Canada Announces New Immigration Changes to Help Quebec Workers and Rural Employers

The Government of Canada has announced new temporary changes to better manage immigration while keeping workers who are already contributing to the economy.

Support for Skilled Workers in Quebec

Some workers in Quebec who were in the process of becoming permanent residents were at risk of losing their ability to work while waiting for a response from the Quebec government regarding their applications. To address this, Canada will now allow certain eligible workers to extend their work permits for up to 12 more months. This applies only to people who have already been invited by Quebec to apply for permanent residency.

Rural Employer Assistance

Canada is offering support to employers in rural areas, where businesses struggle to fill positions with enough local workers. Between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, employers in participating regions will be allowed to hire a higher percentage of low-wage temporary foreign workers. This increase is intended to help address the ongoing labour shortages in these smaller communities and keep local economies up and running.

Immigration Goals

As outlined in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels plan, Canada continues to work towards ultimately reducing the number of temporary residents in the country. Canada aims for temporary residents to take up less than 5 percent of the total population by 2027. To reach this target, officials say they will continue adjusting immigration policies to focus on workers who are most needed while maintaining a balanced and controlled system.

These temporary measures are meant to limit immigration growth while supporting the economy. This could create important opportunities for workers and employers in Quebec, but eligibility depends on your specific situation. If you’re currently working in Canada or planning your pathway to permanent residence, contact us at Canadim today for a free assessment and find out if you qualify under the latest updates.