The Government of Canada has introduced a time-limited public policy to support temporary foreign workers in Quebec who are on the path to permanent residence. The measure allows eligible candidates under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) to access employer-specific (closed) work permits while their immigration applications are being processed.
This initiative reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to address labour shortages while improving immigration efficiency in the province of Quebec.
What is the New Policy About?
This temporary policy allows certain foreign workers in Quebec to continue working legally for their current employer without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is usually required for closed work permits.
Instead, eligible candidates can benefit from an LMIA-exempt work permit, making the process faster and less complex.
The policy is valid from March 13, 2026 to December 31, 2026, and may be changed or revoked earlier depending on government decisions.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify under this policy, applicants must be part of Quebec’s PSTQ pathway and meet specific conditions:
They must have been invited to apply for permanent residence in Quebec and submitted a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) to obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Applicants must fall under one of the following situations:
- Holding a valid employer-specific work permit in Quebec
- Being on maintained status after applying before expiry
- Restoring status after work permit expiry within the allowed period
Additionally, all applicants must:
- Continue working for the same Quebec employer
- Provide proof of PSTQ participation and DSP submission
Key Benefits of This Policy
This temporary measure provides several important advantages:
- Faster work permit access without LMIA requirements
- Job security for workers already contributing to Quebec’s economy
- Reduced administrative burden for employers
- Better retention of skilled workers during PR processing
By simplifying the process, the government helps ensure that experienced workers can remain in their jobs while awaiting immigration decisions.
Why Was This Policy Introduced?
The policy supports Quebec’s transition after the closure of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), making the PSTQ the main immigration pathway for skilled workers.
It also helps address ongoing labour shortages by allowing employers to retain trained workers already in the province instead of recruiting new candidates from abroad.
At a national level, this move aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy to:
- Manage temporary resident levels
- Strengthen regional economies
- Support sustainable labour market growth
What Does It Mean for Applicants?
For eligible PSTQ candidates, this is a significant advantage. It means they can continue working legally in Quebec while waiting for their CSQ and permanent residence application to move forward.
However, strict eligibility rules apply, and applicants must ensure they meet all conditions before applying under this policy.
Final Thoughts
This temporary public policy is a practical step toward balancing immigration processing delays with labour market needs in Quebec. It benefits both employers and skilled workers by ensuring continuity of employment during the PR journey.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration system, policies like this highlight the importance of retaining skilled talent already contributing to the economy while streamlining pathways to permanent residence.
