Manitoba Temporary Work Permit Policy Deadline Nears for PNP Candidates

Manitoba is reaching the final days of its special measure supporting prospective provincial nominees, as the Manitoba temporary work permit policy heads toward closure. Eligible workers have until December 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST to apply for a Support Letter that can allow them to extend their ability to work in the province while they pursue permanent residence. After this cutoff, the online form will close, and no new Support Letter requests will be accepted.

This temporary public policy was designed primarily for workers whose status was at risk because their work permits expired in 2024 or 2025. For many, it offered a lifeline: the chance to stay employed in Manitoba while their provincial nomination and federal processing moved forward.

Who Could Benefit from the Manitoba Temporary Work Permit Policy?

The Manitoba temporary work permit policy targeted foreign workers already contributing to the province’s labour market but facing expiring status before their nomination or PR application could be finalized. Typical candidates include:

• Workers with expired or soon-to-expire employer-specific work permits
• Individuals in the Manitoba PNP process who had not yet received a final decision
• Employees whose skills are needed in sectors such as health care, manufacturing, logistics, retail, or services

By issuing a Support Letter, Manitoba allowed eligible workers to apply for a new work permit under a federal public policy, helping them remain in status and avoid disruption to their employment and personal lives.

Key Dates Applicants Must Remember

Two dates are crucial:

• December 15, 2025 – Final day to submit Support Letter applications through Manitoba’s online form
• December 31, 2025 – Final day for IRCC to accept work permit applications under this federal public policy

After December 15, the provincial submission form will no longer accept new requests. However, workers who already hold a Support Letter will still be able to submit their work permit applications to IRCC until the end of the year.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Workers who do not submit a Support Letter request by the deadline may lose access to this specific option. They might still have other pathways, such as:

• Applying to restore status if eligible
• Transitioning to another type of work permit, if available
• Leaving Canada and waiting abroad for PR processing

However, none of these alternatives are as seamless as securing a Support Letter under this policy, which is why Manitoba has been urging eligible workers to act before the deadline passes.

Impact on Employers and Manitoba’s Labour Market

Employers across Manitoba have relied on this policy to maintain continuity in sectors struggling with staffing shortages. Losing workers due to expiring permits can disrupt business operations, especially in smaller communities where replacement candidates are harder to find.

The end of this measure means employers must prepare:

• Review expiration dates of workers’ permits
• Confirm whether staff have applied for, or received, a Support Letter
• Explore long-term solutions such as standard PNP pathways, LMIA-based hiring, or other federal options

This transition period is a reminder that temporary policies are exactly temporary. Businesses and workers need clear long-term strategies for permanent status.

Final Chance to Use the Manitoba Temporary Work Permit Policy

With the deadline approaching, the Manitoba temporary work permit policy is entering its final phase. Workers and employers who have not yet acted should treat this as a last opportunity to secure short-term stability while permanent residence is in progress. If you qualify, review your status and deadlines immediately. For tailored guidance on Manitoba PNP options and work permit strategies, connect with a regulated immigration professional or follow us for regular updates on Canadian immigration.