Quebec Opens Doors: New Work Permit Policy for Spouses of Permanent Selection Applicants

Exciting news from Quebec is set to significantly ease the immigration journey for families aspiring to make Canada their home. A new temporary public policy has been introduced, facilitating the issuance of open work permits to spouses and common-law partners of individuals who have applied for permanent selection (Demande de sélection permanente - DSP) in Quebec. This initiative underscores Quebec’s commitment to family reunification and attracting skilled talent, allowing accompanying family members to contribute to the province's vibrant economy sooner. At Samakav Immigration Corp., we understand the importance of keeping families together and empowering every member to thrive. This policy is a welcome development, and our team, led by RCIC Samaneh Kavei, is here to help you navigate its intricacies. ## A Gateway to Working in Quebec: What This Means for Your Family This new temporary public policy allows spouses and common-law partners accompanying principal applicants for Quebec permanent selection to obtain open work permits without needing to meet many standard requirements. It significantly eases the path to employment for family members, even for those currently out of status or with expired permits, enabling them to contribute to Quebec's economy and settle faster. This means greater financial stability and a smoother transition into Canadian life for many families. ## Samakav's Perspective: Why This Policy is a Game-Changer From Samaneh Kavei's desk, this policy is a true game-changer. "One of the most common challenges families face during the immigration process is the waiting period for spouses to gain work authorization while the primary applicant’s permanent residency application is being processed," says Samaneh Kavei, RCIC. "This temporary public policy directly addresses that hurdle, demonstrating Quebec's proactive approach to supporting newcomers and their families. It’s not just about attracting skilled workers; it's about fostering a welcoming environment where entire families can flourish from day one." This policy reflects an empathetic understanding of the immigrant journey, recognizing that family unity and economic participation are crucial for successful integration. For our clients at Samakav Immigration, this means we can offer even more comprehensive strategies to help you and your loved ones achieve your Canadian dreams. ## Who Qualifies? Understanding the Principal Applicant's Requirements For a spouse or common-law partner to qualify for this special open work permit, the principal applicant—the individual who has applied for permanent selection in Quebec—must meet specific criteria: * **PSTQ Invitation**: The principal applicant must have received an invitation to apply for permanent selection through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). * **DSP Submission**: They must have submitted a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) to the province of Quebec. * **Current Work Status**: Additionally, the principal applicant must fall into one of the following three work permit scenarios: 1. **Valid Work Permit**: They hold a valid employer-specific work permit for a Quebec employer, which is set to expire on or before December 31, 2026, AND they have submitted an application to extend their work permit with the same employer. 2. **Maintained Status**: They have work authorization through