Manitoba continues to take practical steps to address labour shortages while supporting temporary residents already contributing to the province’s economy. One such initiative is the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP), launched under Manitoba’s Employer Services.
This pilot allows eligible Manitoba employers to support their long-term temporary workers in transitioning toward permanent residency — helping businesses retain trained staff and providing workers with stability and long-term settlement opportunities.
What Is the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot?
The Temporary Resident Retention Pilot is designed for Manitoba employers who want to retain foreign workers they already employ rather than recruit new workers from outside Canada.
Instead of restarting the hiring and training process, this pilot supports employers in nominating eligible temporary residents who have already proven their value in the workplace.
Why Manitoba Introduced This Pilot
Many industries in Manitoba continue to face ongoing labour shortages. At the same time, thousands of temporary residents are already living and working in the province.
The TRRP helps by:
- Retaining experienced and trained workers
- Reducing recruitment and training costs for employers
- Supporting long-term economic growth in Manitoba
- Helping temporary residents settle permanently in the province
This approach benefits both employers and workers while strengthening Manitoba’s workforce.
Employer Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot, employers must meet all eligibility criteria set by Manitoba.
Employers must:
- Be actively operating in Manitoba for at least three consecutive years
- Be legally registered or incorporated and in good standing
- Operate in an eligible industry, such as:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Agriculture and food processing
- Construction and skilled trades
- Information technology
- Education
- Show minimum annual revenue of $350,000 for each of the past three years
- Demonstrate a 50% or higher retention rate of temporary workers over the last three years
- Comply with all provincial and federal employment laws
- Hold a valid WRAPA Certificate of Registration
- Pay the required employer compliance fee to IRCC
Employers are not eligible if they:
- Operate only as staffing or placement agencies
- Employ only independent contractors or owner-operators
- Plan to sell the business within the next two years
- Are under suspension or non-compliance with government authorities
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee approval, as Manitoba selects applications based on current labour market needs.
Worker (Candidate) Eligibility Criteria
Temporary residents being supported under this pilot must also meet specific conditions.
Employment and Residency
- Full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week)
- Working for the same employer for at least 18 months
- Have lived in Manitoba for more than 50% of their total time in Canada
Legal Status and Language
- Hold a valid work permit expiring within one year, or maintained status
- Generally between 21 and 45 years of age (exceptions may apply)
- Meet language requirements:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations
- CLB 4 for TEER 4–5 occupations
Additional Requirements
- Earn wages at or above the median wage for the occupation and region
- Score at least 60 points on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) assessment grid
- Hold any required licensing or certification for regulated occupations
No Advertising Requirement
One major advantage of the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot is that job advertising is not required.
Because the focus is on retaining existing workers, employers do not need to demonstrate recruitment efforts — making the process faster and more practical.
How the Application Process Works
- Confirm that both the employer and worker meet eligibility requirements
- Complete the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot application
- Submit all required documents to Manitoba Employer Services
Processing times are targeted at approximately 60 days, though timelines may vary depending on application volume.
Final Thoughts
The Temporary Resident Retention Pilot is a valuable opportunity for Manitoba employers who want to keep reliable workers and for temporary residents seeking a stable future in Canada.
With strict eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, professional guidance can help avoid delays or refusals and ensure the application is properly prepared.
Need Professional Help?
If you are an employer looking to retain key staff or a temporary resident exploring permanent residency options through Manitoba, expert advice can make all the difference.
Sehli Global Immigration provides strategic guidance on:
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) pathways
- Employer-driven immigration solutions
- Temporary to permanent residence transitions
Visit www.sehliglobal.ca to book a consultation and get tailored advice for your situation.
Contact us on whatsapp: +1 (289) 752-4340
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