Quebec work‑permit extension launched
Ottawa introduced a temporary measure letting Quebec skilled workers extend work permits while they transition to permanent residence — eligibility ties to submitted Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP) and a Quebec job offer, with the policy running through Dec. 31, 2026. The change is aimed at preventing status gaps as applicants await PR decisions. ( )
IRCC announced the measure on March 13, 2026, with the statement delivered by Joël Lightbound on behalf of Minister Lena Metlege Diab. (canada.ca)) IRCC specified the permits will be issued as employer-specific authorizations under the International Mobility Program and said employers will not need to obtain a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate to hire under this measure. (canada.ca)) Employers must submit the job offer through the Federal Employer Portal, after which they receive an offer-of-employment number that begins with the letter “A” followed by seven digits, and employers are required to pay the $230 employer compliance fee. (canada.ca)) IRCC’s operational guidance requires online applications for these permits, with paper applications allowed only in narrow circumstances (disability, Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, or certain travel-document holders), and it notes acceptable online payment methods include credit cards and UnionPay while Visa Debit is also accepted. (canada.ca)) The same IRCC announcement included a related temporary rural-employer measure allowing participating provinces to raise the cap on low‑wage temporary foreign workers from 10% to 15% between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. (canada.ca)) IRCC’s service page describes “faster processing” for these employer‑specific work permits, and several industry outlets have reported a targeted 30‑day processing timeline for applications submitted under the measure. (canada.ca))
