Manitoba Immigration Update: TRRP Removes Hospitality, Adds 16 Skilled Trades Occupations
Last Updated: February 5, 2026, 7:11 PM EST (Toronto Time)
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has announced major changes to its Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP), directly affecting temporary foreign workers and employers across the province.
Effective February 4, 2026, Manitoba has removed the Hospitality and Food Services sector from the TRRP eligibility list and added 16 new skilled trades occupations. This marks a clear shift in Manitoba’s immigration focus toward addressing ongoing labour shortages in skilled trades.
These changes apply immediately and have important consequences for both workers and employers.
Hospitality and Food Services Sector Removed From TRRP
The most significant change is the full removal of the Hospitality and Food Services sector from the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot.
What this means in practice:
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Employers in hospitality and food services can no longer use TRRP to support permanent residence applications
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TRRP applications and employer referrals in this sector submitted after February 4, 2026 will not be processed
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The change applies immediately, with no transition period announced
This decision affects many temporary foreign workers currently employed in:
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Restaurants and food service establishments
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Hotels and accommodation services
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Catering and related hospitality roles
Affected workers must now look for alternative immigration pathways if they wish to remain in Manitoba permanently.
Official TRRP update (Government of Manitoba):
https://www.immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/temporary-resident-retention-pilot/
Why Manitoba Removed Hospitality From TRRP
Manitoba has stated that the TRRP is being adjusted to better reflect current economic priorities and labour market shortages.
Key reasons behind the change include:
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Reduced long-term labour shortages in hospitality compared to previous years
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Increased and persistent shortages in skilled trades occupations
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The need to better align provincial nominations with economic demand
This does not mean hospitality jobs have disappeared, but it does mean the province is no longer prioritizing this sector for nomination under the TRRP.
16 New Skilled Trades Occupations Added to TRRP
At the same time, Manitoba expanded TRRP eligibility by adding 16 skilled trades occupations to the program.
This change creates new opportunities for:
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Temporary foreign workers with trades training or certification
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Employers struggling to retain skilled trades workers
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Tradespeople already working in Manitoba on valid work permits
The added occupations fall within sectors facing long-term labour shortages, including construction, maintenance, and technical trades.
Updated eligible occupations list:
https://www.immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/temporary-resident-retention-pilot/
Who Is Most Affected by These Changes
Most impacted negatively:
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Temporary residents working in hospitality and food services
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Employers relying on TRRP to retain hospitality workers
Most likely to benefit:
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Skilled trades workers already employed in Manitoba
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Employers in construction, industrial, and technical sectors
If you are in hospitality, this update significantly reduces your chances of using TRRP as a pathway to permanent residence.
Options for Hospitality Workers in Manitoba
While TRRP is no longer available for hospitality roles, affected workers may still consider:
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Other MPNP streams (if eligible)
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Employer-driven pathways outside TRRP
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Federal programs where applicable
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Improving qualifications to transition into in-demand occupations
Each option has different requirements and risks, and eligibility is not automatic.
MPNP program overview (official):
https://www.immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/
Reality Check: Important Limits to Understand
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TRRP changes are policy-based, not personal decisions
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There is no guarantee of nomination even in eligible occupations
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Manitoba can change eligibility lists again based on labour needs
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Temporary status must be maintained at all times
This update signals a clear shift in Manitoba’s nomination priorities toward skilled trades and away from hospitality-focused pathways.
Official Government Sources
https://www.immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/temporary-resident-retention-pilot/
https://www.immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate-to-manitoba/
https://www.gov.mb.ca/labourmarket/
