Two Winnipeg Members of Parliament—Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North) and Terry Duguid (Winnipeg South)—announced on 7 July 2026 that the federal government will extend open work permits for up to 2,700 foreign workers who are awaiting provincial nominations through Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The new permits would remain valid until the end of 2027, preventing status gaps for candidates caught between expiring work authorization and lengthy application processing.
![Manitoba MPs pledge open-work-permit extensions for provincial nominee candidates]()
In this context, VisaHQ can simplify the logistics: its Canadian immigration specialists offer document checks, real-time status tracking, and tailored reminders to help both workers and HR departments file complete, on-time applications for open-work-permit extensions and subsequent permanent residence steps. More information is available at
The measure effectively revives an earlier 2024 policy that allowed prospective PNP nominees to apply for a two-year open permit backed by a Manitoba support letter. According to a draft news release shared on social media, more than 1,600 holders of those 2024 permits have since become permanent residents, but thousands are still waiting for nominations or permanent residence acknowledgements of receipt. Employers in Manitoba—particularly in agribusiness, manufacturing and healthcare—have warned that looming expiries would force them to lay off critical staff or undertake expensive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processes. By guaranteeing uninterrupted work authorization, the extension protects workforce stability and supports Manitoba’s goal of attracting 18,000 newcomers in 2026. Details on eligibility criteria and application procedures have not yet been released. IRCC must coordinate with the province before implementation, and observers expect a streamlined online process similar to the 2024 pilot. Foreign workers should keep copies of their original support letters and maintain valid passports to maximise the new permit’s duration. Companies should track employees with Manitoba PNP files and prepare to submit extension requests as soon as the portal opens. Failure to renew status could expose employers to compliance penalties and leave workers without health-care coverage.
In this context, VisaHQ can simplify the logistics: its Canadian immigration specialists offer document checks, real-time status tracking, and tailored reminders to help both workers and HR departments file complete, on-time applications for open-work-permit extensions and subsequent permanent residence steps. More information is available at
The measure effectively revives an earlier 2024 policy that allowed prospective PNP nominees to apply for a two-year open permit backed by a Manitoba support letter. According to a draft news release shared on social media, more than 1,600 holders of those 2024 permits have since become permanent residents, but thousands are still waiting for nominations or permanent residence acknowledgements of receipt. Employers in Manitoba—particularly in agribusiness, manufacturing and healthcare—have warned that looming expiries would force them to lay off critical staff or undertake expensive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processes. By guaranteeing uninterrupted work authorization, the extension protects workforce stability and supports Manitoba’s goal of attracting 18,000 newcomers in 2026. Details on eligibility criteria and application procedures have not yet been released. IRCC must coordinate with the province before implementation, and observers expect a streamlined online process similar to the 2024 pilot. Foreign workers should keep copies of their original support letters and maintain valid passports to maximise the new permit’s duration. Companies should track employees with Manitoba PNP files and prepare to submit extension requests as soon as the portal opens. Failure to renew status could expose employers to compliance penalties and leave workers without health-care coverage.
