On This Page You Will Find
- Manitoba’s latest update on the 2025 temporary public policy
- Who is receiving Invitations to Apply
- Eligibility rules for using the ITA code
- Work permit requirements under the Manitoba public policy
- Employment and language requirements
- How the process fits Manitoba’s immigration strategy
- What temporary workers should do next
- FAQ on Manitoba’s 2025 temporary public policy
Manitoba has started issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to foreign workers who received Support Letters under the 2025 Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) confirmed it will conduct targeted Expression of Interest draws for eligible candidates who successfully obtained a work permit under the temporary public policy.
The move represents the next stage of Manitoba’s effort to retain temporary residents already working in the province and transition them toward permanent residence.
According to the province, all individuals issued Support Letters under the 2025 policy will eventually receive an ITA. Manitoba says invitations are beginning with applicants whose Support Letters were approved between April 22 and June 30, 2025.
ITAs will be sent directly to the email addresses used in candidates’ Support Letter applications.
Manitoba Continues Shift Toward In-Canada Immigration
The update highlights Manitoba’s growing focus on retaining temporary residents already established in the province.
Rather than relying solely on overseas applicants, Manitoba increasingly prioritises workers who already:
- live in Manitoba
- hold Manitoba-based work permits
- work for Manitoba employers
- demonstrate long-term settlement potential
The targeted draws form part of a broader national trend in which provinces and the federal government are increasingly transitioning temporary residents to permanent residence.
The temporary public policy itself was designed to help prospective provincial nominee candidates maintain legal work status while continuing to contribute to Manitoba’s labour market.
Not All ITA Recipients Can Use The Invitation
The province stressed that receiving an ITA does not automatically mean a candidate is eligible to use it.
To include the ITA code in an Expression of Interest profile, applicants must meet several conditions.
Candidates must:
- hold a valid Manitoba-specific work permit issued under the temporary public policy
- currently work full time in Manitoba
- have a long-term job offer from a Manitoba employer
- complete at least six months of continuous full-time Manitoba employment
- meet occupation qualifications and licensing requirements
- demonstrate sufficient English or French language ability
- show stronger ties to Manitoba than another province
- submit a Settlement Plan showing intent to remain in Manitoba
The province also confirmed additional requirements for graduates from post-secondary institutions outside Manitoba.
Those candidates must demonstrate at least one year of continuous full-time employment in Manitoba.
Manitoba Emphasises Long-Term Labour Market Retention
The requirements show Manitoba’s continued emphasis on long-term economic retention rather than short-term labour market access.
The province is clearly prioritising candidates who:
- already integrated into Manitoba workplaces
- demonstrated employment stability
- established stronger provincial ties
- appear likely to remain permanently
That approach aligns with broader changes across Canadian immigration policy, where governments increasingly favour candidates already contributing to local economies.
The requirement to demonstrate stronger ties to Manitoba than another province is particularly notable because it reflects growing provincial concern about interprovincial mobility after permanent residence is granted.
Some Work Permit Holders Are Excluded
The province also clarified that not all foreign workers in Manitoba qualify to use the ITA code.
Candidates holding other types of work permits – including:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program permits
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
- spousal open work permits
– cannot use the ITA code unless they specifically hold the Manitoba-targeted work permit issued under the temporary public policy.
That distinction is important because many temporary residents may incorrectly assume any Manitoba employment qualifies them under the initiative.
Previous Manitoba Work Experience May Still Help
The province also provided flexibility for some workers who do not currently meet the continuous employment requirement with their present employer.
Applicants who previously completed at least six months – or one year for out-of-province graduates – with another Manitoba employer may still qualify.
In those situations, candidates may be able to submit an Expression of Interest under either:
- the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway
- or the Skilled Worker Overseas pathway
The province instructed applicants to ensure their country of residence is listed as Canada and to enter their unique ITA code in their Expression of Interest profile.
Manitoba Continues To Prioritise Workers Already In The Province
The latest update reinforces Manitoba’s broader immigration strategy, which increasingly centres on retaining workers already contributing to the provincial economy.
Like several other provinces, Manitoba faces:
- labour shortages
- demographic pressures
- retention challenges outside major urban centres
- competition for skilled workers
The province increasingly appears focused on converting temporary residents already integrated into Manitoba communities into permanent residents.
This approach also aligns with federal efforts to reduce temporary resident levels while maintaining access to workers needed by Canadian employers.
ITAs Being Issued In Stages
The MPNP confirmed ITAs are being issued according to Support Letter approval dates.
Candidates approved after June 30, 2025 must wait for future invitation rounds and continue monitoring the Manitoba immigration website for updates.
Applicants with questions about the process can contact the MPNP through the province’s online webform.
FAQ
What is Manitoba’s 2025 Temporary Public Policy?
The temporary public policy allows certain prospective Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program candidates to obtain Manitoba-specific work permits while continuing to work in the province. The policy helps Manitoba retain workers already contributing to the local economy while supporting future permanent residence applications.
Who is receiving Invitations to Apply from Manitoba?
Manitoba is issuing ITAs to individuals who previously received Support Letters under the temporary public policy and successfully obtained qualifying work permits. Invitations are currently being issued to candidates whose Support Letters were approved between April 22 and June 30, 2025.
Does receiving an ITA automatically make someone eligible?
No. Candidates must still meet all eligibility requirements before using the ITA code in their Expression of Interest profile. Requirements include holding the correct work permit, maintaining full-time Manitoba employment, meeting language standards and demonstrating long-term settlement intentions in Manitoba.
Can Post-Graduation Work Permit holders use the ITA code?
No. Manitoba confirmed that workers holding Post-Graduation Work Permits, Temporary Foreign Worker Program permits or spousal work permits cannot use the ITA code unless they also hold the Manitoba-specific work permit issued under the temporary public policy.
Why is Manitoba focusing on workers already in the province?
Manitoba increasingly wants to retain workers already integrated into its labour market and communities. The province views these candidates as more likely to remain long term, fill labour shortages and contribute to economic stability compared to applicants with no existing connection to Manitoba.
