Manitoba expands work permit options: 16 occupations now exempt from sector requirements
🔨 16 Sector-Exempt Occupations – Full NOC List 2026
Reference: CIC News, February 11, 2026 & Manitoba IRCC bulletin. These 16 skilled trades are now exempt from sector restrictions — any industry employer can apply.
🏭 Sector eligibility: 7 retained & Hospitality removed
✅ Eligible sectors (as of Feb 4, 2026)
- Agriculture
- Construction and trades
- Information Technology
- Food processing
- Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
⛔ Removed sector
Hospitality & Food Services
Effective date: Applications received after February 4, 2026 from Hospitality employers will not be accepted — unless for an exempt occupation (16 trades above).
IRCCGUIDE analysis: Hospitality exclusion aligns with Manitoba’s focus on long-term retention in high-demand sectors. However, if a hospitality employer needs a heavy duty mechanic (NOC 72401), they CAN still apply — occupation exemption overrides sector.
📋 TRRP Eligibility – Employer & Employee Criteria
🏢 Employer must:
- Hold valid WRAPA Certificate of registration
- Active non-home-based business in Manitoba (≥3 years)
- Gross annual revenue ≥ $350,000 (last 3 years)
- Not a placement agency, owner-operator, or on ESDC suspension list
- Not intend to sell business within 2 years
👤 Employee must:
- Age 21–45 (employer may request exception)
- Valid work permit expiring < 1 year or maintained status
- Residing in Manitoba ( >50% time in Canada in MB)
- CLB 5 (TEER 0–3) or CLB 4 (TEER 4–5)
- Min. 60 MPNP points
- 18 months full-time with same employer + permanent job offer
- Wage ≥ median prevailing wage for NOC/region
Additional TEER 4/5 support: If wage below regional median, employer must pay work permit fees and provide settlement supports.
🎯 MPNP Points & Language – Critical Thresholds
| Factor | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| MPNP points | Minimum 60 | Based on age, education, work experience, language, adaptability, etc. |
| Language (TEER 0-3) | CLB 5 | Listening, reading, writing, speaking – IELTS G 5.0 or CELPIP 5 |
| Language (TEER 4-5) | CLB 4 | IELTS 4.5/4.0/4.0/4.0 or CELPIP 4 |
| Age flexibility | 21-45 standard | Employer can request exemption if older worker has exceptional profile |
Official source: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Assessment Grid, updated Feb 2026. Points calculation includes connection to Manitoba, regional immigration, and strategic priorities.
❓ 20 frequently asked questions – Manitoba TRRP & exempt occupations
🇨🇦 Need Manitoba work permit or PNP support?
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📞 Free TRRP eligibility check 🌐 Manitoba TRRP officialRelated Guide