Temporary Public Policy

The Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates was announced by Manitoba Immigration Pathways on September 18, 2024. This policy is designed to assist temporary foreign workers (TFWs) whose work permits are expiring or have already expired in 2024, allowing them to apply for a two-year Manitoba-specific work permit extension while they await decisions on their PNP applications.

Key Details of the Policy

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify under this temporary policy, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a valid work permit that will expire in 2024.
• Have held a valid work permit as of May 7, 2024, which has since expired, and have either:
  • Submitted an application for a new work permit under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
  • Submitted an application for an extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181.
  • Submitted an application for restoration of temporary resident status under section 182.
• Be authorized to work in Canada as of May 7, 2024, with either pending or approved applications for a new work permit or an extension.

Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the following:

• A valid Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as of May 10, 2024, and at the time of application.
• Continuous residency in Manitoba since before May 10, 2024.
• Current employment with a Manitoba employer willing to provide a letter of employment.

Application Process

Eligible candidates can apply for a Support Letter from Manitoba by completing an online submission form. The required documents include:

• A letter of employment from their current employer.
• A copy of their current work permit or proof of authorization to work in Canada.

The application process is open until December 31, 2024, with priority given to applicants whose work permits are expiring within the next 45 days.

Context and Implications

This policy is part of Manitoba’s broader strategy to tackle labor shortages and retain skilled workers who are already contributing to the local economy. It provides a path for up to 6,700 temporary foreign workers to continue working while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency applications through the PNP.

The initiative demonstrates the collaborative efforts between the provincial and federal governments to create pathways to citizenship for skilled workers who are in high demand in Manitoba’s labor market. The policy also follows previous measures aimed at helping post-graduation work permit holders and addresses the challenges posed by lengthy PNP processing times, which can exceed ten months due to high demand and administrative delays.

In essence, this temporary public policy not only seeks to stabilize Manitoba’s workforce by retaining vital skilled labor but also offers a clearer route to permanent residency for eligible candidates who aspire to make Manitoba their permanent home.