Maple News reports that the Government of Canada has launched a time-limited policy to ease access to employer-specific (closed) work permits for temporary foreign workers in Quebec who are awaiting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) while their permanent residence application is reviewed. This is a short-term public policy designed to address interim work authorization needs.
The measure applies only to individuals who have already been invited to apply for permanent residence in Quebec and who have submitted an application for a CSQ under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). It targets LMIA-exempt closed work permits, allowing eligible workers to obtain employer-specific permits while their CSQ case is in process.
The policy took effect on March 13, 2026 and applies to all applications submitted from that date onward. It is currently set to expire on December 31, 2026, but like other temporary measures, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) retains the right to revoke it at any time.
Eligibility is defined through three scenarios. Scenario 1: you currently hold a valid Quebec employer-specific work permit that will expire on or before December 31, 2026. Scenario 2: you previously held an employer-specific work permit in Quebec that has since expired, but you applied to renew your permit before expiry, allowing you to continue working while your status is maintained. Scenario 3: you previously held an employer-specific work permit in Quebec that expired between March 13 and December 31, 2026, and you have submitted an application to extend your work authorization or restore your temporary resident status prior to applying for a new work permit.
Note for all scenarios: to be eligible under these measures, individuals must meet the policy’s overall eligibility requirements. Specifically, those with permits that expired before March 13, 2026 (and are thus out of status) are not eligible under this policy—even if they have, or plan to, apply for status restoration. The policy applies specifically to LMIA-exempt, employer-specific permits linked to Quebec’s CSQ process, and adherence to the applicable conditions is required for continued eligibility.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments around this temporary policy and its implications for Quebec employers and temporary foreign workers awaiting CSQ-based permanent residence, providing ongoing coverage for readers navigating Quebec’s immigration pathways.