On March 13, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new temporary measure to help the government of Quebec retain skilled workers.
Eligible foreign skilled workers can now get an employer‑specific work permit under the International Mobility Program. This will allow them to keep working for their current employer for up to 12 more months. This will give the Government of Quebec time to review their eligibility for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec).
Temporary foreign workers are eligible if they have submitted a permanent selection application under the province’s new Skilled Worker Selection Program and have received a request from Quebec to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP). They must also hold or have recently held an employer-specific work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program expiring between 13 March and December 31, 2026.
Eligible workers can apply on IRCC’s website until December 31, 2026, and will benefit from expedited processing. Workers are encouraged to submit an application before their permit expires so that they can continue working
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.