Manitoba Opens Work Permit Extensions to 16 Trades

Manitoba has widened its work permit rules, giving employers across all industries the ability to support extensions for workers in 16 skilled trades. The change comes under the province’s Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP), a program that helps businesses keep experienced foreign workers.

16 Skilled Trades Now Exempt

Under the updated rules, employers no longer need to belong to a specific sector if they want to support work permit extensions for workers in certain trades. The province has listed 16 occupations that now qualify for this sector exemption.

These include Agricultural Equipment Technicians, Automotive Service Technicians, Boilermakers, Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians, Instrumentation and Control Technicians, Landscape Horticulturalists, Aircraft Maintenance Journeypersons, Diesel Engine Mechanics, Railway Car Technicians, Water and Wastewater Technicians, and several other vehicle and equipment specialists.

Before this update, an employer had to operate within an approved sector to back a worker’s permit extension, no matter what job the worker held. The new approach shifts the focus to the worker’s occupation instead of the employer’s industry.

Changes to Eligible Sectors

At the same time, Manitoba removed Hospitality and Food Services from the list of approved sectors under the pilot program. Employers in that field can no longer apply to support work permit extensions unless the job falls under one of the newly exempt trades.

The province now limits eligible sectors to agriculture; construction and trades; information technology; food processing; education; healthcare; and manufacturing.

Officials confirmed that authorities will not accept new applications from hospitality and food service employers submitted after February 4, 2026, unless they involve one of the exempt occupations.

Faster, Simpler Process

The Temporary Resident Retention Pilot allows businesses to apply on behalf of their workers for work permit extensions. In many cases, employers can complete the process in as little as 60 days.

The program does not require employers to advertise the job or obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). That step often adds time and paperwork under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. By removing that requirement, the province aims to help employers keep trained staff without delays.

Who Can Apply?

Both employers and employees must meet specific conditions to qualify under the TRRP. Employers must operate legally in Manitoba and show that they continue to need the worker’s skills. Employees must hold valid status and meet job and experience requirements tied to their occupation.

The position itself must also meet certain standards, including wage levels and working conditions.

Support for Key Trades

The province’s latest move signals strong support for skilled trades, especially in fields tied to transportation, heavy equipment, agriculture and public services. Many of these jobs play an important role in keeping Manitoba’s economy running.

By opening access to more employers, Manitoba hopes to retain workers who already live and work in the province. Businesses that rely on specialized trades may now find it easier to keep experienced employees on the job.