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Last Call for Manitoba PNP Candidates Seeking Special Work Permit
Candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) who currently hold work permits that are expired or set to expire soon have only a short window left to secure a Manitoba Support Letter. The deadline for submitting the request is December 16, 2025 at 12:59 a.m. EDT.
This letter is essential for eligible candidates who wish to apply for a two-year Open Work Permit (OWP) under a temporary public policy introduced by the Government of Canada. The policy allows individuals waiting for provincial nomination outcomes to continue living and working in the province.
The announcement was made on December 4, 2025 through the official MPNP website.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a support letter, applicants must satisfy both Manitoba’s criteria and the federal temporary public policy conditions.
Manitoba’s qualification rules:
Applicants must:
- Have held an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as of January 15, 2025, which must still be valid
- Possess a work permit that expired in 2024 or 2025, or one that will expire later in 2025
- Have been continuously living in Manitoba since prior to January 15, 2025
- Present an employment letter from their current Manitoba employer
Federal requirements:
Candidates must also meet one of the following:
- Hold a valid work permit that expires in 2025, or
- Have had a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, which later expired, and have already applied for an extension, status restoration, or work authorization
- Maintained valid status on May 7, 2024, with an extension application submitted before that date
Applications related to these conditions must be either pending or approved.
Manitoba Support Letter Application Details
Requests must be submitted through the MPNP’s online form. The application system will shut down after the December 16 deadline, with no extensions planned.
While meeting the requirements is necessary, Manitoba has clarified that issuing a support letter is not guaranteed, as the province may restrict the number it releases.
Documents required include:
- Proof of a valid EOI profile
- Employer letter confirming current employment
- One of: current work permit, proof of work authorization, or evidence of holding a valid permit on May 7, 2024 with a status restoration application
Individuals who already hold a provincial nomination are not eligible under this public policy.
Federal Program Expiry
The temporary public policy enabling PNP candidates to obtain an OWP was first introduced on August 11, 2024. Applications under this policy will only be accepted until December 31, 2025, unless an extension is announced by the federal government.
The purpose of the policy is to ensure candidates contributing to Manitoba’s labour market do not lose their right to work due to processing delays.
Key Takeaway
MPNP candidates facing loss of work status should act quickly. Those who qualify but fail to apply before the deadlines risk losing authorization to continue employment in Manitoba while awaiting permanent residency results.