Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has approved Manitoba's request to extend work permits for certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. These candidates, mainly Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders, have work permits expiring in 2024 and are applying for the Manitoba Skilled Worker Program.
This temporary measure allows 6,700 temporary workers to continue working while their PNP applications are processed. Manitoba expects these workers to become permanent residents within two years.
IRCC is open to similar arrangements with other provinces to help transition more temporary residents to permanent status. Further details may emerge following the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration meeting on May 10.
Manitoba’s PNP Highlights
- First established in 1998 to attract immigrants outside major urban centers.
- Led to 10,000 people transitioning from worker status to permanent residents in Manitoba in 2023.
- Issued 1,560 Expressions of Interest to Skilled Worker candidates in early 2024, leading to 1,478 approvals.
- Aims to welcome 110,000 new permanent residents by the end of 2024 through the PNP.
National Context
- Canada had over 2.5 million temporary residents in 2023.
- 157,000 temporary residents became permanent residents in 2023.
- Canada plans to focus on transitioning current temporary residents to permanent status to address labor market needs.
