What changed
The Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge temporary public policy took effect on July 6, 2026. IRCC's officer instructions on open work permits for provincial nominee candidates were updated to include it, in place of the instructions for the earlier provincial policies that have ended.
The policy applies to Manitoba only. It does not reopen the earlier Alberta or Yukon measures. Applications from Alberta or Yukon under those ended policies, including renewals, are not eligible under this one.
Core eligibility
- Manitoba support letter. The applicant holds a letter issued by Manitoba on or before December 31, 2025, confirming that the person was screened in and placed in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) expression of interest pool on or before that date. A continued-support letter issued in 2026 is optional and does not replace the original letter.
- Current Manitoba job. The applicant provides a current letter of employment from a Manitoba employer.
- Work authorization. The applicant holds a valid work permit, or an expired work permit that was valid on May 7, 2024, or is authorized to work under R186(u) after filing a renewal application on or before that date.
- Status. The applicant is in Canada when the decision is made, with valid temporary resident status, maintained status, or an application for restoration of status.
- Deadline. Applications, including renewals, received after December 31, 2027 are refused.
Documents and filing details
- Copy of the valid passport, a digital photo and the payment receipt.
- The Manitoba support letter issued on or before December 31, 2025.
- A copy of the current or expired work permit, and the current Manitoba employment letter.
- Optional: Family Information form (IMM 5707) and a 2026 Manitoba continued-support letter. IRCC's instructions say an application should not be refused only because these are missing.
- Enter MBEOI2024 in both the job title or intended occupation field and the brief description of duties field, so that IRCC identifies the application under this policy.
Permit validity and family members
If approved, the open work permit is valid for two years or until the passport or travel document expires, whichever is earlier. These applicants are not eligible for a further extension under this policy.
A spouse or common-law partner may receive an open work permit under IMP code C41 or C47. A dependant may receive one under code C46 or C48. Each family member must apply and meet the conditions for that code.