Manitoba started accepting applications on Wednesday from Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) for letters of support to allow them to get work permit extensions while awaiting decisions on their permanent residency under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
It comes after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a policy to target qualified temporary workers with pending applications.
Those TFWs who want these letters of support can apply for them online.
“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 provincial Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino.
Manitoba Announces Letter of Support Process
Manitoba launched a process on September 18 allowing Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) to apply online for letters of support to extend work permits while awaiting permanent residency decisions under the MPNP.
The program is designed to address labor shortages and support TFWs who want to remain in Manitoba, as highlighted by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino.
A collaboration with Ottawa allows up to 6,700 TFWs to continue working while their permanent residency applications under the MPNP are processed.
TFWs must meet specific eligibility requirements, including continuous residency, valid work permits, and current employment with a Manitoba-based employer.
In late August, Manitoba signed a letter of intent with Ottawa to allow eligible candidates identified under the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to apply to extend their work permits.
That move means up to 6,700 temporary foreign workers identified by Manitoba will be able to continue working in the province while their applications to the MPNP are processed.
“Our government’s agreement with our federal counterparts facilitates a pathway to citizenship and will help address labour market needs in Manitoba,” said Marcelino.
Program Launch: Manitoba began accepting applications on September 18 for letters of support to assist temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in obtaining work permit extensions while awaiting permanent residency decisions under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
Online Applications: TFWs can apply for these support letters online.
Government Statement: Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino emphasized the initiative as a way to support skilled labor in high demand and help those who wish to stay in Manitoba.
Collaboration with Ottawa: In August, Manitoba signed a letter of intent with the federal government to allow eligible PNP candidates to extend their work permits.
Impact on Workers: The agreement will enable up to 6,700 TFWs to continue working in Manitoba during their MPNP application processing.
Eligibility for Extensions: The temporary policy, valid until the end of 2024, allows MPNP candidates to apply if they meet specific conditions:
Hold a valid work permit expiring in 2024.
Had a valid work permit as of May 7 that has since expired and have applied for a new work permit or extension.
Demonstrate continuous residency in Manitoba and have a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI).
Employment Requirement: Applicants must be currently employed in Manitoba with an employer willing to provide a Letter of Employment (LOI).
Manitoba started accepting applications Sept. 18 for these support letters so that prospective MPNP candidates whose work permits expire or have expired in 2024 can apply for a two-year Manitoba-specific work permit extension.
TFWs Hoping To Get Work Permit Extensions Need To Meet Eligibility Requirements
Under the temporary policy, which expires at the end of this year, MPNP candidates who meet one of the following scenarios can apply:
Hold a valid work permit that will expire in 2024, or;
Held a work permit valid on May 7 that has since expired and have submitted an application for a new work permit under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), or;
Held a work permit valid on May 7 that has since expired and have submitted an application for an extension of the authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the IRPR, or;
Held a work permit valid on May 7 that has since expired and have submitted an application for restoration of temporary resident status under section 182 of the IRPR, or;
Were authorized to work pursuant to paragraph 186 (u) of the IRPR on May 7 and the work permit extension application remains pending or was approved, and have submitted an application for a new work permit under section 200 of the IRPR, or;
Were authorized to work pursuant to paragraph 186 (u) of the IRPR on May 7 and the work permit extension application remains pending or was approved and have submitted an application for an extension of the authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the IRPR.
All temporary foreign workers applying for these letters of support must also demonstrate that they meet all the following conditions:
They had a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile on May 10 and have a valid MPNP EOI at the time of this application;
They were residing in Manitoba prior to May 10 and have continuously remained residing in Manitoba, and;
They are currently employed in Manitoba with a Manitoba employer that is willing to provide a Letter Of Employment (LOI).
Manitoba Announces Letter of Support Process For Temporary Foreign Workers
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