Manitoba Introduces New 2-Year Open Work Permit for PNP Workers

If you are in Manitoba, Canada, on a work permit that has already expired or will end soon, there is some good news. Manitoba is offering a special 2-year open work permit for qualifying Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It is part of a temporary public policy created to help workers stay in the province without interruption.

The idea is simple. If you meet the rules and have the required documents, you can apply online through your IRCC account and continue living and working in Manitoba for two more years.

What an Open Work Permit Means

An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer tied to one company. It gives you the freedom to change jobs, move to a different workplace and keep working while your immigration file is still being processed.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, you must already have a Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) profile created on or after January 15, 2025, and hold a Manitoba support letter. Your work permit should have expired on or after May 7, 2024, or be expiring in 2025.

• You must have permission to work in Canada.
• Your work permit must have expired on or after May 7, 2024, or be expiring in 2025.
• You must have applied to restore your status when your permit expired on May 7, 2024.
• You need a valid job offer.
• You must have an MPNP Expression of Interest profile created on or after January 15, 2025, and it must still be active.
• You must have a Manitoba support letter from the province.

The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025, so there is still time, but it is better not to wait too long.

How Much Does It Cost

To apply, you will need to pay the regular work permit fee of 155 CAD, plus 100 CAD for the open work permit holder fee. If you need to restore your status, the restoration fee is 246.25 CAD.

• $155 for the work permit application
• $100 for the open work permit holder fee
• $246.25 if you need to restore your status

How To Apply Step By Step

If you want to use this policy and get the 2-year work permit, follow these steps:

1. Read the instruction guide

Go through Instruction Guide 5553 carefully, so you understand every requirement, the documents you must prepare and how the application process works.

2. Log in to your IRCC account

Create or access your IRCC Secure Account, complete the short eligibility questionnaire and review the personalised document checklist generated for your profile.

3. Fill out the work permit form

Answer all questions about your current status, your job details and the specific type of work permit you are applying for.

4. Upload your documents

Attach every file requested in your checklist, including your support letter, employment proof, passport pages and any status restoration documents.

5. Pay the fees

Make the required payments, which include the standard work permit fee, the open work permit holder fee and the status restoration fee if needed.

6. Submit your application

Review your form and uploaded files once more, then submit the complete application through your IRCC account and wait for further updates.

Final Thoughts

This new policy gives MPNP candidates more time and stability while waiting for permanent residency approval. It helps workers keep their jobs and remain legally in Canada without interruptions.

If you meet the criteria, applying early is a smart move to avoid last-minute issues before the 2025 deadline.