By Urdu Report Editorial Team
Canada has introduced a new measure for certain temporary foreign workers already living and working in Manitoba, offering them an opportunity to continue working legally while their permanent residence applications are processed.
The policy is aimed at workers who are already contributing to Manitoba’s economy and have been identified as suitable candidates for permanent residence by the provincial government.
Around 2,700 workers could benefit
According to the government information cited in the source, around 2,700 temporary foreign workers could benefit from the new measure.
The initiative is particularly important for workers whose work permits are close to expiring or have already expired while they continue pursuing permanent residence in Manitoba.
Eligible individuals will have an opportunity to obtain an open work permit. This will allow them to continue working legally in Canada while their permanent residence cases move forward.
Who is eligible?
The new measure does not apply to every temporary foreign worker. Applicants must meet specific conditions.
First, the applicant must have been included in Manitoba’s provincial nominee candidate selection system on or before December 31, 2025.
They must also have a support letter issued by the Manitoba government confirming their participation in the provincial nomination process.
Applicants must additionally provide employment verification from their current employer. This is intended to establish that they are genuinely employed in Manitoba and that their employment remains ongoing.
The policy also covers certain individuals who held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, but whose permit later expired. It may also apply under specific conditions to people who submitted timely applications to renew their work permits and were authorized to work in Canada at the required time.
Important clarification for applicants in Pakistan
The measure does not mean that anyone currently in Pakistan can obtain a new work permit under this policy and travel to Manitoba.
The initiative is primarily intended for people already in Canada who are working in Manitoba and had entered the provincial nomination process by the specified deadline.
Therefore, people in Pakistan who are seeking to move to Canada for employment should not interpret this measure as a new overseas recruitment or immigration programme.
A shift in Canada’s immigration approach
The Manitoba measure also reflects broader changes in Canada’s immigration strategy, according to the source.
While Canada is seeking to manage the number of temporary residents, the government is also placing greater emphasis on people already in the country who are working and contributing to the economy.
The policy indicates a focus on retaining foreign workers whose skills are needed and who are considered suitable for permanent residence.
How long will the policy remain in effect?
The new policy took effect on August 6, 2026, and its current duration has been set until December 31, 2027.
However, the Canadian government may end the measure before that date depending on circumstances.
For temporary foreign workers already in Manitoba, the measure provides an important route to continue working while pursuing permanent residence. However, only individuals who meet the specified conditions can benefit.
People outside Canada, including those in Pakistan, should carefully assess their eligibility before making any application or financial decision, as the measure does not provide a pathway for new overseas applicants to enter Canada.
