Canada: Quebec Introduces Temporary Work Permit Option for Workers Awaiting Permanent Selection

The situation 

The government of Canada has introduced a temporary measure to help Quebec retain certain skilled foreign workers transitioning to permanent residence. Under this policy, eligible workers may obtain an additional employer-specific work permit for up to 12 months while their permanent residence pathway progresses. 

A closer look 

• Eligibility. To qualify, the foreign worker must: 
  • • Have applied for permanent selection under Quebec’s new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ); 
    • Have received an official invitation from Quebec to submit an Application for Permanent Selection (Demande de sélection permanente (DSP)), the formal application for provincial permanent residence selection; and 
    • Hold, or have recently held, an employer-specific work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program that expires between March 13, 2026, and December 31, 2026. 
• Filing deadline. Applications must be submitted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website by December 31, 2026.  
• Expedited processing. The government has confirmed that applications submitted under this measure will receive expedited processing, although specific processing timelines have not been announced. 

Impact 

Employers should review upcoming work permit expirations. The measure allows Quebec employers to retain skilled foreign workers whose work permits might otherwise expire while the province assesses their eligibility for permanent residence. This helps reduce the risk of workforce disruption and supports continuity in key roles. The new permit remains employer-specific, meaning the worker must continue working for the sponsoring employer. Employers should review upcoming work permit expirations to identify potentially eligible employees and coordinate timely filings. 

Foreign nationals should monitor expiration of work permits. Eligible workers may continue working in Quebec while awaiting the outcome of their provincial selection process, reducing the risk of status gaps during their transition to permanent residence. To avoid interruptions in employment authorization, applicants should submit their work permit application before their current permit expires. 

Background 

Policy objective. The federal government has noted that many of the affected workers have already spent significant time in Canada, contributing to the labor market and becoming established members of their communities. The measure aims to help these workers remain employed during their transition to permanent residence and to support the retention of talent needed for Canada’s long-term economic growth. 

Addressing a process gap. The measure addresses a timing gap in Quebec’s immigration process. Foreign workers must obtain a Quebec CSQ before proceeding with the federal permanent residence application and becoming eligible for certain work permit options tied to the permanent residence process. During this interim stage, some workers may face work permit expiry while awaiting the provincial selection decision. The measure is intended to prevent such a gap. 

Looking ahead 

As Quebec continues implementing its 2026-2029 Immigration Plan, additional procedural or policy adjustments may follow. We will continue monitoring developments and provide relevant updates. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.