Canada Expands Open Work Permits for Spouses of Quebec Workers

Key Point  

• Canada now allows spouses of eligible Quebec temporary foreign workers to obtain open work permits to support family unity and address labor shortages. 

Open Work Permits for Spouses of Quebec Workers 

On June 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an expansion of a temporary public policy aimed at supporting Quebec’s workforce while helping families remain together during the transition to permanent residence. 

Under the updated measure, spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary foreign workers can now apply for an open work permit, increasing workforce participation and stability for employers in Quebec. 

Who Is Eligible 

The expanded policy applies to spouses or common-law partners of temporary foreign workers who: 

• Are eligible under Quebec’s temporary public policy for workers transitioning to permanent residence 
• Have valid temporary resident status in Canada (or held status within the last 90 days) 
• Are included in the principal applicant’s permanent selection application under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program 

Key Features of the Policy 

Open Work Permit Access 

Eligible spouses and common-law partners can obtain an open work permit, allowing them to: 

• Work for most employers in Canada 
• Contribute directly to Quebec’s labor market 

Support for Permanent Residence Transition 

The measure is designed to support workers and their families as they move through Quebec’s permanent residence process.  

Validity Period 

The policy is temporary and remains in effect until the end of 2026.

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