Manitoba Updates Work Permit Rules for Skilled Workers

February 14, 2026
CIC News Update
Manitoba, PNP
0

Manitoba has introduced significant updates to its Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP), expanding access to work permit extensions for foreign workers employed in 16 skilled trades occupations. The change allows employers across all industries in the province to support eligible workers in these specified roles, regardless of the sector in which the business operates.

The move is designed to help Manitoba employers retain experienced temporary residents who are already contributing to the province’s workforce and economy.

Also Read Manitoba Expands Work Permit Support for 16 Skilled Trades Jobs

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16 Occupations Now Free from Sector Restrictions

Under the revised framework, workers in the following occupations can now qualify for employer-supported work permit extensions without their employer being tied to a previously designated sector:

Occupation	NOC Code
Agricultural Equipment Technician	72401
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician	72401
Automotive Service Technician	72410
Diesel Engine Mechanic	72410
Truck and Transport Mechanic	72410
Transport Trailer Technician	72410
Recreation Vehicle Service Technician	72410
Parts Technician	72410
Auto Body and Collision Technician	73202
Automotive Refinishing Technician	73202
Boilermaker	72304
Instrumentation and Control Technician	72201
Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson	72404
Railway Car Technician	72403
Landscape Horticulturalist	22114
Water and Wastewater Technician	22101

Previously, even if a worker held one of these roles, their employer had to operate within a specifically approved industry in order to support a work permit extension. That requirement has now been removed for these 16 occupations, offering more flexibility for businesses and workers alike.

Hospitality Sector Removed from Eligibility List

In a parallel update, Manitoba has narrowed the list of industries that qualify under the pilot. Hospitality and food services businesses are no longer included among the eligible sectors.

Applications submitted by hospitality or food service employers after February 4, 2026, will not be processed—unless the worker’s occupation appears on the newly exempted list.

The remaining eligible sectors under the pilot now include:

Agriculture
Construction and skilled trades
Information technology
Food processing
Education
Healthcare
Manufacturing

This adjustment signals a shift in the province’s workforce priorities, placing greater emphasis on trades and technical roles tied to infrastructure, industry, and essential services.

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What Is the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot?

The TRRP is an employer-led pathway that enables Manitoba businesses to request work permit extensions for temporary foreign workers already employed with them. The pilot aims to reduce administrative barriers and help employers retain talent in occupations critical to provincial growth.

One of the program’s key advantages is that it does not require employers to advertise the role or obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a process typically required under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. As a result, eligible employers may receive decisions in as little as 60 days, streamlining retention efforts.

However, approval is not automatic. Applications are assessed based on Manitoba’s labour market priorities and broader economic objectives.

Employer Requirements

Businesses seeking to participate in the TRRP must meet specific operational and compliance standards.

To qualify, an employer must:

Hold a valid registration certificate under Manitoba’s Worker Recruitment and Protection Act (WRAPA).
Demonstrate at least three years of active business operation within Manitoba.
Generate a minimum of $350,000 in annual gross revenue.
Operate a physical, non-home-based business location in the province.

Certain employers are excluded from participation, including:

Staffing agencies that primarily supply workers to third parties.
Businesses relying solely on independent contractors or owner-operators.
Companies planning to sell or transfer ownership within two years.
Employers currently suspended by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Employers penalized for non-compliance under federal worker programs.

Even when eligibility conditions are met, final approval depends on provincial selection criteria and labour market considerations.

Worker Eligibility Criteria

Temporary foreign workers must also satisfy a range of requirements to qualify under the pilot.

Applicants must:

Be between 21 and 45 years old (unless the employer requests an exception).
Hold a valid work permit that will expire within one year of application submission, or be on maintained status.
Be living in Manitoba at the time of application.
Meet minimum language proficiency standards:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations
- CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations
Achieve at least 60 points on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) assessment grid.
Not qualify under the federal temporary public policy designed for prospective provincial nominee candidates.
Not be supported through a Regional Immigration Initiative.

Employment Conditions and Wage Standards

In addition to employer and worker eligibility, the job offer itself must meet program standards.

The worker must have:

Completed at least 18 months of full-time employment with the sponsoring employer.
Received an ongoing, long-term job offer for a permanent position.
Spent more than half of their total time in Canada residing in Manitoba.

Wages and working conditions must be consistent with those offered to Canadian citizens or permanent residents in similar roles. Compensation must meet or exceed the median prevailing wage for the occupation in the region, based on federal labour market data.

For regulated occupations, applicants must begin the process of licensing or certification with the appropriate regulatory authority.

Where a worker is employed in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation and earns below the regional median wage, employers may be required to provide additional support measures. These can include covering work permit application fees and offering assistance with settlement and integration services.

Strengthening Workforce Retention

The latest changes reflect Manitoba’s continued efforts to stabilize its labour force by retaining workers who are already trained, integrated, and contributing to the local economy. By easing sector restrictions for skilled trades and technical professionals, the province is prioritizing occupations tied to infrastructure, transportation, environmental management, and industrial services.

For employers facing labour shortages in these areas, the updated pilot provides a more direct route to retaining experienced staff without the delays and complexities associated with traditional federal pathways.

As Manitoba continues refining its immigration and workforce strategies, the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot remains a key tool for supporting both businesses and foreign workers seeking long-term opportunities in the province.

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