Critical immigration deadline approaches for thousands of Manitoba workers
On This Page You Will Find:
- Critical December 15 deadline that affects thousands of workers
- Complete eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify
- Step-by-step application process to secure your Support Letter
- What happens after the policy ends and your backup options
- Timeline breakdown for both Manitoba and federal deadlines
Summary:
Manitoba's temporary work permit policy officially closes December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST – giving eligible workers just weeks to submit their Support Letter applications. This policy has been a lifeline for thousands of workers whose permits expired in 2024-2025, allowing them to stay employed while pursuing permanent residency through the MPNP. If you're living in Manitoba with an active MPNP profile and current employment, this could be your last chance to secure a two-year work permit extension without going through the complex LMIA process.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Support Letter applications must be submitted by December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST
- Federal work permit applications are still accepted until December 31, 2025
- You need an active MPNP profile from January 15, 2025, and current Manitoba employment
- This policy provides a 2-year work permit extension without requiring an LMIA
- Missing this deadline means exploring employer-specific pathways or future MPNP draws
Sarah Martinez stared at her calendar, counting the days until December 15. Her work permit had expired in early 2025, and she'd been working under implied status while her MPNP application slowly moved through the system. Like thousands of other temporary workers in Manitoba, she'd been holding her breath, hoping this temporary policy would give her the stability she desperately needed.
If you're in Sarah's position – living in Manitoba, working for a local employer, and navigating the complex world of work permit extensions – the next few weeks are absolutely critical for your future in Canada.
What Exactly Is Ending on December 15?
Manitoba's temporary work permit Support Letter program is shutting down permanently, but the timeline isn't as straightforward as you might think. There are actually two separate deadlines you need to understand:
Manitoba's deadline: December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST This is when the provincial online application portal closes forever. After this moment, you cannot request a Support Letter from Manitoba, regardless of how eligible you might be.
Federal deadline: December 31, 2025 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue accepting work permit applications under this policy until the end of the year – but only if you already have your Support Letter from Manitoba.
Think of it this way: Manitoba provides the key (Support Letter), and IRCC opens the door (issues the work permit). Once Manitoba stops providing keys on December 15, you're locked out of this pathway entirely.
Understanding Manitoba's Temporary Work Permit Policy
When Manitoba announced this policy on April 22, 2025, it felt like a breath of fresh air for workers caught in immigration limbo. The province recognized that thousands of people were contributing to Manitoba's economy while dealing with expired or soon-to-expire work permits.
Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino described it as bringing "stability to people already contributing to the province." And for good reason – this policy offered something incredibly valuable: a two-year Manitoba-specific work permit extension without the headache and expense of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The Problem This Policy Solved
Before this temporary measure, workers with expiring permits faced limited options:
- Find an employer willing to go through the LMIA process (expensive and time-consuming)
- Qualify for an LMIA-exempt position (highly restrictive)
- Leave Canada and apply from abroad (devastating for families and careers)
- Risk working without authorization (illegal and dangerous)
This policy created a fourth option specifically for people already invested in Manitoba's future.
Who Qualifies for This Program?
The eligibility requirements might seem complex at first glance, but they're designed to help people who are genuinely building their lives in Manitoba. You need to meet both federal immigration criteria and Manitoba-specific conditions.
Federal Immigration Requirements
You qualify if you fit one of these scenarios:
Scenario 1: Your work permit was valid and set to expire in 2025
Scenario 2: You had a work permit that was valid on May 7, 2024, but later expired, AND you submitted one of the following:
- A new work permit application under section 200
- An extension of temporary resident status under section 181
- A restoration request under section 182
Scenario 3: You were authorized to work under R186(u) on May 7, 2024, with either a pending or approved extension, AND you applied for a new permit or extension of temporary resident status
Manitoba-Specific Requirements
Beyond federal eligibility, Manitoba wants to see genuine commitment to the province:
MPNP Connection: You must have had a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile on January 15, 2025, and still maintain an active profile today.
Physical Presence: You were living in Manitoba before January 15, 2025, and haven't relocated to another province.
Current Employment: You're working for a Manitoba employer who can provide a letter of employment confirming your job.
Settlement Intention: You genuinely intend to make Manitoba your permanent home.
These requirements aren't just bureaucratic checkboxes – they ensure the program helps people who are truly building their futures in Manitoba, not those looking for a quick immigration fix.
The Application Process: What You Need to Submit
The application itself is relatively straightforward, but incomplete submissions are automatically rejected. You'll need three key documents:
1. Letter of Employment
Your current Manitoba employer must provide a letter confirming:
- Your job title and responsibilities
- Your employment start date
- Your current salary or wage
- Confirmation that your position will continue
2. Proof of Work Authorization
This includes:
- Copy of your current or most recent work permit
- If applicable, proof of your implied status application
- Any relevant IRCC correspondence about your status
3. MPNP Expression of Interest Profile
- Screenshots or documentation proving you had an active EOI on January 15, 2025
- Current EOI profile information
- Your MPNP file number if you have one
Pro tip: Before you start the application, gather all documents and save them in a dedicated folder. The online portal doesn't save partial applications, so you'll need everything ready before you begin.
Your Action Plan Before December 15
If you're eligible and haven't applied yet, here's your step-by-step action plan:
Week 1: Document Preparation
- Contact your employer for the employment letter
- Gather all work permit documentation
- Screenshot your MPNP EOI profile
- Create a checklist to ensure nothing is missing
Week 2: Application Submission
- Complete the online application during business hours (in case technical issues arise)
- Double-check all information before submitting
- Save your confirmation receipt
- Note your application reference number
Week 3: Follow-up (if needed)
- Monitor your email for any requests for additional information
- Respond immediately to any Manitoba immigration communications
- Keep copies of all correspondence
Remember: Manitoba processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and they've indicated that processing times may increase as the deadline approaches.
What Happens After December 15?
Once Manitoba stops accepting Support Letter applications, this specific pathway disappears forever. But that doesn't mean your immigration journey ends.
If You Already Have a Support Letter
You're in good shape. Submit your federal work permit application to IRCC before December 31, 2025. Processing times for these applications typically range from 4-12 weeks, depending on your country of residence and application completeness.
If You Miss the Manitoba Deadline
You'll need to explore alternative pathways:
Employer-Sponsored LMIA: Your current employer could apply for an LMIA to support a new work permit application. This process takes 2-6 months and costs $1,000 per position.
LMIA-Exempt Categories: If you qualify for categories like intra-company transfers, international agreements, or significant benefit positions, you might not need an LMIA.
Future MPNP Draws: Manitoba continues its regular Provincial Nominee Program draws. With Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan increasing PNP allocations, more opportunities may be available.
Status Restoration: If your status has expired, you might need to restore your temporary resident status before pursuing other options.
Looking Beyond This Policy
While losing this temporary measure feels significant, Manitoba's broader immigration landscape remains active. The province continues to invite candidates through regular MPNP streams, including:
- Skilled Workers in Manitoba
- Skilled Workers Overseas
- International Education Stream
- Business Investor Stream
The federal government's commitment to increasing PNP allocations from 110,000 in 2025 to 120,000 by 2027 suggests more opportunities ahead, even if they require different strategies.
What This Means for Manitoba's Labor Market
This policy helped approximately 3,000-5,000 workers maintain legal status while contributing to Manitoba's economy. As it ends, employers may face renewed challenges retaining international talent, potentially increasing demand for LMIA applications and putting pressure on the province to create new retention strategies.
For workers, this transition period requires careful planning and potentially difficult decisions about career moves, family stability, and long-term settlement goals.
Making Your Decision
If you're eligible for this program, the choice seems obvious – apply before December 15. But if you're on the fence about Manitoba as your long-term home, consider these factors:
Economic Opportunities: Manitoba's unemployment rate remains below the national average, with growing sectors in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
Cost of Living: Housing costs in Winnipeg and other Manitoba cities remain significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver.
Community Support: The province has established newcomer services and communities that can ease your settlement process.
Weather Reality: Yes, winters are cold. But thousands of immigrants have successfully adapted and built thriving lives here.
The deadline pressure might feel overwhelming, but remember – immigration decisions should align with your genuine goals and circumstances, not just available programs.
Final Thoughts
Manitoba's temporary work permit policy served its purpose during a challenging period for temporary workers across the province. It provided stability when people needed it most and kept valuable contributors in Manitoba's workforce.
As this chapter closes, the immigration landscape continues evolving. New policies emerge, existing programs adapt, and opportunities shift. The key is staying informed, maintaining legal status, and continuing to build the life you want in Canada.
If you're scrambling to meet the December 15 deadline, focus on what you can control: gathering your documents, completing your application accurately, and submitting everything on time. If you miss this opportunity, remember that immigration journeys rarely follow straight lines – setbacks often lead to better long-term outcomes.
Whatever happens with your application, keep building your life in Manitoba. Continue developing your career, strengthening community connections, and demonstrating your commitment to the province. These investments in your future matter regardless of which immigration pathway ultimately leads to your permanent residency.
The deadline is real, the pressure is intense, but your determination to build a better life in Canada is what will ultimately determine your success.
FAQ
Q: What exactly happens on December 15, 2025, and why is this deadline so critical?
December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST marks the permanent closure of Manitoba's temporary work permit Support Letter program. After this exact moment, the provincial online application portal shuts down forever, meaning you cannot request a Support Letter regardless of how eligible you might be. This is different from the federal deadline of December 31, 2025, when IRCC stops accepting work permit applications under this policy. Think of it as a two-step process: Manitoba provides the key (Support Letter) by December 15, and IRCC opens the door (issues the work permit) by December 31. Once Manitoba stops providing keys, you're permanently locked out of this pathway. This policy has been a lifeline for approximately 3,000-5,000 workers whose permits expired in 2024-2025, offering a two-year extension without the expensive and time-consuming LMIA process.
Q: Do I qualify for this program if my work permit expired earlier in 2024 or 2025?
Yes, you can still qualify even with an expired work permit, provided you meet specific federal requirements. You're eligible if your work permit was valid on May 7, 2024, but later expired, AND you submitted a new work permit application under section 200, an extension of temporary resident status under section 181, or a restoration request under section 182. Additionally, you must meet Manitoba's requirements: having an active MPNP Expression of Interest profile on January 15, 2025, living in Manitoba before that date, currently working for a Manitoba employer, and genuinely intending to settle permanently in the province. The key is demonstrating continuous legal status or attempts to maintain it, combined with genuine commitment to Manitoba. Even if you're currently on implied status while your previous applications are processed, you may still qualify for this program.
Q: What documents do I need to submit, and how should I prepare my application?
You need three essential documents for a complete application. First, obtain a letter of employment from your current Manitoba employer confirming your job title, responsibilities, employment start date, current salary, and that your position will continue. Second, provide proof of work authorization including copies of your current or most recent work permit, any implied status applications, and relevant IRCC correspondence. Third, submit MPNP documentation showing you had an active Expression of Interest profile on January 15, 2025, including screenshots, current profile information, and your MPNP file number if available. Save all documents in a dedicated folder before starting, as the online portal doesn't save partial applications. Complete your application during business hours in case technical issues arise, double-check all information, save your confirmation receipt, and note your reference number for future correspondence.
Q: What are my options if I miss the December 15 deadline?
Missing the Manitoba deadline doesn't end your immigration journey, but it does eliminate this specific pathway. Your main alternatives include employer-sponsored LMIA applications, where your current employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment to support your new work permit (costs $1,000 and takes 2-6 months). You might qualify for LMIA-exempt categories like intra-company transfers, international agreements, or significant benefit positions. Manitoba continues regular Provincial Nominee Program draws, and Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan increases PNP allocations from 110,000 in 2025 to 120,000 by 2027, creating more future opportunities. If your status has expired, you may need status restoration before pursuing other options. While these alternatives require different strategies and timelines, they can still lead to permanent residency through various federal and provincial programs.
Q: How long does the entire process take from application to receiving my new work permit?
The timeline involves two phases with different processing speeds. After submitting your Support Letter application to Manitoba before December 15, provincial processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, though times may increase as the deadline approaches since applications are processed first-come, first-served. Once you receive your Support Letter, you must submit your federal work permit application to IRCC before December 31, 2025. Federal processing times range from 4-12 weeks depending on your country of residence and application completeness. In total, expect 6-16 weeks from your initial Manitoba application to receiving your new two-year work permit. To expedite the process, ensure all documents are complete and accurate, respond immediately to any requests for additional information, and submit your federal application as soon as you receive your Support Letter. Monitor both Manitoba and IRCC communications regularly throughout the process.
Q: Can my employer help with this application, and what role do they play?
Your employer plays a crucial supporting role but cannot submit the application on your behalf - you must apply personally. Your Manitoba employer must provide a detailed letter of employment confirming your job title, responsibilities, start date, current salary or wage, and that your position will continue. This letter demonstrates to Manitoba that you have stable, ongoing employment contributing to the provincial economy. While employers cannot complete the application process, many are willing to help gather documentation since retaining experienced international workers benefits their business operations. Some employers may assist with timing coordination or provide additional supporting documentation if requested. However, the MPNP profile, work permit documentation, and actual application submission remain your personal responsibility. Communicate clearly with your employer about timeline requirements, as obtaining the employment letter may take several business days depending on your company's HR processes and approval requirements.
Q: What happens to my family members if I get approved for this work permit extension?
Your family members' status depends on their current immigration situation and relationship to your work permit. If your spouse or common-law partner currently holds an open work permit based on your work authorization, they should apply for an extension of their work permit after you receive your new permit. Dependent children under 22 may need to extend their visitor status or study permits depending on their current status and educational needs. Family members should maintain their current legal status while your application is processed - if their documents expire during this time, they may need to apply for extensions or restoration independently. Once you receive your two-year work permit, your family can typically apply for corresponding extensions to align with your new permit validity. Consult with an immigration professional about your family's specific circumstances, as dependent applications often have different requirements and processing times than the primary applicant's work permit extension.
