In a strategic move to bolster its labor market, Manitoba has secured a groundbreaking public policy from Immigration Minister Marc Miller to extend work permits for 6,700 temporary residents. This new policy aims to address the imminent expiration of work authorizations for many temporary workers, thereby stabilizing the workforce and ensuring economic continuity within the province.
Although specific application details are yet to be released, the policy is designed to be inclusive and straightforward. It targets those who are already integrated into the provincial workforce and are critical to meeting Manitoba’s labor needs. The province anticipates that these temporary workers will receive formal nominations through the MPNP and eventually transition to permanent residency within two years.
The initiative began on May 7 when Manitoba formally requested assistance from Immigration Minister Marc Miller. The province emphasized the urgent need to retain its temporary workforce, which is essential for maintaining economic stability and addressing labor shortages. In response, Minister Miller confirmed that the federal government would introduce a new public policy to extend work permits for eligible temporary residents within the MPNP EOI pool.
On May 17, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) unveiled details of this policy aimed at providing open work permits to temporary residents whose work authorizations expire in 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this policy include Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who are eligible to apply to the MPNP and have submitted a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) profile before May 10, 2024. These workers will be granted province-specific open work permits valid for up to two years, allowing them to continue their employment in Manitoba while awaiting further immigration processing.
Categories:
