MPNP Targets Work Permit Holders in New Provincial Nomination Draw

Manitoba has announced plans to run targeted draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates who have obtained Manitoba-specific work permits. This will apply to individuals who have received a Manitoba Support Letter under the temporary public policy facilitating work permits for PNP candidates (TPP).

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) shared this update on May 1, 2026, confirming that invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination will soon be issued to eligible candidates. The invitations will be sent to the email address originally provided in the Support Letter application.

Prioritizing Candidates from April to June 2025

The province stated that the first round of ITAs will be prioritized for candidates who received their Manitoba Support Letter between April 22 and June 30, 2025. However, candidates approved after June 30, 2025, will be notified about the ITA issuance at a later date.

The TPP was introduced as a temporary measure to help select Provincial Nominee Program candidates with work permits for Manitoba. Under this policy, workers were allowed to apply for an open work permit (OWP) specific to the province, provided they met certain criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving ITA

To be eligible for an ITA under the TPP, candidates must meet several requirements:

• Valid Manitoba-Specific Open Work Permit: The candidate must possess a valid Manitoba-specific open work permit issued under the TPP.
• Full-Time Employment: The applicant must be working full-time in Manitoba and have worked with the same employer for at least six months (or one year if a graduate from another province).
• Job Qualifications: The candidate must meet all qualifications required for their job, including education, work experience, and any mandatory licensing or certification.
• Language Proficiency: The individual must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English or French to perform their job duties.
• Connection to Manitoba: The applicant must show a stronger connection to Manitoba than to any other province or territory in Canada.
• Settlement Plan: A detailed settlement plan is required, outlining the intention to live, work, and establish ties in Manitoba as a permanent resident.

Additionally, candidates who have previously worked for a different employer may still claim the ITA code but will need to submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) as a Skilled Worker Overseas candidate.

Exclusions and Additional Information

Candidates must ensure they do not fall under any exclusions related to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway. Those who worked for a different employer during the required six months (or one year) may not meet the pathway’s criteria. However, they can still claim the TPP ITA code by submitting a new EOI.

The MPNP also provides a webform for support letter recipients who have questions about ITA issuance. As of now, only candidates approved before June 30, 2025, will receive responses to their inquiries.

Temporary Public Policy

The TPP was designed as a temporary measure to support Manitoba’s economy by helping to fill specific labour needs. The policy allowed the issuance of work permits for select PNP candidates who met detailed eligibility criteria. The policy expired on December 31, 2025, and the MPNP ceased accepting new Support Letter applications after December 15, 2025.