Last chance for Manitoba PNP candidates to secure a two-year open work permit — crucial deadlines and how to apply
Manitoba has issued a time-sensitive opportunity for certain Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates whose work permits have expired or are nearing expiry. Candidates who meet both provincial and federal criteria can apply for a Manitoba support letter — and with that letter, submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a two-year open work permit under the federal “Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates.”
This pathway is strictly limited by firm deadlines. Manitoba announced the measure on December 4, 2025, and candidates must act quickly: the online application for Manitoba support letters closes December 16, 2025 at 12:59 a.m. EDT, and IRCC will accept work-permit applications under the temporary public policy only until December 31, 2025. The province also makes clear it may cap the number of support letters issued, so meeting the eligibility rules is no guarantee of receiving a letter.
Who can apply: Manitoba and federal eligibility explained
To be considered for a Manitoba support letter you must meet both the MPNP’s conditions and one of the federal public-policy scenarios. Missing either side of the test will make you ineligible.
MPNP eligibility (province-side)
You must all of the following:
- Have an active MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile that existed on January 15, 2025 and remains valid;
- Hold a work permit that expired in 2024 or 2025, or hold a work permit that will expire in 2025;
- Have lived in Manitoba continuously since before January 15, 2025; and
- Have a current letter of employment from your Manitoba employer.
Manitoba warns that meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee a support letter; the province reserves discretion and may limit issuances.
Federal public-policy eligibility (IRCC side)
In addition to meeting MPNP rules, you must satisfy one of IRCC’s temporary policy conditions:
- You hold a valid work permit that will expire in 2025; or
- You held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 that has since expired, and you applied for a work-authorization extension, restoration of status, or authorization to remain; or
- You had maintained status on May 7, 2024 and submitted a work-permit extension application before that date.
Applications that are pending or approved under those scenarios may qualify. Note that candidates who have already received a provincial nomination are not eligible under this temporary public policy.
What the Manitoba support letter lets you do
A Manitoba support letter is the province’s confirmation that an eligible candidate may apply to IRCC for an open work permit (OWP) under the temporary public policy for PNP candidates. If IRCC approves the OWP, the permit will typically be valid for two years, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada while you continue to pursue permanent residence through the MPNP process.
Key dates and timing — act now
- Manitoba announcement: December 4, 2025.
- Manitoba support-letter application deadline: December 16, 2025 at 12:59 a.m. EDT (online form closes).
- IRCC temporary public-policy acceptance window: remains open until December 31, 2025.
Because Manitoba can limit the number of letters it issues, candidates should submit a complete support-letter application as early as possible.
Documents you must submit with your Manitoba support-letter application
When applying to MPNP for a support letter, you will be asked to upload specific documents, including:
- A copy of your MPNP EOI profile showing it was active on January 15, 2025;
- A letter of employment from your current Manitoba employer confirming your role and details; and
- One of the following proof documents: your current work permit, evidence of authorization to work, or proof that you held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 and applied for restoration/extension as specified.
Manitoba’s online form will list required attachments; prepare clear, legible scans of every item to avoid processing delays.
How to apply for the IRCC open work permit once you have the support letter
If Manitoba issues you a support letter, follow these steps to apply to IRCC for an open work permit under the temporary public policy:
- Log in to your IRCC Secure Account (create one if you don’t already have it).
- Complete the IRCC preliminary questionnaire so the system generates your personalized document checklist and confirms the public-policy path. When asked whether you are applying under an active public policy, indicate “Yes.”
- In the work-permit application: choose “Open Work Permit” for the type of permit. For job title and duties, enter “MBEOI2024” in both fields as instructed by Manitoba’s guidance.
- Upload the Manitoba support letter, identification pages of your passport, your current work permit (if applicable), letter of employment and any other documents in your personalized checklist. For items not applicable (such as employment reference pages), upload a single page stating “Not applicable” as directed.
- Pay the required fees and keep receipts. Usual fees include the work permit application fee ($155) and the open work permit holder fee ($100). If restoring status, an additional restoration fee ($246.25) may apply.
- Submit your application and retain all confirmation receipts for future reference.
Fees to expect (typical amounts when applying for an OWP)
- Work permit application fee: $155
- Open work permit holder fee: $100
- Restoration of status (if required): $246.25
Always check the exact fee amounts shown in your IRCC Secure Account at time of payment, and keep electronic copies of payment receipts.
What to know if you mailed documents or have pending applications
The Manitoba support-letter application is online only and stops accepting submissions at the stated deadline. IRCC’s temporary policy requires timely submission of the OWP application; pending or approved applications that meet IRCC’s public-policy criteria may qualify. If you have an existing restoration or extension claim, include proof in your MPNP submission.
Practical tips to avoid delays or refusals
- Start early: prepare and upload all documents immediately — Manitoba may limit the number of letters.
- Check continuity of residence: gather evidence proving continuous residence in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025 (leases, utility bills, pay slips).
- Ensure employer letters are clear: the employment letter should include job title, duties, start date, hours per week, and employer contact details.
- Keep passport and permit scans legible: blurry or incomplete scans can delay processing.
- Retain receipts and confirmations: store all IRCC and MPNP confirmations and payment receipts in case follow-up is required.
What if I don’t qualify or miss the deadline?
Because the federal temporary public policy is scheduled to end on December 31, 2025, and Manitoba’s form closes on December 16, candidates who miss the window may lose access to this specific two-year open work-permit option. Affected workers should immediately explore alternative routes — standard employer-specific work permits (LMIA-based), global or provincial employer streams, or restoration procedures where applicable — and consider consulting an immigration professional for personalised advice.
Bottom line
This is a limited, urgent opportunity for qualifying MPNP candidates to maintain or regain legal work status in Canada through a two-year open work permit. If you meet the provincial and federal criteria, apply for the Manitoba support letter before December 16, 2025 at 12:59 a.m. EDT, and be ready to submit your IRCC OWP application under the temporary public policy before December 31, 2025. Given the volume of eligible candidates and Manitoba’s reservation of issuance rights, acting without delay and with complete documentation is essential.
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