Clock Ticks for Manitoba PNP Candidates Seeking Special 2 Year Work Permit

Manitoba PNP candidates now face a firm deadline. The province will accept applications for support letters only until December 16, 2025, at 12:59 a.m. EDT. These letters allow eligible workers to apply for a special two-year open work permit under a federal public policy. Officials shared this update on December 4, 2025.

This support aims to help workers who risk losing their status. Many already work in Manitoba and want to continue building their lives in the province.

Manitoba’s Rules for Eligibility

Manitoba set clear rules for support letter requests. Candidates must meet every condition.

You must hold a valid Expression of Interest profile. It must exist on January 15, 2025, and remain active now.
You must hold a work permit that expired in 2024 or 2025. You can also qualify if your permit expires later in 2025.
You must live in Manitoba without breaks since before January 15, 2025.
You must show a letter of employment from your present Manitoba employer.

These conditions confirm that candidates remain active workers and long-term Manitoba residents.

Federal Rules Also Apply

The federal public policy adds more conditions. You must meet at least one of them.

You must hold a valid work permit that expires in 2025.
Or, you held a work permit on May 7, 2024, and it expired. You also applied for an extension, new authorization, or status restoration.
Or, you maintained status on May 7, 2024, and you filed a work permit extension before that date.

Federal officials must approve the related applications, or they must still be pending.

If you meet both sets of rules, you can apply for a Manitoba support letter through the online form. The form closes December 16 at 1 a.m. EDT. Manitoba reminds candidates that it may limit support letters even if they qualify.

Important Dates to Watch

The federal public policy ends on December 31, 2025. Workers must apply for their two-year permits before that date. Officials have not confirmed any future extension.

Documents You Must Provide

Applicants must upload several documents. These include:

A copy of your EOI profile.
A letter of employment.
Your current work permit, proof of work authorization, or proof of status as of May 7, 2024.

With a support letter, you can submit your work permit application to IRCC. Candidates who already hold a provincial nomination cannot use this policy.

Why This Policy Exists

The federal government first introduced this temporary policy on August 11, 2024. It helps provinces support workers who face the loss of their status. It also allows employers to keep trained staff during ongoing labour shortages.

How to Apply for the Two-Year Permit

Candidates must follow these steps:

1. Read the instruction guide for in-Canada work permit applications.
   
2. Log in to your IRCC account and complete the questionnaire.
   
3. Answer “Yes” when asked if you apply under a public policy.
   
4. Select Open Work Permit. Enter MBEOI2024 in both job title fields.
   
5. Upload the required documents, including your support letter and passport.
   
6. Pay the fees: $155 for the permit, $100 for the OWP holder fee, and $246.25 for restoration if needed.
   
7. Submit your application.