On This Page You Will Find
- Details of the expanded Quebec work permit measure
- Who qualifies for the new spousal open work permits
- Eligibility requirements for principal applicants
- How the program supports Quebec employers
- Application deadlines and processing times
- Key conditions and restrictions
- Frequently asked questions
The federal government has expanded a temporary immigration measure designed to help Quebec employers retain skilled workers while allowing more families to remain together as they pursue permanent residence.
As of June 5, 2026, spouses and common-law partners of certain Quebec skilled worker applicants can apply for open work permits under a special public policy introduced earlier this year.
The change builds on a temporary measure announced on March 13, 2026, that allows eligible temporary foreign workers in Quebec to obtain employer-specific work permits while they move through the province’s permanent immigration process.
The expansion comes as Canada continues to balance labour market needs with its broader objective of reducing the proportion of non-permanent residents to less than 5 per cent of the population by the end of 2027.
Spouses Now Eligible For Open Work Permits
Under the expanded policy, spouses and common-law partners of eligible Quebec skilled worker applicants can now apply for open work permits.
To qualify, they must:
- Be the spouse or common-law partner of a worker approved under the public policy
- Be listed as an accompanying family member on the applicant’s permanent selection application
- Have valid temporary resident status in Canada as a worker, student or visitor, be on maintained status, or qualify for restoration
- Submit a new work permit application or renewal request
The open work permit allows spouses to work for almost any employer in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The measure remains available until December 31, 2026.
Support For Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program
The policy is aimed at candidates who have already entered Quebec’s permanent immigration pathway through the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ).
To qualify, workers must have received an invitation from Quebec under the PSTQ and submitted a permanent selection application, known as a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP).
Importantly, applicants do not need to have received a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before benefiting from the measure. Confirmation that the DSP has been submitted is sufficient.
The policy is intended to bridge the gap between temporary and permanent status, helping employers retain experienced workers while permanent residence applications move through the system.
Three Categories Of Eligible Workers
The public policy covers three groups of temporary foreign workers.
Cohort 1
Workers with valid employer-specific work permits under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP) that expire on or before December 31, 2026.
Cohort 2
Workers whose permits have expired but who applied for an extension before expiry and currently hold maintained status.
Cohort 3
Workers whose permits expired between March 13, 2026, and December 31, 2026, who are currently out of status and applying both for a work permit and restoration of status.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Several groups are specifically excluded.
Applicants are not eligible if:
- They allowed their work permit to expire and switched to visitor status
- Their work permit expired before March 13, 2026, and they are currently out of status
- They have not received a PSTQ invitation and submitted a DSP application
- They are seeking to change employers rather than remain with the same employer
The work permit extension is intended to support continuity of employment rather than facilitate job changes.
Faster Processing For Eligible Applicants
IRCC has established a 30-day processing standard for applications submitted under the public policy.
To receive this expedited processing, both employers and applicants must use the special identification code PPTR2PRQC2026.
Employers must enter the code when submitting the job offer through the Employer Portal, while applicants must include it in their work permit application.
Applications that do not include the code may still be processed but will not qualify for the 30-day service standard.
Employers Benefit From Reduced Administrative Burden
The public policy also offers relief for employers.
Although employers must still submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal, they are exempt from paying the standard employer compliance fee normally required for LMIA-exempt workers.
Employers remain subject to compliance inspections and must continue meeting wage, employment and workplace requirements.
Work Permits Valid For Up To One Year
Approved workers can receive employer-specific work permits valid for up to 12 months.
Spouses and common-law partners can receive open work permits with validity periods aligned to the principal applicant’s permit.
Because the public policy expires on December 31, 2026, applications must be submitted before that date. Renewals are only possible if they are filed before the policy expires.
Part Of Canada’s Broader Immigration Strategy
The measure reflects ongoing efforts by both Quebec and the federal government to increase the number of temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence.
It also complements recent changes to Quebec’s immigration system, including the expansion of PSTQ invitations and the temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
By allowing workers to remain employed and enabling spouses to continue working, governments hope to reduce labour shortages while providing greater stability for immigrant families already established in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a work permit under this Quebec public policy?
Temporary foreign workers in Quebec who have received a PSTQ invitation and submitted a permanent selection application may qualify. Applicants must also meet specific work permit requirements and belong to one of the eligible cohorts defined by IRCC based on their current immigration status.
Can spouses receive open work permits?
Yes. Since June 5, 2026, spouses and common-law partners of approved applicants can apply for open work permits. They must be included as accompanying family members on the principal applicant’s permanent selection application and meet temporary resident status requirements.
Do applicants need a Quebec Selection Certificate?
No. Applicants do not need a Certificat de sélection du Québec to benefit from this policy. They only need proof that they received a PSTQ invitation and submitted their permanent selection application to Quebec through the DSP process.
How long does processing take?
IRCC has established a 30-day processing standard for applications submitted under this public policy. Applicants and employers must correctly use the code PPTR2PRQC2026 during the application process to qualify for the expedited service standard.
When does the policy end?
The temporary public policy remains in effect until December 31, 2026. Applications submitted after that date will be refused. Work permits issued under the measure can remain valid for up to 12 months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and approval date.