IRCC has broadened a temporary public policy that lets spouses and common-law partners of Quebec-based temporary foreign workers receive open work permits (OWPs). Published internally on June 5 and highlighted in an industry alert yesterday (June 15), the expansion aligns provincial labour needs with family unity goals as Quebec accelerates transitions from temporary to permanent status. Previously, only spouses of workers in high-skilled occupations transitioning via the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) qualified. Under the new criteria, partners of almost all provincial nominees who hold—or recently held—valid status can apply for an OWP valid through 2026. IRCC says the change could add thousands of eligible workers to Quebec’s tight labour market in sectors ranging from information technology to healthcare.
![IRCC opens Quebec spousal open-work-permit stream to more families]()
For applicants and employers who want to make the most of these new open work-permit options, VisaHQ can simplify every step. Through our dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), we provide easy online intake, up-to-date document checklists, and live status tracking, ensuring spouses secure their permits quickly while HR teams stay fully compliant.
For employers, the policy removes hiring uncertainty: spouses can accept jobs without employer-specific Labour Market Impact Assessments, reducing onboarding time and paperwork. That flexibility is expected to bolster retention of key foreign talent who were weighing moves to other provinces where spouses already enjoy broader work rights. Human-resources teams should update relocation checklists to include OWP eligibility assessments when transferring staff to Montreal, Quebec City or regional sites. Although the measure is temporary, observers believe it will inform the province’s forthcoming permanent immigration reform package, making early compliance experience valuable. The announcement comes amid nationwide debate on capping temporary residents; Quebec’s targeted approach demonstrates how provinces can fine-tune family work rights to address local demographic pressures while avoiding blanket federal restrictions.
For applicants and employers who want to make the most of these new open work-permit options, VisaHQ can simplify every step. Through our dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), we provide easy online intake, up-to-date document checklists, and live status tracking, ensuring spouses secure their permits quickly while HR teams stay fully compliant.
For employers, the policy removes hiring uncertainty: spouses can accept jobs without employer-specific Labour Market Impact Assessments, reducing onboarding time and paperwork. That flexibility is expected to bolster retention of key foreign talent who were weighing moves to other provinces where spouses already enjoy broader work rights. Human-resources teams should update relocation checklists to include OWP eligibility assessments when transferring staff to Montreal, Quebec City or regional sites. Although the measure is temporary, observers believe it will inform the province’s forthcoming permanent immigration reform package, making early compliance experience valuable. The announcement comes amid nationwide debate on capping temporary residents; Quebec’s targeted approach demonstrates how provinces can fine-tune family work rights to address local demographic pressures while avoiding blanket federal restrictions.
