Manitoba to Prioritize Select Work Permit Holders for Provincial Nomination

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has introduced a significant update designed to support candidates who obtained Manitoba-specific open work permits through a special temporary public policy. This policy, known as the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates (TPP), aimed to help promising nominees gain valuable Canadian work experience while their permanent residency applications were processed.

Effective immediately, the MPNP will conduct targeted draws to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination to eligible holders of these work permits. All candidates who previously received a Manitoba Support Letter under the TPP can expect to receive an ITA in upcoming selection rounds. This move demonstrates the province’s commitment to retaining temporary foreign workers who have already established ties in Manitoba and are contributing to the local economy.

Prioritization Based on Support Letter Approval Dates

The province will issue invitations according to the date when Support Letters were approved. Currently, the MPNP is prioritizing candidates whose Support Letters were approved between April 22 and June 30, 2025. Invitations will be sent to the email address originally provided during the Support Letter application process.

Applicants approved after June 30, 2025, will receive further updates from the program at a later date. This phased approach ensures orderly processing while focusing first on those who entered the pathway earliest.

Important Eligibility Requirements for Claiming the TPP ITA Code

Receiving an ITA does not automatically guarantee that candidates can use the special TPP Invitation to Apply code in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. The MPNP has outlined strict criteria that must be met:

• Candidates must currently hold a valid Manitoba-specific open work permit issued under the TPP.
• Individuals who received a Support Letter in 2025 but are now working on a different, non-TPP work permit are not eligible.
• Applicants must be employed full-time in Manitoba, with clear evidence that the position is long-term and intended to continue on a full-time basis.
• They must have worked a minimum of six months continuously and full-time for an employer in the province. For graduates of post-secondary programs outside Manitoba, the requirement increases to one year.
• Candidates must demonstrate that they meet all qualifications for their declared occupation, including education, training, work experience, and any mandatory licensing or certification.
• Sufficient English or French language proficiency to perform job duties must be shown.
• The employment connection to Manitoba must be stronger than any ties to other provinces or territories.
• A detailed settlement plan must be submitted, outlining intentions to live, work, and build long-term ties in Manitoba as a permanent resident. This plan may include career progression and family-related commitments.

In addition to these conditions, TPP work permit holders must satisfy all standard requirements of the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway and avoid any exclusionary factors.

Options for Candidates with Different Work Histories

Some candidates may have accumulated the required six months (or one year) of experience but not with their current employer. In such cases, they may not qualify under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream but can still use the TPP ITA code. These individuals should submit a new EOI under the Skilled Worker Overseas category and follow specific steps:

1. List Canada as their country of residence and enter the ITA code in the designated “More Information” section.
2. Answer “Yes” to the question about receiving a direct Invitation to Apply under a strategic initiative from the MPNP.
3. Provide their unique invitation number.

This flexibility helps more candidates transition successfully from temporary to permanent status.

Background on the Temporary Public Policy (TPP)

The TPP was introduced as a temporary federal measure to allow provinces to issue open work permits to selected Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It enabled faster workforce integration and gave nominees time to build Canadian experience, which significantly boosts their chances of successful settlement. The policy officially expired on December 31, 2025. Manitoba continued accepting new Support Letter applications until December 15, 2025, after which the application form closed.

This initiative was particularly valuable in a competitive immigration environment, allowing Manitoba to attract and retain talent in key sectors while federal processing times remained lengthy.

Broader Context and Implications for Applicants

Manitoba’s decision reflects a growing national trend among provinces to prioritize candidates who have already demonstrated commitment through in-province work experience. By focusing on TPP work permit holders, the MPNP strengthens retention rates and ensures that nominations go to individuals already integrated into the local labor market.

For international workers in Manitoba, this announcement offers a clear pathway forward. Those holding valid TPP open work permits should review their eligibility carefully, update their profiles, and prepare necessary documentation. Employers in the province also benefit, as this policy supports continuity in their workforce by helping valued employees transition to permanent residency.

Candidates are encouraged to monitor official MPNP communications closely. Questions about ITA issuance can be directed to the program via their official Contact Us webform. When submitting inquiries, select the option specifically for Support Letter recipients under the 2024 or 2025 TPP. Note that the program is currently only responding to applicants approved before June 30, 2025.

Strategies for Success in the MPNP

1. Verify Your Work Permit Status: Confirm that your open work permit was issued under the TPP and remains valid.
2. Gather Employment Evidence: Collect pay stubs, letters from employers, and tax documents proving continuous full-time work.
3. Prepare a Strong Settlement Plan: Clearly articulate your long-term commitment to Manitoba.
4. Update Language and Qualification Proof: Ensure all supporting documents are current and meet program standards.
5. Act Promptly: Respond quickly once an ITA is received and submit a complete application.

This targeted prioritization strengthens Manitoba’s immigration system by rewarding candidates who have already begun building their lives in the province. As competition for provincial nominations remains high across Canada, such initiatives provide valuable opportunities for skilled workers already contributing on the ground.

In summary, Manitoba’s focus on TPP work permit holders marks an important development in the MPNP. It offers hope and a structured route to permanent residency for many temporary residents while reinforcing the province’s economic and demographic goals. Eligible candidates should take full advantage of this window by ensuring they meet every requirement and staying informed about upcoming draws.