Canada latest immigration adjustment reflects a growing reality: employers still need workers, but governments are under pressure to reduce temporary resident levels. Ottawa's solution is increasingly focused on helping workers already in the country transition toward permanent residence rather than bringing in new arrivals.

A new Quebec-focused measure now allows eligible temporary foreign workers to stay employed longer, while a recent expansion gives many spouses and common-law partners access to open work permits.

Quebec Workers and Their Families Receive Additional Support

On June 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada expanded a temporary public policy originally announced in March.

Under the updated measure, spouses and common-law partners of eligible Quebec skilled worker applicants can apply for an open work permit if they have valid temporary resident status in Canada or if their status expired within the previous 90 days.

To qualify, the spouse or partner must also be included in the principal applicant's permanent selection application under Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program.

The change builds on an earlier federal initiative designed to help Quebec retain workers who are already contributing to the province's economy while they move through the permanent residence process.

The March Policy Was Designed to Prevent Workforce Disruptions

The federal government first announced the temporary measure on March 13, 2026, in Saint-Alban, Quebec.

That policy allows eligible workers to obtain an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program, enabling them to continue working for their current employer for up to 12 additional months.

The objective is straightforward: give Quebec more time to assess candidates for a Quebec Selection Certificate before they proceed with permanent residence applications.

Eligibility is limited to workers who:

  • Submitted a permanent selection application through Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program.
  • Received an invitation from Quebec to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP).
  • Hold or recently held an employer-specific work permit under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.
  • Have permits expiring between March 13 and December 31, 2026.

Applications remain open until December 31, 2026, and eligible applicants receive expedited processing.

Ottawa Is Trying to Reduce Temporary Immigration While Retaining Skilled Workers

The policy highlights one of Canada's most complex immigration challenges.

Federal officials have repeatedly stated that Canada intends to reduce the share of non-permanent residents to below 5% of the population by the end of 2027. At the same time, many industries continue to report labour shortages and depend heavily on experienced workers already living in the country.

Rather than expanding temporary immigration broadly, Ottawa appears to be prioritizing workers who have already established roots in Canada.

Many of the individuals covered by the measure have spent years working, paying taxes, and participating in local communities. Policymakers argue that helping these workers transition toward permanent residence provides greater economic stability than repeatedly cycling through new temporary labour.

The policy also gives businesses greater predictability by reducing the risk of losing experienced employees due to expiring permits.

Rural Employers Are Receiving Additional Labour Flexibility

The federal government is pairing the Quebec initiative with temporary labour measures aimed at rural communities.

Between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, participating provinces and territories can allow rural employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to increase their low-wage temporary foreign worker allocation from 10% to 15%.

Employers can also maintain their existing workforce levels during the transition period.

The measures are intended to address labour shortages in regions where local recruitment remains difficult while supporting broader economic development goals.

Canada's Immigration Plan Is Shifting Toward Transition Rather Than Expansion

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan signals a significant policy shift.

Instead of emphasizing growth in temporary resident numbers, the plan focuses on stabilizing permanent resident admissions while reducing new temporary arrivals.

A key target is accelerating the transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence across 2026 and 2027.

The Quebec measures fit directly into that strategy by helping workers already present in Canada remain employed while moving through the immigration system.

For employers, the policy provides continuity. For workers, it offers greater certainty. For governments, it represents an attempt to balance labour market demands with broader immigration reduction targets.

FAQ: Brief Insights on Quebec's New Immigration Measures

Who qualifies for the new Quebec work permit extension?

Workers who have received a request from Quebec to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente and meet the program's eligibility requirements may qualify.

Can spouses work under the expanded policy?

Yes. Eligible spouses and common-law partners can now apply for an open work permit if they meet residency and application requirements.

How long can eligible workers continue working?

The employer-specific work permit can allow qualifying workers to remain with their current employer for up to 12 additional months.

When do applications close?

Applications for the temporary measure remain open until December 31, 2026.