On June 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the expansion of a key temporary public policy — one that directly supports families of temporary foreign workers in Quebec who are on the path to permanent residence. This expansion allows eligible spouses and common-law partners to obtain an open work permit, giving them the freedom to work for any employer in Canada.

This is a significant and compassionate step by the Canadian government — recognising that immigration is not just about individual workers, but about entire families who uproot their lives, leave their home countries behind, and commit themselves to building a future in Canada together.

What Is the Expanded Support for Families?

Why This Policy Matters for Immigrant Families

The immigration journey is rarely a solo one. Most people who come to Canada bring — or plan to bring — their families with them. But the gap between arriving as a temporary foreign worker and achieving permanent residence can be long, uncertain, and financially stressful — especially when a spouse is unable to work during that period.

This expanded measure directly addresses that pain point. By granting open work permits to eligible spouses and common-law partners, IRCC is ensuring that families can contribute economically while they wait for their permanent residence application to be processed — reducing financial pressure and keeping households stable.

Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program — What You Need to Know

This policy is specifically tied to Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de selection des travailleurs qualifies) — one of Quebec's primary immigration pathways for skilled workers who want to settle permanently in the province. Quebec manages its own immigration selection, and this program is the main route for skilled professionals looking to make Quebec their permanent home.

What This Means for You — Action Steps

If you are a temporary foreign worker in Quebec whose permanent selection application is already filed under the Skilled Worker Selection Program, this announcement directly applies to you and your family. Here is what you should do right away:

First, confirm that your spouse or common-law partner is named on your permanent selection application. Second, verify that their temporary resident status is valid — or has not expired more than 90 days ago. Third, begin preparing the open work permit application as soon as possible, as this measure is only open until the end of 2026.

Given the deadline and the complexity of immigration paperwork, it is strongly recommended that you work with a registered immigration consultant to ensure your spouse's application is filed correctly and on time.

How Stanstead Immigration Can Help

At Stanstead Immigration Services (SIS), we specialise in helping temporary foreign workers and their families navigate the complexities of Quebec's immigration system. Whether you need help assessing your eligibility, preparing your spouse's open work permit application, or planning your full permanent residence pathway — our team is here for you.

Our CEO, Humera Khan (CICC No. R711918), leads a team of regulated professionals with a 95% success rate and over 4,900 satisfied clients across the globe. Based in Montreal, Quebec, we understand the Quebec immigration system better than most — and we are ready to help your family stay together while building your future in Canada.