Canada eases work permit access for CSQ applicants
The federal government has introduced a temporary measure allowing some foreign workers in Quebec to obtain employer-specific work permits while awaiting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
The policy took effect on March 13, 2026, targeting individuals already invited to apply for permanent residence through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program.
It is designed to maintain work authorization for eligible applicants as their CSQ applications are being processed.
- Applies to CSQ applicants under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program
- Effective March 13, 2026, with a planned end date of December 31, 2026
- Provides access to LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits
- Targets workers with valid, expired, or recently expired permits under defined conditions
- Requires proof of application for Quebec selection and continued employment with the same employer
Temporary public policy framework
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced the temporary public policy to support individuals pursuing permanent residence in Quebec. The measure allows eligible candidates to obtain closed work permits without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
The policy applies only to individuals who have received an invitation under the province’s selection system and have submitted a permanent selection application, known as a Demande de sélection permanente.
Authorities indicated that applications submitted on or after March 13, 2026, are covered under the measure. The policy is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, unless revoked earlier.
Eligibility categories defined by work permit status
The policy identifies three distinct eligibility scenarios based on the applicant’s current or past work authorization in Quebec.
Valid permits nearing expiry
Foreign nationals holding a valid employer-specific work permit that is set to expire on or before December 31, 2026, fall within the first category. These individuals can apply for a new permit under the temporary measure.
Maintained status applicants
Workers whose permits have expired but who submitted a renewal application before the expiry date are also included. These individuals are considered to have maintained status and may continue working under existing conditions.
Recently expired permits within policy window
A third group includes those whose permits expired between March 13 and December 31, 2026. Eligibility requires that an application to extend work authorization or restore status be submitted before applying under the policy.
Individuals whose permits expired before March 13, 2026, are excluded, regardless of any restoration requests.
Application requirements and conditions
All applicants must provide documentation confirming they were invited under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program and have submitted a permanent selection application. This requirement applies consistently across all eligibility categories.
Applicants must also continue working for the same employer listed on their prior work permit. The measure does not extend to changes in employer.
The federal department has temporarily removed certain job classification requirements under the International Mobility Program for specific categories. Additional exemptions also address application location rules and prior compliance conditions for some applicants.
Labour Market Impact Assessment exemptions under this policy reduce administrative steps typically required for employer-specific permits.
Role of the CSQ in Quebec immigration
The Quebec Selection Certificate is a mandatory document issued by the province confirming that an individual has been selected for immigration. It forms a key step before applying federally for permanent residence.
Candidates must first receive provincial approval through the selection process before submitting a permanent residence application to federal authorities.
The Demande de sélection permanente is the application submitted to Quebec to obtain the certificate.
Policy context following program changes
The introduction of the measure follows structural shifts in Quebec’s immigration system. The Skilled Worker Selection Program has become the primary pathway for economic immigration after the closure of the Quebec Experience Program for certain candidates.
The temporary policy aligns with efforts to manage transitions between temporary and permanent status for foreign workers already in the province.
Federal and provincial authorities have indicated that facilitating continued employment during processing periods remains a priority under existing immigration frameworks.
Labour market and administrative considerations
The policy is intended to support continuity in Quebec’s workforce by allowing employers to retain workers during the CSQ assessment process. It also addresses gaps between permit expiry and final decisions on permanent selection.
By removing LMIA requirements for eligible applicants, the measure reduces processing barriers associated with employer-specific permits.
The approach reflects broader administrative adjustments designed to manage application volumes and maintain compliance within temporary resident programs.
Related immigration developments
Recent measures in Quebec include additional temporary policies affecting employer access to foreign labour, particularly in specific sectors and regions.
These developments form part of wider federal and provincial efforts to balance temporary and permanent immigration levels across Canada.
Authorities have outlined objectives to manage the proportion of temporary residents while supporting economic needs in key labour markets.
Ongoing coverage
Further updates on provincial nominee programs, Quebec immigration pathways, and federal policy changes continue to shape Canada’s immigration landscape.
Additional information and related developments are regularly reported as new measures are introduced or updated.