Canada expands work routes
Quebec announced extended work permits plus a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers already in the province, while Ottawa extended the Innovation Stream pilot that grants LMIA‑exempt employer‑specific work permits for two years — both moves aim to retain talent in tight labour markets. The changes create faster avenues for tech and skilled hires to stabilize onshore employment. (immigcanada.com)(cicnews.com)
IRCC’s March 13, 2026 news release says the measure was announced by the Honourable Joël Lightbound on behalf of Minister Lena Metlege Diab. (canada.ca) The temporary permit is available only to foreign workers who have received an invitation to submit a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) under Quebec’s Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés and who have submitted that DSP. (canada.ca) Eligible workers may keep working for their current employer for up to 12 additional months while Quebec reviews CSQ eligibility, according to IRCC’s announcement. (canada.ca) A program delivery update published March 23, 2026 specifies that the Innovation Stream pilot under the International Mobility Program will operate through March 22, 2028. (cicnews.com) The Innovation Stream is tied to the Global Hypergrowth Project and applies only to job offers from the eight designated GHP companies named by the federal government (Ada Support, AlayaCare, CellCarta, Clarius, Clio, Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, Lightspeed Commerce and Vive Crop Protection). (canada.ca) Under the Innovation Stream employers must submit an offer of employment number and pay a $230 employer compliance fee, and IRCC notes workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations may be eligible for faster processing; spouses and dependent children of Innovation Stream workers are eligible for open work permits. (canada.ca)
