Canada Offers Open Work Permits to 2,700 Foreign Workers in Manitoba

Thousands of temporary workers in Manitoba have been waiting for one thing that could determine whether they can keep building their lives in Canada, which is more time. 

On July 6, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) signed a new temporary public policy that could provide open work permits to up to 2,700 workers in Manitoba who are being considered for permanent residence through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). 

The measure is designed to prevent eligible workers from losing their right to work while they wait for the provincial immigration process to move forward. The policy will remain in place until December 31, 2027, giving affected workers a longer window to maintain their employment and continue towards permanent residence.

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Why Canada Is Extending The Permits

The new measure, known as the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge, targets a group of temporary workers already identified by the Manitoba government as potential candidates for permanent residence. 

According to IRCC, the policy is intended to help Manitoba address critical workforce needs while allowing eligible workers to remain employed as they move through the immigration process.

The programme is particularly important because losing work authorisation can put a worker's wider immigration plans at risk. A permit expiry can mean losing a job while waiting for a provincial nomination, creating uncertainty for both workers and employers. Federal MP Terry Duguid previously described the extension as positive for the province's economy and employers, saying, “These are folks that are working. Employers need them.”

Who Can Qualify For The Manitoba Work Permit?

Eligible applicants generally need a support letter from the Manitoba government confirming that they were screened and placed in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program's Expression of Interest pool on or before December 31, 2025. They must also provide a letter from their current employer.

The policy also covers certain workers whose permits have already expired, provided they held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 and meet the other requirements. Another category covers workers who had maintained their authorisation while waiting for a previous work permit renewal.

That means the measure is aimed at a defined group already connected to Manitoba's immigration system rather than being a new pathway for people outside Canada.

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What This Means for Manitoba's Immigration System

The move highlights a challenge within Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program, where the wait for permanent residence can sometimes outlast a worker’s temporary work permit.