Breaking: Manitoba Opens 2027 Work Permit Bridge for Up to 2,700 MPNP Candidates

A new temporary measure gives a defined group of Manitoba workers more time to remain employed while waiting for possible nomination through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. Signed on July 6, 2026, the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge Temporary Public Policy allows Manitoba to move the nomination deadline from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2027, for eligible people who previously received provincial support letters under the expired 2024 or 2025 temporary public policies.

The measure is narrow. It does not reopen the earlier policies and does not create a new pathway for candidates who never received a Manitoba Support Letter in 2024 or 2025. Manitoba may issue up to 2,700 support letters, but only to people already covered by the earlier process. Federal instructions now show that the related Manitoba-specific open work permit measure remains open until December 31, 2027, and may provide authorization to work in Manitoba for up to 2 years.

What changed and who can benefit

The central change is additional processing time for Manitoba. Eligible workers may receive an updated work permit support letter and use it to apply for continued work authorization while the province assesses potential nomination. This work permit extension option can reduce the immediate risk of losing experienced employees and may help affected families maintain income and stability.

The affected group is limited to existing participants. A person who did not receive a support letter under the 2024 or 2025 temporary public policy cannot request one under this new measure. Candidates who have already been nominated are also excluded. Receiving another work permit does not guarantee provincial nomination, permanent residence, or approval of any later immigration application.

From an immigration consulting perspective, the 60-day expiry rule makes early file review essential. Candidates should not assume that an active Expression of Interest profile alone protects their temporary resident status or authorizes employment.

Eligibility and support letter request

To qualify for a new Manitoba work permit support letter, the applicant must meet all the following requirements:

• Received a Manitoba Support Letter under the 2024 or 2025 temporary public policy
• Holds or previously held an IRCC work permit issued on the basis of that policy, with the permit already expired or expiring within the next 60 days
• Is currently working full time in Manitoba for at least 30 hours per week
• Has an ongoing offer of employment from the same current employer
• Remains eligible to apply to the MPNP and has an active MPNP Expression of Interest profile
• Has not yet received an MPNP nomination

An eligible person must submit the request through the provincial webform when the link is available. The request must include:

• A copy of the 2024 or 2025 Manitoba Support Letter
• A copy of the IRCC-issued work permit
• A copy of the biographical page of a valid passport or other government-issued photo identification

Manitoba will review and verify the request before deciding whether to issue a new support letter. Because the province may issue no more than 2,700 letters, applicants should prepare complete and consistent evidence rather than relying on later corrections.

IRCC application, fees and status risks

After receiving provincial support, the applicant must apply online through the IRCC secure account. Current federal instructions require applicants to select “Open Work Permit” and enter MBEOI2024 in both the job title and brief description of duties fields. The application generally includes a valid passport, digital photo, current work permit if applicable, current employer letter and Manitoba support documentation.

A particularly important procedural point is that IRCC instructs applicants to upload the original support letter issued on or before December 31, 2025, even when Manitoba also issues an updated letter of continued support in 2026. Keeping both letters and submitting them in the correct sections can prevent avoidable delays or refusal concerns.

The current federal fees are:

• CAN$155 for work permit processing
• CAN$100 for the open work permit holder fee
• CAN$246.25 for restoration of temporary resident status, when required

The standard total is CAN$255. When restoration is required, the total may reach CAN$501.25, before any applicable biometrics fee. Biometrics may cost CAN$85 for an individual if IRCC requires them.

Status timing is critical. A person who submits the application before the existing work permit expires may generally continue working under the same conditions while IRCC makes a decision. A person applying with restoration may remain in Canada during processing but cannot work until the new permit is issued. Applicants should also remember that the permit is Manitoba-specific, even though it is described as open, so employment outside Manitoba may not comply with its conditions.

This temporary public policy offers meaningful protection, but it is not available to new candidates and is not a guarantee of permanent residence. Eligible workers should confirm their MPNP profile, employment, passport validity, prior support letter and current immigration status before submitting either the provincial request or the federal work permit application.

The main difficulty is coordinating two separate processes while protecting legal status and employment authorization. Careful document preparation, eligibility advice, deadline monitoring and representation before Manitoba and IRCC can reduce unnecessary risk through the services of an immigration consultant.