Manitoba Extends Work Permit Support to 16 Skilled Trades
Manitoba Expands Work Permit Support for 16 Skilled Trades Jobs
Skilled Trades Gain Province-Wide Flexibility
Under the updated rules, employers no longer need to operate within an approved industry to support work permit extensions for workers in 16 designated occupations. Previously, sector eligibility applied to all positions, regardless of labour demand in a particular trade. The newly sector-exempt occupations include a range of mechanical, technical, transportation, and environmental roles:
| 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 |
This adjustment gives Manitoba employers greater freedom to retain experienced tradespeople, particularly in industries where skilled labour shortages continue to affect productivity and service delivery.
Hospitality and Food Services Removed from the Program
In contrast to the expanded flexibility for trades, Manitoba has eliminated Hospitality and Food Services from the pilot’s approved industry list. Employers in this sector can no longer submit new applications after February 4, 2026, unless the worker holds one of the 16 exempt occupations. The sectors that remain eligible under the TRRP are:
- Agriculture
- Construction and skilled trades
- Information Technology
- Food processing
- Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
Understanding the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot
Notably, employers are not required to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or advertise the position before applying. Processing timelines can be significantly shorter than traditional federal programs, with decisions sometimes issued within approximately two months. However, participation remains competitive and subject to provincial labour market priorities.
Business Qualification Requirements
To participate in the TRRP, employers must demonstrate stability, compliance, and long-term operational presence in Manitoba. Key requirements include:
- Registration under Manitoba’s Worker Recruitment and Protection Act (WRAPA).
- At least three years of active business operation in the province.
- A minimum annual gross revenue of $350,000.
- A physical business location in Manitoba that is not home-based.
The province excludes certain employers from eligibility, including staffing agencies supplying workers to other businesses, companies relying exclusively on independent contractors, businesses planning to sell ownership within two years, and employers facing federal suspension or penalties related to foreign worker programs. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee approval, as applications are evaluated against Manitoba’s economic needs.
Eligibility Standards for Foreign Workers
Temporary residents seeking support under the pilot must satisfy several conditions tied to age, employment history, residency, and language proficiency. Applicants must:
- Be between 21 and 45 years old, unless an exception is requested by the employer.
- Hold a valid work permit that expires within one year of application submission, or be on maintained status.
- Currently reside in Manitoba.
- Meet language benchmarks of CLB 5 for higher-skilled roles (TEER 0–3) or CLB 4 for intermediate or entry-level roles (TEER 4–5).
- Score at least 60 points on Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee assessment grid.
- Not qualify under the federal temporary public policy for prospective provincial nominees.
- Not receive endorsement through a Regional Immigration Initiative.
Employment Conditions and Wage Protections
The position itself must meet specific requirements. The foreign worker must have completed at least 18 months of full-time employment with the sponsoring employer and receive an offer for a permanent, ongoing role.
In cases where workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations earn below the regional median wage, employers may be expected to provide enhanced support. This could include covering government work permit fees and offering structured assistance for settlement and community integration.
Skilled Worker – NB Graduates
- Graduation from a PGWP-eligible program at a New Brunswick DLI
- Full-time employment or a job offer from an eligible NB employer
Manitoba Draw Results by Recruitment Category
| Recruitment Category | LAAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Employer Services | 10 |
| Francophone Community | 27 |
| Regional Communities | 5 |
| Temporary Public Policy (TPP) | 21 |
The largest share of invitations went to Francophone candidates and individuals supported under Manitoba’s temporary work permit facilitation policy.
*Want to apply for MPNP? Let the universal adviser guide you through the process.
A Strategic Shift in Workforce Planning
At the same time, narrowing sector eligibility indicates a move toward more selective immigration alignment with economic development goals. For employers and foreign workers alike, the updated Temporary Resident Retention Pilot represents both new opportunities and stricter boundaries—reshaping how Manitoba manages its evolving labour market needs.
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