Quebec Skilled Workers’ Spouses Gain Open Work Permits Until December 2026

What Changed on June 5, 2026

On June 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded its March 2026 public policy to include spouses and common-law partners of Quebec skilled workers on the path to permanent residence. Previously, only the principal applicants could extend their work permits for up to 12 months while awaiting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Now, their spouses or partners with valid temporary resident status—or status expired within the last 90 days—can apply for an open work permit.

This change addresses a critical gap in Quebec’s transition from the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) to the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). Under the PSTQ, processing times for a CSQ can exceed 12 months, leaving many workers and their families in limbo. The new measure ensures families can remain together and financially stable during this period.

Who Qualifies Under the New Rule

The new measure targets spouses and common-law partners of Quebec skilled workers who have submitted a permanent selection application (Demande de sélection permanente, or DSP) under the PSTQ. To qualify, the spouse or partner must:

• Have valid temporary resident status in Canada, or status that expired within the last 90 days.
• Be named as an accompanying family member on the principal applicant’s DSP.
• Not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons other than unauthorized work or study (which is exempt under this policy).

This policy is particularly beneficial for international students or temporary workers in Quebec whose spouses were previously unable to work. For example, a spouse on a visitor record can now apply for an open work permit, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. This flexibility is a significant improvement over the previous system, where spouses often had to leave Canada or rely on the principal applicant’s income alone.

It’s important to note that this measure is not available to spouses of workers under the old Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). The policy specifically applies to those who submitted a DSP under the PSTQ and were invited to apply after Quebec’s transition to the new program. Additionally, spouses who are not listed on the principal applicant’s DSP are ineligible, even if they reside in Canada.

Why This Change Matters for Quebec’s Labour Market

Quebec’s transition from the PEQ to the PSTQ created significant delays in CSQ processing, often exceeding 12 months. This left many skilled workers in a precarious position, as their work permits expired before they received a CSQ. The March 2026 measure addressed this by allowing principal applicants to extend their work permits, but it did not account for the financial and emotional strain on their families.

The June 2026 expansion addresses this oversight by allowing spouses to contribute to the household income. This is particularly critical in Quebec, where labour shortages persist in sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. By enabling spouses to work, IRCC is not only supporting families but also helping Quebec stabilize its workforce.

Historically, Quebec has had unique immigration policies compared to the rest of Canada. For instance, under the PEQ, CSQs were issued quickly, often within weeks. The PSTQ, however, introduced a multi-step process that includes an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a detailed DSP review. This shift has created a backlog, leaving many workers and their families in limbo. The new measure is a temporary solution to mitigate the impact of these delays.

Your Action Plan: How to Apply for an Open Work Permit

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your partner is eligible for a work permit extension under the March 2026 public policy and that you are named on their DSP. Verify your temporary resident status is valid or expired within the last 90 days.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare proof of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or common-law partnership declaration), your partner’s DSP confirmation, and evidence of your temporary resident status (e.g., visitor record, study permit, or work permit).
3. Apply Online: Submit your application through the IRCC portal. The public policy exempts applicants from the standard inadmissibility rules for unauthorized work or study, but you must still disclose any such activity in your application.
4. Monitor Processing Times: While IRCC has not provided specific processing times for this measure, applications under public policies are typically processed faster than standard work permits. Check the IRCC processing times tool for updates.
5. Plan for Next Steps: Once your partner receives their CSQ, they can submit a federal permanent residence application. At that stage, you may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to maintain your status during federal processing.

Frequently Asked Questions