On March 13, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new temporary measure to help the Government of Quebec retain skilled workers who are on a pathway to permanent residence. The measure gives eligible foreign workers access to an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP), allowing them to continue working for their current employer for up to 12 more months while Quebec reviews their eligibility for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ).

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for this measure, workers must meet all of the following conditions:

• They have submitted a permanent selection application under Quebec’s new Skilled Worker Selection Program and have received a request from Quebec to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP).
• They hold, or recently held, an employer-specific work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program with an expiry date between March 13 and December 31, 2026.

How to Apply

Eligible workers can apply through IRCC’s website until December 31, 2026, and will benefit from expedited processing. IRCC encourages workers to submit their application before their current permit expires so they can continue working without interruption.

Why This Measure Matters

This initiative reflects the federal government’s recognition that many of these skilled workers have been in Canada for a considerable time, are actively employed, and have become valued members of their communities. By providing a bridge work permit under the IMP, both workers and their Quebec employers gain the stability needed while the provincial permanent residence selection process moves forward.

The measure is part of Canada’s broader commitment to transition up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027, as outlined in the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Workers and employers seeking full details on eligibility and how to apply should consult the official IRCC announcement.

If you advise clients on Quebec immigration matters, our upcoming The Current Landscape of Quebec Immigration 2026 course on October 8, 2026 is a must. Instructor Lisa Middlemiss delivers a detailed overview of Quebec’s immigration programs and recent policy developments. Learn more and register here.

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