The Manitoba government is retaining skilled labour by supporting the extensions of work permits for temporary residents who are eligible to apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
“At a time when skilled labour is in high demand, our government is making sure that people who are already in the province, who have contributed economically and who have expressed a desire to call Manitoba home are given that opportunity,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino. “Our government’s agreement with our federal counterparts facilitates a pathway to citizenship and will help address labour market needs in Manitoba.”
On Aug. 21, the province signed a letter of intent with the federal government that will allow for eligible candidates identified under the province’s provincial nominee program to apply to extend their work permits.
This means up to 6,700 temporary workers identified by Manitoba will be able to continue working in the province while their applications to the MPNP are processed, noted the minister. Within two years, it is expected the individuals will be eligible to receive a nomination from the provincial nominee program, said Marcelino.
To support and facilitate the timely processing of applications under the provincial nominee program, including fulfilling the operational and reporting requirements of applicants under the new public policy, the government is adding five temporary full-time equivalent positions.
The positions will support the program throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year to:
- expedite the processing of applications for individuals whose status in Canada is expiring, and
- ensure the full utilization of the 2024 allocation of 9,500 nominees as quickly as possible.
For more information about the temporary extension policy including eligibility criteria and MPNP, visit immigratemanitoba.com.
