Quebec extends temporary work permits
Quebec launched a temporary work‑permit extension program allowing eligible foreign workers to expedite status renewals, with applications accepted through December 31, 2026 — intended to help employers retain needed staff. The program promises faster processing, though exact timelines were not released. (propakistani.pk)
The federal announcement was made March 13, 2026 by Joël Lightbound on behalf of Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and establishes an employer‑specific work permit under the International Mobility Program that can be valid for up to 12 months. (Canada.ca: ) (canada.ca) Eligibility is limited to foreign workers who have been invited by Quebec to submit a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) under the province’s new Skilled Worker Selection Program and who hold or recently held an employer‑specific permit that expires between March 13, 2026 and December 31, 2026. (Fragomen: ) (fragomen.com) Employers must file an offer of employment in IRCC’s Employer Portal, claim the Quebec fee exemption using LMIA exemption code R01, and enter the priority processing token PPTR2PRQC2026 in the Job Title field when submitting the offer. (Canada.ca: ) (canada.ca) The federal release pairs the Quebec measure with a temporary rural‑employer rule that allows participating rural employers to maintain their low‑wage temporary foreign worker allotment and raise the percentage from 10% to 15% from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. (Canada.ca: ) (canada.ca) The additional permit is explicitly employer‑specific, meaning the extension ties the worker to the sponsoring Quebec employer and does not authorize a change of employer or occupation without separate authorization. (Fragomen: ) (fragomen.com) After submitting the Employer Portal offer, employers receive an offer number that begins with the letter “A” followed by seven digits; that A‑number is the identifier the foreign worker must include on their IRCC work‑permit application. (Canada.ca: ) (canada.ca)
