Do you qualify for a 2-year special work permit in Manitoba?

The special two-year open work permit is a temporary immigration measure designed to help eligible Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates remain and work legally in Canada while pursuing permanent residence. Unlike employer-specific permits, this open work permit allows holders to work for almost any employer without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It mainly supports candidates whose previous work permits may have expired or are close to expiring and who are still in the MPNP process. This policy helps prevent job loss, supports workforce stability in Manitoba, and provides candidates with continued legal status.

Eligibility for the Manitoba support letter is limited to specific MPNP candidates who meet both provincial and federal criteria. Generally, applicants must have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile with Manitoba, demonstrate a clear intention to live and work in the province, and meet residency or employment requirements. They must also satisfy IRCC’s conditions under the temporary public policy, such as having held valid work authorization in the past. Candidates who already have permanent resident status or do not meet federal admissibility requirements are usually excluded.

From a provincial perspective, Manitoba requires candidates to be actively engaged in the MPNP process. This typically includes maintaining a valid EOI profile, meeting program eligibility criteria, and demonstrating genuine ties to Manitoba through work, residence, or community connections. Applicants must show they are contributing to Manitoba’s labour market and intend to settle permanently in the province. The province also assesses whether the candidate aligns with Manitoba’s economic needs. Meeting provincial requirements alone is not sufficient; candidates must also comply with federal immigration rules to receive the work permit.

At the federal level, candidates must qualify under IRCC’s temporary public policy for work permits. This generally includes having held valid temporary resident status in the past and being eligible to restore or extend their ability to work in Canada. Applicants must also be admissible to Canada, meaning they meet health, security, and background requirements. The work permit application must align with IRCC guidelines, and supporting documentation must be accurate and complete. Federal approval ultimately determines whether the open work permit is issued, even if Manitoba provides a support letter.

The Manitoba support letter acts as official confirmation that the province supports the candidate’s continued stay and employment while pursuing permanent residence. This letter is a key document required when applying to IRCC under the temporary public policy. It shows that the province recognizes the applicant as a genuine MPNP candidate and endorses their work authorization. Without this support letter, candidates cannot access the special two-year open work permit. While the letter does not guarantee approval, it significantly strengthens the application by confirming provincial backing.

Applicants typically need to submit identification documents, proof of current or previous work authorization, evidence of their active MPNP Expression of Interest profile, and documents showing their ties to Manitoba, such as employment records or residence history. Additional documents may include passport copies, previous permits, and forms requested by the province. Accuracy and completeness are critical, as missing or incorrect documents can delay processing or lead to refusal. Manitoba reviews these documents to confirm eligibility before issuing a support letter for the federal work permit application.

In most cases, candidates who have already received a provincial nomination may not be eligible under this specific temporary work permit policy. The policy is generally intended for individuals still in the MPNP pipeline who need work authorization while awaiting further progress. Nominated candidates may instead qualify for other options, such as employer-specific permits or bridging work permits, depending on their situation. Each case is assessed individually, and eligibility depends on both provincial and federal criteria. Candidates should carefully review their status before applying under this policy.

The temporary public policy exists to prevent skilled workers from falling out of legal status while transitioning from temporary residence to permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program. It supports provinces like Manitoba by helping retain workers who fill labour shortages and contribute to the local economy. By offering an open work permit option, the policy reduces employment disruptions for both workers and employers. It also provides flexibility to candidates who may not qualify for standard work permit extensions, ensuring continuity in Canada’s immigration and labour systems.

The special two-year open work permit differs from a Bridging Open Work Permit in eligibility and purpose. A BOWP is usually available only after a permanent residence application has been submitted and acknowledged by IRCC. In contrast, this special permit targets candidates who are still in the provincial nomination stage and may not yet qualify for a BOWP. It fills a gap for workers who need legal authorization to remain employed while progressing through the PNP process. Both permits are open, but they serve different stages of immigration.

After receiving the Manitoba support letter, candidates must submit an open work permit application to IRCC under the applicable temporary public policy. This involves completing the required forms, paying the necessary fees, and uploading the support letter along with other supporting documents. IRCC then reviews the application for eligibility and admissibility. If approved, the candidate receives a two-year open work permit allowing continued employment in Canada. During this period, candidates are expected to continue progressing through the Manitoba PNP toward permanent residence.