New Work Permit in Quebec (2026): A Benefit for Foreign Workers and Employers

Foreign workers in Quebec whose work permits are about to expire now have an immigration option to safeguard their application for permanent residency (PR).

On March 13, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a fast-track processing measure designed to prevent the brain drain and ensure that Quebec employers do not lose their key staff due to administrative delays. 

This is not a measure that applies to everyone; eligibility is strictly tied to your current stage in the Quebec selection process.

In this blog post, I’ll share details about this new permit and your employer’s role in this process. Read to the end and take note of our recommendations to take advantage of this fast track and avoid losing your legal status in the province.

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The new work permit: Who is eligible?

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This is a closed temporary work permit valid for up to 12 months for certain foreign workers in Quebec. 

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It is a streamlined process designed to ensure your legal status while you await the final decision on your permanent residency, thereby avoiding the standard waiting period associated with other permits. 

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To apply, workers must meet the following requirements:

• Be actively employed in the province of Quebec.

Important: This initiative is open only to those who currently hold, or have recently held, a work permit tied to a specific employer under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program that expires between today and December 31, 2026.

Note: This does not apply to all types of work permits (for example, open-ended permits such as the PGWP are not included). 

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• To have received an Invitation to apply for permanent residency from Quebec under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

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• Waiting for an immigration decision while facing the risk of losing their status due to the expiration of their documents.

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A permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP)

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This permit is issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) , and should not be confused with other categories. Technically, this means the following:

• You are exempt from the LMIA: Your employer does not need to file a new Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• This is anemployer-specific work permit: The permit is tied to your employer in Quebec and cannot be used to work for another company or in another province in Canada.
• It is temporary: It is valid for up to 12 months, a period you must manage carefully while IRCC processes your application for permanent residency.

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The Employer's Role: Initiating Expedited Processing

The "fast track" benefit is not automatic; to activate it, the employer must make a job offer and use the public policy identifier PPTR2PRQC2026 when registering the offer on the employer portal. This code prioritizes your application. 

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Effective employer-employee communication

The employer and the employee must maintain effective communication to ensure that the Job Offer Number generated on the portal is provided in a timely manner. 

If the company delays in submitting the offer, the employee cannot begin the process, which could result in a break in payroll coverage if the current leave expires.

At Immiland Law Professional Corporation, we offer the tool "Talking to My Employer," designed specifically to assist with this technical process, ensure that your company understands the benefits of this measure, and prevent errors when entering the necessary codes.

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Benefits of the new permit and its importance

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The main benefit of this measure is that it allows you to remain on your company’s payroll in Quebec while you await the outcome of your CSQ application or the decision on your RP.

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Note: To be eligible for the 12-month benefit, your supporting documentation must be valid at the time of application; this includes: language tests (TEC/TEF); a job offer posted on the portal; and selection by PSTQ, among other requirements. 

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Guidelines for Applying for the New Work Permit

Expedited processing requires that you already have your documents ready. Follow these recommendations to ensure a successful application:

• Check the expiration date of your current permit today. Don't wait until there are only 30 days left to take action, as unforeseen circumstances may arise.

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• Stay in touch with your employer. Since this is a closed work permit, your employer must be aware of your actions to ensure compliance with the registration requirements on the Employer Portal and the job offer necessary for the LMIA exemption.

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• Seek specialized legal advice and avoid relying on information from third parties who are unregulated or have only a basic understanding of immigration in Quebec. This province has full autonomy over its own processes and laws, which differ from those of the federal government.

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Do you know if your current status in Quebec qualifies you for this new permit? If you have any questions, at Immiland Canada we can help you.

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Immigration Services for Quebec - Canada 

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We are CICC-regulated consultants and lawyers specializing in immigration law in Quebec and the other provinces of Canada. To get started with us, you can request a free assessment of your profile by clicking here.

If you have any questions or would like to receive the latest information about Quebec’s programs, please visit the following links:

• Specialized consulting services for Quebec. ‍
• Schedule an appointment with Carolina Feican (COO & Regulated Consultant CICC with QC MIF).

I hope this topic helps you use the time to your advantage while you wait for your permanent residency.

Thank you for reading. See you in our next blog post, where we’ll continue to help you build your future in Quebec with clarity and professionalism!

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With love,

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Immiland Canada