
A candidate may qualify if they:
- Are a temporary worker in Manitoba.
- Were placed in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Expression of Interest pool on or before December 31, 2025.
- Received an open work permit support letter from Manitoba on or before December 31, 2025.
- Continue to meet the applicable temporary resident and work permit requirements.
- Have employment with a current Manitoba employer where required.
- Meet the remaining eligibility and admissibility requirements under the public policy.
The support letter is particularly important because it serves as evidence that the candidate meets the Manitoba-specific provincial requirement.
The December 31, 2025 Deadline Is Important
One of the most important details of this policy is the December 31, 2025 cutoff date.
Candidates cannot assume that obtaining a new Manitoba support letter in 2026 automatically makes them eligible.
IRCC’s current instructions specifically state that the candidate must have been placed in the Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest pool on or before December 31, 2025, with the required open work permit support letter issued on or before that date.
Therefore, a 2026 continued support letter does not replace the requirement for the qualifying Manitoba support letter issued by the December 31, 2025 deadline.
This distinction is important for anyone reviewing their eligibility.
How Long Is the Policy Available?
The temporary public policy is currently open until December 31, 2027.
This gives eligible candidates additional time to submit their applications.
However, candidates should not wait until the final deadline. Immigration policies can have detailed eligibility conditions, and applicants should ensure that they continue to meet all requirements when they apply.
What Documents May Be Required?
Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation demonstrating that they meet the requirements of the public policy.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may include:
- Manitoba open work permit support letter
- Current employment letter from a Manitoba employer
- Current or previous work permit
- Proof of temporary resident status
- Documents related to the Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest process
- Passport and identity documents
- Other documents requested through the IRCC application process
IRCC’s application instructions indicate that applicants must apply online and obtain the appropriate personalized document checklist through their IRCC secure account.
Why the Employment Letter Matters
A current employment letter is an important part of the eligibility requirements.
The applicant must demonstrate their employment situation in Manitoba through documentation from their current employer.
Candidates should make sure that employment information is accurate and consistent across their application and supporting documents.
If there has been a recent change in employer, occupation, work location or employment status, applicants should carefully review how that change affects their eligibility before submitting an application.
How Long Can the Open Work Permit Be Issued For?
Eligible applicants may receive an open work permit allowing them to work in Manitoba for up to two years.
The actual validity period can depend on the circumstances of the application and the validity of the applicant’s passport and other applicable requirements.
Receiving an open work permit under this policy does not mean that permanent residence has been approved. The work permit and the permanent residence pathway are separate immigration processes.
What Happens After Applying?
Applicants who submit an open work permit application should carefully follow IRCC’s instructions and monitor their application through their online account.
IRCC also states that applicants who apply only for the open work permit may be able to continue working under the same conditions as their original work permit while waiting for a decision, through maintained status, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
The situation can be different where an applicant is also applying for restoration of status. IRCC notes that a person applying for restoration cannot work until the new work permit has been issued.
Who Is Not Covered by This Policy?
This policy should not be confused with a general open work permit available to every Manitoba PNP applicant.
IRCC specifically states that this particular open work permit is not for applicants who have already been nominated by a province or territory under the Provincial Nominee Program.
It also does not mean that every person currently working in Manitoba can apply.
The December 31, 2025 Manitoba PNP and support-letter requirements remain central to eligibility.
Manitoba PNP Candidates Should Review Their Documents
If you believe you may qualify, review your immigration records carefully.
In particular, check:
- When were you placed in the Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest pool?
- When was your Manitoba open work permit support letter issued?
- Were both requirements satisfied by December 31, 2025?
- Are you currently working in Manitoba?
- Do you have the required employment letter?
- Is your temporary resident or work permit status valid, or are you eligible for restoration?
- Does your passport have sufficient validity?
These details can make a significant difference to eligibility.
What This Means for Manitoba Workers
For eligible Manitoba PNP candidates, this temporary public policy can provide an important opportunity to maintain employment while continuing their immigration journey.
The key point is that the policy is not a new pathway for all Manitoba workers. It is a targeted measure with specific eligibility conditions and a historical cutoff date.
Candidates who have the required Manitoba support letter issued on or before December 31, 2025 should review their situation carefully rather than assuming that a later provincial letter will satisfy the same requirement.
Final Takeaway
The Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge provides a temporary open work permit option for certain prospective Manitoba PNP candidates.
The most important points are:
- The measure applies specifically to eligible Manitoba candidates.
- The candidate must have been placed in the Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest pool by December 31, 2025.
- The required Manitoba open work permit support letter must also have been issued by December 31, 2025.
- A current Manitoba employment letter is required as part of the eligibility requirements.
- Eligible applicants may receive an open work permit for up to two years.
- The current policy is open until December 31, 2027.
- A support letter issued in 2026 does not, by itself, replace the required 2025 support letter.
Because immigration policies and eligibility requirements can change, candidates should verify their circumstances against the latest IRCC instructions before submitting an application.
Official source: Government of Canada – Manitoba Open Work Permit Policy
