September 13, 2025

https://youtu.be/9ThPOzryZx4?si=emriygZOkLR0HCeE This article is based on Manitoba’s past two years of Public Policies and predicts the upcoming changes expected in April 2026. Starting April 2026, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is expected to accept applications for a Work Permit Support Letter. Who will be eligible? Only those whose work permits: Expired in 2025 or 2026, or Will expire within the next 45 days …will qualify to apply for a two-year Manitoba-specific work permit extension. Scenarios Covered (based on past policies) Applicants may qualify if they: Hold a valid work permit expiring in 2026 Held a valid work permit in May 2025 Have status expired but applied for a work permit or Visitor Record Are maintaining status Have status expired but applied for restoration In all scenarios, the candidate must have held a valid work permit on May 2025. Additional Requirements To be eligible, you must also: Have a valid MPNP Expression of Interest (EOI) profile in January 2026 Be residing in Manitoba prior to January 2026 Required Documents Letter of employment Copy of your current work permit Copy of your Expression of Interest profile Key Notes You can apply for a Work Permit Support Letter up to 45 days before your work permit expires. Visitor Record holders will also be eligible. If you already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LOA), you will not be eligible. If your EOI expires, you must reapply to remain eligible. If approved, you will receive a two-year open work permit. If your NOC is eligible for family sponsorship, your spouse or children may also qualify for work permits. Final Advice Submit your EOI before 2026 Keep your status valid or maintained during 2026 Follow the rules to extend your work permit through public policy Stay tuned for more immigration updates and predictions. Book your first free in-person appointment today with an immigration lawyer.

https://youtu.be/FgxBxbHCWew?si=E-06Mgc_FHgQQ_f5 Minor NOC errors can result in major refusals. That’s why it’s critical to identify your correct NOC before applying. What is NOC? The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s standardized system for classifying jobs. Every job has a unique five-digit code that reflects: Job title Duties Industry Required education or training Examples: NOC 63200 means Cooks 65201 means Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations Step 1: Understand the First Digit The first digit shows the broad occupational category: Digit Category Example 0 Management occupations Restaurant managers 1 Business, finance, and administration Accountants 2 Natural and applied sciences Technicians 3 Health occupations Nurses 4 Education, law, community services Teachers 5 Arts, culture, recreation, sport Musicians 6 Sales and service Retail salespersons 7 Trades, transport, equipment Electricians 8 Natural resources, agriculture Farmers 9 Manufacturing and utilities Factory workers Step 2: Check the Second Digit (TEER Level) The second digit shows the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities). TEER 0: Management jobs TEER 1: University degree jobs (e.g., doctors, accountants) TEER 2: College/technical diploma or apprenticeship (2+ years) TEER 3: College/apprenticeship (less than 2 years) TEER 4: High school or job-specific training TEER 5: No formal education required Example: NOC 63200 (Cook) → Second digit is “3,” meaning TEER 3 (college diploma/apprenticeship under 2 years). Step 3: Narrow Down With the Third, Fourth & Fifth Digits 3rd digit: Major group (broad field). 4th digit: Sub-major group (specialization). 5th digit: Unique occupation within the group. Example (Healthcare): 31300 → Nursing coordinators 31301 → Registered nurses 31302 → Nurse practitioners  Example (Trades): 72300→ Plumber 72301→ Pipefitter  Step 4: Read the Official NOC Profile Each NOC profile includes: Lead Statement (overview of the job) Main Duties (what you must perform in your role) Employment Requirements (education, training, certifications) Exclusions (similar jobs that don’t count under this NOC) Example: A Cook (63200) must prepare and cook complete meals. Jobs at Tim Hortons or McDonald’s do not qualify because they don’t meet this definition. Official NOC database: Cook NOC 63200 Chefs NOC 62200 Why Accuracy Matters Submitting the wrong NOC can lead to: Procedural fairness letters (PFL) Rejection of your application Potential misrepresentation issues To avoid these risks, book your first free in-person consultation with our immigration lawyer. We’ll help you identify the correct NOC and strengthen your application.

https://youtu.be/hHisr9WgAGw?si=qq0MlVdFwlUXRFjc In today’s restrictive immigration climate, there are only two golden routes to secure permanent residency in Canada without IELTS: Refugee claims Spousal sponsorship But the numbers reveal a troubling reality. Refugee Backlog Crisis Over the past five years, refugee applications have skyrocketed: 2021: 55,937 pending 2022: 70,223 pending 2023: 156,032 pending 2024: 272,440 pending First three months of 2025: Already 280,825 pending Yet, in 2024, only 46,000 refugees were accepted, while Canada’s official refugee quota for 2025 is capped at 58,000. That covers barely a quarter of the demand. With these numbers, rejection rates are projected to rise significantly. Refugee Claims Used as a Delay Strategy Some individuals file refugee claims as a temporary solution to buy time, later switching to spousal sponsorship. But the government has been steadily closing such loopholes, including: Restrictions on flagpolling Private college suspensions and caps Changes to PGWP and Spousal Open Work Permit rules Stricter LMIA process On top of this, Bill C-2 has been proposed, which could put a stop to certain refugee claims altogether. What About Spousal Sponsorship? Alarmingly, Quebec has already stopped accepting spousal sponsorship applications. This raises a serious question: will the federal government be next? The Bottom Line Canada’s immigration system is tightening across every pathway. One wrong move could cost you your status, future applications, and years of hard work. Now is the time to act carefully and legally. Book your first free in-person consultation today to explore the best options available before it’s too late.