Canada has announced important immigration measures that will help eligible temporary foreign workers in Quebec remain employed while pursuing permanent residence and allow their spouses or common-law partners to work in Canada as well.
The new measures, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), are designed to support Quebec employers facing labour shortages while helping families remain together during the permanent residence process.
For many workers already contributing to Quebec’s economy, these changes provide greater stability and a clearer pathway toward long-term settlement in Canada.
What Is the New Quebec Skilled Worker Open Work Permit Measure?
On March 13, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced a temporary public policy allowing certain temporary foreign workers in Quebec to obtain an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program.
The measure is intended for workers who:
- Have received an invitation from Quebec to submit a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP)
- Have submitted a permanent selection application under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program
- Hold or recently held an employer-specific work permit
- Have a work permit expiring between March 13, 2026, and December 31, 2026
Eligible workers may receive a new employer-specific work permit for up to 12 months, allowing them to continue working while Quebec assesses their eligibility for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
This temporary measure remains available until December 31, 2026.
New Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses
Effective June 5, 2026, IRCC expanded the policy to include spouses and common-law partners of eligible applicants.
Under the expanded measure, a spouse or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit if:
- They have valid temporary resident status in Canada; or
- Their status expired within the previous 90 days and they are eligible for restoration
- They are named on the principal applicant’s permanent selection application under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program
An open work permit allows the spouse to work for most Canadian employers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This expansion recognizes the importance of family unity and helps ensure that accompanying family members can continue contributing to Canada’s labour market while permanent residence applications are being processed.
Why This Matters for Quebec Employers
Many Quebec employers rely on skilled foreign workers to address ongoing labour shortages in sectors ranging from manufacturing and transportation to healthcare and professional services.
Without this temporary measure, workers with expiring permits could face interruptions in employment while waiting for provincial selection decisions.
The policy helps employers:
- Retain experienced employees
- Reduce workforce disruptions
- Avoid recruitment and training costs
- Maintain operational continuity
For workers, it offers greater certainty and continued employment while progressing toward permanent residence.
How This Fits Into Canada’s Immigration Strategy
The federal government has repeatedly emphasized its goal of balancing economic immigration needs with sustainable population growth.
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan includes efforts to:
- Reduce the share of temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027
- Support transitions from temporary status to permanent residence
- Address labour shortages in key sectors
- Retain workers who have already established themselves in Canadian communities
As part of this broader strategy, Canada has committed to accelerating the transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence during 2026 and 2027.
The Quebec work permit initiative aligns with these objectives by helping existing workers remain employed while pursuing permanent residence rather than requiring employers to recruit new temporary workers.
Who Should Consider Applying?
You may wish to explore this policy if:
- You are working in Quebec on an employer-specific work permit
- You have received a request from Quebec to submit a DSP
- Your current work permit is expiring in 2026
- You are pursuing permanent residence through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program
- You are the spouse or common-law partner of an eligible applicant
Because eligibility requirements are highly specific, applicants should carefully review their circumstances before applying.
Final Thoughts
The Quebec Skilled Worker Open Work Permit initiative provides important relief for workers, employers, and families navigating the transition from temporary status to permanent residence.
By extending work authorization for eligible workers and now allowing spouses to obtain open work permits, Canada is helping families stay together while supporting Quebec’s economic needs.
As immigration policies continue to evolve, understanding available pathways and ensuring applications are properly prepared can make a significant difference in maintaining legal status and employment continuity.
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., our team assists workers, families, and employers with work permits, permanent residence applications, Quebec immigration programs, and immigration compliance matters. If you have questions about your eligibility under this new policy, we encourage you to seek professional guidance tailored to your situation.
Reach out to our team at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer today.
