Introduction

Quebec has introduced a temporary public policy that allows spouses and common-law partners of certain permanent selection applicants to seek an open work permit. The measure is targeted at principal applicants invited through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) who have submitted a permanent selection application (DSP).

Who this policy covers

The policy is intended for spouses and common-law partners of PSTQ principal applicants who have filed a DSP. It applies to both new applications and those already in progress as of the policy effective date.

• Spouses and common-law partners of principal applicants invited through the PSTQ and with a submitted DSP.
• Applies to new and pending applications beginning on the policy start date.

Eligibility details for partners

Under this temporary policy, eligible partners may obtain an open work permit even if they would normally be excluded from an inside-Canada application. The policy is unusually flexible about past or current temporary status problems.

• Previous unauthorized work or study does not automatically disqualify a partner from eligibility.
• Partners who are out of status, or who currently hold or previously held visitor or student status, may qualify if they apply to restore status as workers within 90 days after losing temporary resident status.
• The policy applies to both spouses and common-law partners.

Requirements for the principal applicant

To trigger partner eligibility under the policy, the principal applicant must meet specific work-permit conditions related to employment in Quebec.

• The principal applicant must have an employer-specific work permit tied to a Quebec employer that is either valid, maintained, or recently expired.
• The principal applicant must be applying to extend or restore their work-permit status.
• The policy applies when the principal applicant has been invited through the PSTQ and has submitted a DSP.

Timing and duration of the measure

The temporary policy became effective on June 5, 2026. It applies to both new applications filed after that date and to pending files that meet the policy conditions. The policy is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026.

Practical implications

This initiative aims to reduce barriers for families of skilled worker applicants by allowing partners to work in Canada while the principal applicant pursues permanent selection. The policy acknowledges a range of prior temporary-status situations and provides a pathway for restoration in certain cases.

Conclusion

The temporary Quebec policy provides a limited-window opportunity for spouses and common-law partners of PSTQ principal applicants to obtain an open work permit. It is effective from June 5, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and hinges on the principal applicant having a qualifying employer-specific work permit and a submitted DSP. Partners with past or current temporary-status complications may still qualify, including those seeking restoration within 90 days of losing temporary resident status.