The Government of Canada has published special instructions for a new temporary measure that can help certain foreign workers in Quebec keep working for their current employer for up to 12 more months. This measure is designed for workers who are progressing through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and need time while the provincial selection step continues.
The official program page is here: Work permits for Quebec skilled workers who applied under the PSTQ (IRCC).
What this new work permit option provides
According to IRCC, this is an employer-specific work permit that can be issued for up to 12 months to allow you to keep working in Quebec for the employer listed on your work permit.
- Duration: up to 12 months
- Type: employer-specific work permit (not open)
- Deadline to apply: December 31, 2026
- Main benefit: your employer does not need a new LMIA for this measure
Source: IRCC PSTQ work permit instructions.
Who is eligible
IRCC lists all eligibility requirements. In plain language, you must meet every condition below:
- You were invited to apply for permanent selection under Quebec’s PSTQ.
- You submitted your “demande de sélection permanente” (DSP) to Quebec.
- Your situation fits one of these IRCC scenarios:
- You have a valid employer-specific work permit that expires on or before December 31, 2026, or
- Your employer-specific work permit expired, but you applied to extend it before it expired, or
- Your employer-specific work permit expired between March 13, 2026 and December 31, 2026 and you are now out of status.
- Your work permit is for an employer in Quebec and you will continue working in Quebec.
- You have a new job offer from the employer listed on your work permit.
Source: Who’s eligible (IRCC).
Important: your employer must use the Employer Portal first
Before you apply, IRCC says your employer must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal. Under this PSTQ measure:
- Your employer does not need a new LMIA.
- Your employer does not need to pay the $230 employer compliance fee for this measure (as stated on IRCC’s PSTQ work permit instructions page).
- Your employer must give you the offer of employment number (it starts with “A” followed by 7 digits).
Official Employer Portal guidance: Employer Portal user guide (IRCC).
How to apply (what IRCC specifically tells applicants to do)
IRCC states you must apply online in most cases and use form IMM 5710.
- Apply online through your IRCC account: Steps to apply for your work permit (IRCC).
- Use form: IMM 5710 (extend or change conditions as a worker).
- IRCC instruction: enter the code PPTR2PRQC2026 in the “Job Title” field on IMM 5710 (this is required under the special instructions).
- Upload:
- your job offer/contract showing the job is in Quebec, and
- proof that you submitted your DSP under PSTQ.
If you are out of status, IRCC notes you may be able to apply for the work permit and restore status in the same application (additional restoration fee may apply). Always follow the exact steps on the IRCC instruction page above.
What PSTQ and DSP mean (Quebec-side terms)
PSTQ is Quebec’s skilled worker selection program. Quebec issues invitations through Arrima and, if invited, you submit a “demande de sélection permanente” (DSP) to Quebec as part of the selection process.
- Quebec program overview (PSTQ): Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (Quebec government)
- About Quebec selection vs Canada admission (CSQ explanation): Understanding selection by Quebec and admission by Canada (Quebec government)
Who this is most useful for
This measure may matter most if you are:
- Working in Quebec on an employer-specific permit that expires in 2026, and
- Already invited under PSTQ and you submitted your DSP, and
- Trying to avoid a gap in work authorization while your Quebec selection continues.
If you are planning long-term pathways as a worker in Canada, you can also review: Foreign worker options.
FAQ
Is this a 12-month open work permit?
No. IRCC describes this as an employer-specific work permit for your current employer in Quebec. See: IRCC PSTQ work permit instructions.
Do I need a new LMIA for this extension?
IRCC states your employer does not need a new LMIA for this measure. See: Key benefits (IRCC).
What is the deadline to apply?
IRCC lists the deadline as December 31, 2026. See: Deadline to apply (IRCC).
What’s the most common mistake that could delay this application?
Not having the Employer Portal offer submitted first (so you don’t have the offer of employment number), or not following IRCC’s special instruction to enter the required code in IMM 5710. Use the official steps here: Steps to apply (IRCC).
Reality check
This is a helpful measure, but it is not automatic and it is not for all Quebec workers. Eligibility depends on PSTQ invitation status and proof that you submitted your DSP, plus meeting IRCC’s work permit conditions and deadlines. If your permit is close to expiring, apply early and follow the IRCC special instructions exactly. If your status is already expired or your case is complicated, consider getting qualified help before you submit—errors can create delays or gaps in status.
If you are managing multiple settlement tasks at the same time (documents, banking, housing, services), you can use: Life in Canada.
