Canada introduces temporary work permit extension for Quebec
The federal government has introduced a temporary measure to allow certain foreign workers in Quebec to continue their employment while their permanent residence applications are being reviewed.
Announced on March 13 by Joël Lightbound on behalf of Immigration Minister Lena Diab, the initiative provides access to an expedited employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The measure is intended to maintain workforce stability in Quebec and support the transition of skilled workers to permanent status.
- Applies to eligible foreign workers currently employed in Quebec
- Provides up to 12 additional months of work authorization
- Available through the International Mobility Program
- Applications accepted until December 31, 2026
- Eligible workers must have submitted a permanent residence application under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
- Expedited processing available through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Overview of the temporary measure
The new work permit option applies to qualified foreign nationals who have filed an application for permanent residence under the province’s recently introduced Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). Applicants must also have received a request from the Government of Quebec to submit a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP).
The temporary authorization allows eligible individuals to remain employed with their current employer for an additional 12 months while their permanent residence files are processed. The applications are handled under the International Mobility Program, which allows certain work permits to be issued without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Eligibility and documentation
To qualify, applicants must hold valid status in Canada and apply before their current work authorization expires. Those meeting the requirements can submit their applications through IRCC’s online system until the end of 2026. The government has stated that these applications will receive priority processing.
A Demande de sélection permanente is part of the process to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ). The CSQ is issued by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) and confirms that the candidate has been selected to settle in the province. Once a CSQ is granted, the applicant can proceed to file a federal permanent residence application.
Background and policy context
The announcement follows ongoing efforts by both federal and provincial authorities to streamline pathways for temporary foreign workers transitioning to permanent residence. Quebec manages its own selection criteria for economic immigrants under agreements with the federal government.
While this new measure specifically targets workers in Quebec, other provinces, including Manitoba through its Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, operate similar programs designed to retain skilled workers and address regional labour needs.
Duration and implementation
The measure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. IRCC has indicated that eligible workers must submit their applications before that date to benefit from the expedited process. This extension is intended to bridge potential status gaps for workers awaiting permanent residence decisions.
The work permit is employer-specific, meaning it ties the worker to their current employer in Quebec. It cannot be used to change employers or occupations without separate authorization under existing immigration rules.
Economic and administrative relevance
According to the government, the policy supports both continuity in Quebec’s labour market and Canada’s broader economic objectives. Maintaining employment for skilled foreign workers during the transition period helps reduce disruptions for businesses and ensures ongoing participation of qualified individuals in the provincial economy.
This initiative aligns with federal efforts to simplify administrative processes for foreign nationals who are already contributing to Canada’s workforce. It is also expected to complement Quebec’s independent selection system by easing the transition between temporary and permanent status.
Ongoing immigration collaboration
The temporary work permit measure reflects continued cooperation between Ottawa and Quebec on immigration management, particularly in balancing provincial autonomy with federal oversight. Similar collaborative arrangements exist across Canada to meet regional labour demands through tailored immigration programs.
Further details, including application procedures and eligibility verification, are available through official government channels. The program remains one of several ongoing adjustments within Canada’s immigration framework aimed at improving efficiency and retention of skilled workers.
For continued coverage and updates on provincial and federal immigration measures, readers can explore related news on Canadian economic immigration programs.