Manitoba Introduces Temporary Public Policy for Work Permit Extension: Support Letters Now Available
Starting April 22, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is introducing a temporary public policy allowing eligible candidates to apply for a Support Letter to facilitate work permits. This initiative aims to extend the work permits of prospective candidates whose permits have expired or are about to expire in 2024 or 2025.
Under this new policy, applicants can apply for a two-year Manitoba-specific work permit extension. However, candidates are only eligible to apply for the Support Letter once their work permit has expired or is set to expire within the next 45 days.
This policy is designed to help retain skilled workers in Manitoba and address the province’s labor shortages. Eligible candidates can apply for the Support Letter through the Manitoba Immigration website starting April 22, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for the Manitoba Support Letter
To apply for the MPNP Support Letter, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a valid work permit expiring in 2025, or
- Hold an expired work permit from May 7, 2024, with an application for a new work permit under Section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
- Have submitted an application for an extension of temporary resident status under Section 181 of IRPR, or for restoration of status under Section 182 of IRPR.
- Be employed in Manitoba with a Manitoba employer willing to provide a Letter of Employment.
- Have a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile that was active as of January 15, 2025, and remains active at the time of application.
- Have continuously resided in Manitoba since January 15, 2025, and intend to establish permanent residency in the province.
Eligible candidates can apply online via the MPNP portal starting on April 22, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
MPNP Expression of Interest Draw #243 Results
On April 17, 2025, Manitoba Immigration issued 27 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream during Expression of Interest (EOI) Draw #243. The lowest-ranked candidate invited in this draw had a score of 621.
The Skilled Worker Overseas stream is a vital pathway for international workers seeking to immigrate to Manitoba. Candidates are ranked based on their Expression of Interest profiles, which consider factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, and connections to Manitoba.
How to Apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
The process to apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) involves creating an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile on the MPNP portal. Based on their profile score, candidates may be invited to apply for the program. The most recent EOI Draw #243 resulted in 27 invitations for Skilled Worker Overseas candidates.
The application process includes the following steps:
- Create and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the MPNP portal.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your profile ranks high enough.
- Submit your full application with required documentation.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Support Letter Applications: Begin on April 22, 2025.
- MPNP Expression of Interest Draws: Regular draws continue, with the most recent one being EOI Draw #243 on April 17, 2025.
Conclusion: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Updates
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) continues to offer valuable pathways for skilled workers seeking to immigrate to the province. The recent introduction of Support Letters offers an important opportunity for workers with expiring permits to extend their stay in Manitoba while pursuing permanent residency. Additionally, the ongoing EOI draws provide a transparent and efficient way for qualified candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
For more information on the Support Letter application process or to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) profile, visit the official Manitoba Immigration website.
