Introduction

A temporary public policy now makes open work permits available to spouses and common-law partners of certain Quebec skilled-worker applicants. The measure expands options for family members while their partner pursues permanent selection in Quebec.

Overview of the policy

The policy applies when the principal applicant has been invited through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and has filed a permanent selection application (DSP). It covers both new submissions and applications already pending with immigration authorities.

Key dates

• Policy effective: June 5, 2026
• Scheduled expiry: December 31, 2026

Who may qualify

Eligible applicants are spouses or common-law partners of principal applicants who meet the program criteria. The policy is intentionally broad and can benefit partners in a range of circumstances, including those who would not normally be eligible to apply for an in-Canada work permit.

• Partners who previously worked or studied without authorization may still qualify.
• Partners with past temporary status issues can be eligible.
• Partners currently out of status, or who previously held visitor or student status, may be covered if they meet the restoration timing requirement (see below).

Principal applicant requirements

To trigger eligibility under this policy, the principal applicant must both have been invited through the PSTQ and have submitted a DSP. In addition, the principal applicant must hold one of the following with respect to a Quebec employer:

• a valid employer-specific work permit,
• a maintained employer-specific work permit, or
• a recently expired employer-specific work permit.

The principal applicant must be applying to extend or restore their status when relying on this policy.

Restoration of status and timing rules

Partners who have lost temporary resident status may still apply under this policy if they submit a restoration application within 90 days of losing their status and seek restoration as workers. This restoration window is a critical requirement for individuals who were previously visitors or students, or who are out of status.

What the policy covers

Successful applicants receive an open work permit, allowing the spouse or common-law partner to work for most employers in Canada while the principal’s permanent selection application is processed. The policy removes some standard barriers to in-Canada work permit eligibility for partners of PSTQ applicants during the specified timeframe.

Conclusion

This temporary policy, in effect from June 5 to December 31, 2026, widens access to open work permits for spouses and common-law partners of selected Quebec skilled-worker applicants. It accommodates applicants with prior unauthorized work or study, certain status issues, and those seeking to restore lost temporary resident status within the 90-day restoration window. The policy applies to new and pending files, provided the principal applicant meets the employer-specific work permit and status-extension or restoration requirements.