Federal and provincial MPs from Manitoba have confirmed that approximately 2,700 foreign workers who hold Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) support letters will receive open work-permit extensions valid until the end of 2027. The measure targets candidates who obtained one-year permits under a 2024 public policy but are still waiting for permanent-residence decisions. The announcement averts a looming skills crunch in sectors such as food processing, trucking and health care, where many nominees were facing status expiries this summer. It also spares employers the cost of filing new Labour Market Impact Assessments or replacing trained staff mid-project. While IRCC has yet to publish the formal policy, officials indicated that eligible workers will be able to apply online with a copy of their original nomination certificate and proof they still reside and work in Manitoba. Fees will be waived, but medicals may be required if the applicant has lived in a designated country within the past six months. Global companies with shared-services hubs in Winnipeg or Brandon should audit employee permit expiry dates and prepare bridging letters confirming continued employment. Consultants expect other provinces to lobby for similar extensions as processing times remain unpredictable.
Source: IRCC.com
