Quebec has announced a temporary work permit extension that enables certain international workers seeking permanent residence to continue their employment while their provincial selection request is under review.
International workers in Quebec, Canada, who are in the process of applying for permanent residency have recently gained some relief.
The province has enacted a temporary initiative permitting select workers to request an additional employer-specific work permit for a duration of up to 12 months. The intention is straightforward: to ensure that workers do not lose their legal work status while Quebec evaluates their permanent residency application.
For many applicants, this added time could be crucial for maintaining employment in the province, avoiding an unforeseen interruption in authorization.
Quebec Temporary Work Permit
Initially, workers submit their application for provincial selection, resulting in the issuance of the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Only upon obtaining this certificate can they proceed to the federal permanent residency application stage.
The challenge lies in the timing. Sometimes work permits expire prior to the province completing its evaluation.
To retain skilled workers during this waiting phase, the government has rolled out a temporary alternative: a one-year extension for employer-specific work permits.
This provision allows workers to stay legally employed with their current employer while their immigration process is ongoing.
Who Can Apply for the New Work Permit?
Not all foreign workers qualify. This policy is aimed specifically at applicants who are already advancing through Quebec’s permanent selection procedure.
To be considered eligible, workers must satisfy all three criteria listed below:
- Applied under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
- Received an invitation to file an Application for Permanent Selection (DSP) from Quebec officials.
- Currently hold or have recently held an employer-specific work permit set to expire between March 13, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
This permit must have been granted under one of these federal initiatives:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- International Mobility Program
If the eligibility requirements are met, workers may apply for a new permit valid for up to 12 months with their current employer.
Application Deadline and Where to Apply
Applications should be submitted electronically via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
A strict deadline is in place.
Workers must apply by December 31, 2026.
Failing to meet that deadline will result in losing the benefit of this temporary option.
Faster Processing Promised
Canadian officials have assured that work permit applications filed under this initiative will undergo expedited processing.
However, specific processing timelines have not yet been disclosed by the government.
The prompt handling is designed to ensure that workers can maintain their employment without disruption while their permanent residency application is underway.
What This Means for Foreign Workers in Quebec
For numerous skilled professionals already established in Quebec, the main concern during the immigration journey is the potential loss of their work status before permanent residency is granted.
This temporary measure addresses that issue.
By providing a short-term work permit extension, Quebec is effectively granting workers the opportunity to complete the immigration process while continuing their employment and adding value to the province’s job market.
For those currently engaged in Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program who anticipate a permit expiration in 2026, this new option represents a significant safety measure.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
