Canada Eases Work Permit Rules for Quebec’s CSQ Applicants

The Government of Canada has launched a new temporary public policy aimed at easing the process for temporary foreign workers in Quebec who are waiting for their Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This initiative allows them to apply for employer-specific (closed) work permits while their application for permanent residence (PR) is being assessed.

Eligibility for Work Permits

The new policy, which came into effect on March 13, 2026, applies to individuals who have been invited to apply for PR in Quebec and have submitted an application for a CSQ through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This temporary policy is expected to last until December 31, 2026, though it can be revoked by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at any time.

To qualify for these work permits, applicants must fall into one of three specific scenarios:

1. Scenario One: If you currently hold a valid employer-specific work permit in Quebec that is set to expire on or before December 31, 2026, you can apply under this policy.
2. Scenario Two: If you previously held an employer-specific work permit in Quebec that expired but applied to renew it before it expired, allowing for continued work authorization while maintaining your status.
3. Scenario Three: If you held an employer-specific work permit that expired between March 13 and December 31, 2026, and have applied to extend your work authorization or restore your temporary resident status before applying for a new work permit.

However, if your work permit expired before March 13, 2026, and you are out of status, you will not be eligible for this policy, even if you plan to apply for status restoration.

Key Requirements for All Scenarios

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Proof of Invitation: You must have been invited under the PSTQ and submitted your Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) (Permanent Selection Application) when applying for the work permit.
• Employer Requirement: You must continue working for the same Quebec employer listed on your previous work permit.

The policy temporarily removes the International Mobility Program (IMP) job-category requirement under the first two scenarios and relaxes other restrictions in the third scenario. This includes easing rules about applying from within Canada, compliance with prior status conditions, and addressing automatic refusals for unauthorized work or non-compliance.

Why This Policy Was Introduced

This temporary public policy is part of Quebec’s broader strategy to support the transition of skilled temporary foreign workers to permanent residents through the PSTQ pathway. Since the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) closed, the PSTQ is now the primary route for skilled workers to immigrate to Quebec.

By allowing eligible workers to stay employed while their PR applications are processed, the policy aims to ease pressure on Quebec's labor market, helping employers retain skilled workers. It also supports economic growth across Quebec and contributes to Canada’s goal of achieving sustainable immigration levels, with the target of lowering the share of temporary residents to under 5% of the population by 2027.

Supporting Quebec’s Economy and Immigration Goals

This measure is part of a wider effort to boost immigration and ensure a more balanced distribution of immigrants across Canada. Quebec has also opted into a new public policy that helps rural employers retain or increase their share of low-wage temporary foreign workers.

Overall, this initiative is designed to make it easier for skilled workers in Quebec to stay employed while they wait for their PR, benefiting both workers and employers.