Quebec Offers Eligible Workers a 12-Month Work Permit Extension

Canada has introduced a temporary step that will allow certain foreign workers in Quebec to keep their jobs while their permanent residence applications move forward.

The federal government shared the announcement on March 13. Officials said the measure aims to help workers stay employed and support employers who rely on their skills.

Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, shared the update on behalf of Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

The new rule offers some foreign workers a faster path to extend their work permits for up to one year.

New Work Permit Option

Under the plan, eligible workers can apply for an employer-specific work permit through the International Mobility Program.

This permit will allow them to keep working for their current employer for an additional 12 months. The extension gives workers time to continue their jobs while officials review their permanent residence applications.

Many workers in Quebec rely on temporary work permits while they prepare for permanent immigration. However, permit expiry dates sometimes arrive before immigration decisions come through. The new measure aims to prevent job interruptions in those cases.

Who Can Apply

The temporary measure applies only to workers who meet specific conditions.

A worker must first submit a permanent residence application through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). They must also receive a request from Quebec authorities to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP).

In addition, the worker must hold, or recently held, an employer-specific work permit through either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.

The permit must expire sometime between March 13 and December 31, 2026.

Workers who meet these conditions can apply online for the new permit until December 31, 2026.

Officials encourage applicants to submit their request before their current permit expires. Early applications help workers remain on the job without interruption.

Faster Processing Promised

Authorities say eligible applications will receive faster processing.

This approach aims to reduce uncertainty for workers who already live and work in Quebec while they wait for immigration decisions.

The government says the measure will help individuals maintain stable employment while they transition toward permanent residence.

Understanding the Selection Process

Quebec manages its own immigration selection system for many economic programs.

Workers seeking permanent residence through Quebec usually need a Quebec Selection Certificate, also known as a CSQ.

Before receiving that certificate, applicants must submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP). This step forms part of the process used by Quebec’s immigration ministry to assess candidates.

Once an applicant receives a CSQ, they can apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Officials say the new permit extension gives applicants time to complete this process without losing their jobs.

Support for Workers and Employers

The government says the measure will help both employees and businesses.

Workers gain stability while they move toward permanent residence. Employers can continue to rely on trained staff who already contribute to their operations.

Officials say the step also supports Canada’s long-term economic needs by helping skilled workers remain active in the labour market.