Maple News reports that, effective May 25, 2026, spouses and common-law partners of certain foreign-trained healthcare workers in Quebec can obtain open work permits more easily. The change broadens eligibility for spousal open work permits under Quebec’s credential-recognition and recruitment initiatives for healthcare professionals.
The update removes the previous requirement that the principal worker’s permit be valid for at least 16 months, a condition added by Canada’s immigration authorities at the start of 2025 for spousal open work permit eligibility.
Eligibility is limited to spouses of foreign-trained healthcare professionals in Quebec who work in one of three occupations (NOC 31301; NOC 32103; NOC 32120) and who have been admitted to one of three Quebec projects that recognize or recruit credentials: Projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’infirmières et d’infirmiers recrutés à l’international; Projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’inhalothérapeutes formés à l’étranger; and Projet de recrutement et reconnaissance des compétences de technologistes médicaux formés à l’étranger. These projects are administered jointly by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), and the Ministry of Higher Education (MES).
As with standard spousal open work permit rules, the principal foreign worker must be authorized to work at the time the spouse applies for the open work permit; no separate or special application is required beyond the usual C41 process.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published the update to its program delivery instructions on May 29, 2026, confirming the change and its effective date. Maple News will continue to monitor developments and their impact on Quebec’s healthcare staffing and family relocation.