Maple News reports that the Government of Canada has introduced a temporary measure to help foreign workers in Quebec continue to work while their permanent residence applications are processed.
Under the new measure, eligible workers can obtain an expedited employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP), allowing them to stay with their current employer for up to 12 additional months.
To qualify, workers must have submitted a permanent residence application under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and have received a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP) from Quebec.
Eligible applicants may apply on the federal IRCC website through December 31, 2026, and will benefit from expedited processing. Workers are encouraged to submit their application before their current permit expires to maintain uninterrupted employment.
According to the government, the goal of this temporary measure is to support workers’ employment, streamline their transition to permanent residence, and address Canada’s ongoing economic needs.
Note: A DSP is the step required to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ). The CSQ, issued by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI), confirms that the holder has been selected to settle in Quebec and enables the subsequent federal PR application.