IRCC Updates Work Permit Policy for Quebec PR Applicants — June 2026

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded a key work permit policy for Quebec-bound workers. As of June 8, 2026, the Public Policy to facilitate work permits for prospective permanent residence applicants in Quebec now includes spouses and common-law partners.

This temporary public policy helps Quebec transition more eligible temporary residents to permanent residency under its provincial program. The policy offers faster work permit processing — just 30 days — for eligible applicants. You have until December 31, 2026, to submit your application.

Who Qualifies Under This Policy

The policy covers four distinct groups of applicants, called cohorts. Each cohort has specific eligibility requirements based on your current work permit status.

Cohort 1 includes workers who have a valid employer-specific work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP). Your permit must expire on or before December 31, 2026. You're applying for an extension under this public policy.

Cohort 2 covers workers whose employer-specific work permit has expired, but who applied for an extension before expiry. You're currently on maintained status and now applying under this public policy.

Cohort 3 includes workers whose employer-specific work permit expired between March 13, 2026, and December 31, 2026. You're currently out of status and applying for both a new work permit and restoration of temporary resident status.

Cohort 4 is the new addition — spouses and common-law partners of eligible workers from the first three cohorts. You can apply for an open work permit if your partner receives approval under this policy.

Important exclusions exist. You cannot use this policy if your work permit expired but you transitioned to visitor status. You're also excluded if your permit expired before March 13, 2026, even if you're within the 90-day restoration period.

Common Requirements for All Applicants

Every applicant must meet specific criteria regardless of their cohort. You must be working or have worked in Quebec and seek to extend your work permit for the same employer. Your job offer must be for a position located in Quebec.

The most crucial requirement involves Quebec's provincial selection process. You must provide confirmation that Quebec has invited you to apply under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés du Québec (PSTQ). You must also have submitted a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) to the province.

The DSP confirmation comes before receiving your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This shows you're in Quebec's permanent residence pipeline, which aligns with the policy's goal of transitioning temporary workers to permanent residents.

Workers destined for Quebec under the International Mobility Program don't need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This exemption streamlines the process for eligible applicants.

All applicants remain subject to standard legislative eligibility and admissibility requirements. The policy exempts certain regulatory requirements but doesn't override fundamental immigration criteria like health, security, and criminality checks.

Special Rules for Spouses and Common-Law Partners

The June 2026 update significantly expands the policy by including family members. Spouses and common-law partners can now apply for open work permits under IMP administrative code R01.

To qualify as a spouse or common-law partner, you must meet the definition in paragraph 1(3)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Your relationship must be with a principal worker who has been approved under this public policy.

You must be included as an accompanying family member in the principal applicant's DSP submission to Quebec. This shows Quebec recognizes your family unit in the permanent residence process.

Your immigration status matters significantly. You must have valid temporary resident status as a worker, student, or visitor. Alternatively, you can be on maintained status or eligible for restoration if you've applied to restore your status.

If you've left Canada, different rules apply. You must have held valid temporary resident status that expired less than 90 days after submitting your work permit application. This provision accommodates family members who may have traveled while applications were pending.

The open work permit gives you significant flexibility. Unlike employer-specific permits, you can work for any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Application Process and Required Documents

Applications must be submitted online — no exceptions. Port of entry applications aren't accepted under this policy. This requirement ensures consistent processing and tracking.

The special code "PPTR2PRQC2026" is critical for your application. Employers must enter this code in the Job Title box when using the Employer Portal. They'll also select LMIA-exemption code R01. Without this code, your application won't receive the 30-day processing standard.

Applicants must also enter "PPTR2PRQC2026" in the Job Title box of form IMM5710. When completing the online application, select that you have a "written job offer" and that you're "applying for a work permit under an active pilot project or an active Public Policy."

Principal applicants must submit specific documents with their applications. The most important is confirmation of your DSP submission to the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration. You'll also need your job offer for a Quebec position and the LMIA-Exempt number starting with letter "A."

Additional employment documents may be requested, including employment reference letters, employment records, or your employment contract. Having these ready can speed up processing.

Spouses and common-law partners have different document requirements. You must prove inclusion in the principal applicant's DSP using the Récapitulatif de la DSP. If applying separately, you need proof that the principal applicant received their work permit under this policy. Relationship proof is also mandatory.

Processing Times and Fees

The 30-day processing standard is one of the policy's most attractive features. This significantly faster processing helps workers maintain legal status and continue contributing to Quebec's economy.

Standard work permit processing fees apply. Principal applicants pay $155 for work permit processing. Spouses and common-law partners pay an additional $100 for the open work permit fee.

Importantly, employers don't pay the usual employer compliance fee under this policy. They're exempt because applicants don't need to perform work under sections R204 or R205. However, employers must still submit an offer of employment and remain subject to employer compliance monitoring.

Additional fees may apply depending on your situation. If you need status restoration, you'll pay $246.25. Biometric fees of $85 apply if required. These fees are standard across Canadian immigration programs.

Work permits issued under this policy can last up to 12 months. However, the policy expires December 31, 2026, so work permits cannot have validity dates later than December 30, 2027. Spouses' and common-law partners' work permits align with the principal applicant's duration.

Renewals are possible, but only if submitted before December 31, 2026. This deadline is firm — applications submitted after this date will be refused because the policy will have expired. Plan your renewal timing carefully to avoid status loss.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply at a port of entry under this policy?
No. All applications must be submitted online. Port of entry applications are not accepted under this public policy.

What happens if I forget to use the special code "PPTR2PRQC2026"?
Your application will still be processed, but it won't receive the 30-day processing standard. Make sure both you and your employer use this code correctly.

Can spouses and common-law partners apply separately from the principal applicant?
Yes, but you must provide proof that the principal applicant has already received their work permit under this policy if applying separately.

What if my work permit expired before March 13, 2026?
You cannot use this policy. The cutoff date is firm — work permits that expired before March 13, 2026, don't qualify, even if you're within the restoration period.

For complete details about this policy and other Quebec immigration programs, visit the IRCC website or consult the IRCC Help Centre for specific guidance.

Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration. Last verified: December 18, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice — consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.

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