IRCC has updated its program delivery instructions for certain Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holders currently living in Quebec who may qualify for an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit under the International Mobility Program. The exemption operates under paragraph R205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), using administrative code A73.
The updated instructions, dated September 25, 2026, set out eligibility requirements, documentary evidence, application assessment procedures, work permit validity, extensions and guidance for family members. The A73 category allows certain Quebec-selected skilled workers already residing in Quebec to extend their authorization to work with their current employer or obtain authorization to work for a new employer without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Who may qualify under A73?
To qualify for an employer-specific work permit under R205(a) and administrative code A73, the applicant must be the principal applicant named on a CSQ and currently reside in Quebec. If permanent residence has not yet been submitted, the CSQ must still be valid. If a permanent residence application has already been submitted, IRCC must have received it before the CSQ expired and the application must remain in process.
The applicant must also be in Canada after having been authorized to enter as a temporary resident, or be eligible to restore temporary resident status. At the time of application, the person must have existing authorization to work, be eligible to restore that authorization, have maintained status with authorization to work under R186(u), or qualify to apply for a work permit from within Canada under an active public policy.
The applicant must have an offer of employment number beginning with “A” from a Quebec employer for employment in Quebec. The A73 work permit is employer-specific rather than an open work permit.
Which Quebec programs are covered?
IRCC’s instructions identify CSQ holders selected under several Quebec economic immigration programs, including the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), the former Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ), and specified permanent immigration pilot programs. The instructions note that the PEQ is reopened from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028, while the PRTQ and several listed pilot programs have closed. MIFI may continue processing permanent-selection applications submitted before the applicable programs closed.
Importantly, IRCC states that an applicant may apply for the A73 work permit either before or after submitting a permanent residence application to IRCC, provided the applicable eligibility requirements are met.
Who is not eligible?
IRCC specifically excludes several groups from the A73 category. Applicants cannot use this category to apply for a work permit at a port of entry, and the category does not provide an open work permit. Spouses and common-law partners who are not the principal applicant on the permanent residence application are also not eligible under A73 and must be assessed under the applicable rules for family-member work permits.
Entrepreneurs and self-employed applicants are also excluded from A73. IRCC notes that Quebec-destined entrepreneurs and self-employed candidates seeking to operate a business may instead qualify under administrative code C11 or C60, depending on their circumstances.
Documents applicants may need
The updated instructions provide more detailed documentary guidance. Applicants must provide evidence of their qualifying CSQ status. Where the principal applicant has not yet submitted a permanent residence application, IRCC instructs them to provide Quebec’s acceptance letter, titled Acceptation de votre demande de sélection permanente, containing the applicant’s individual reference and file numbers.
IRCC also lists acceptable evidence of residence in Quebec, including a lease or rental agreement, a landlord’s confirmation letter, utility bills, bank or credit card statements showing the applicant’s address, employment documents and certain government-benefit records.
How long can an A73 work permit be issued?
For approved applications, IRCC instructs officers to issue the work permit based on the duration of the employment offer, up to a maximum of 24 months, or until the expiry of the applicant’s travel document, whichever comes first.
Where the applicant’s permanent residence application remains in processing, an extension may be considered on a case-by-case basis. IRCC states that an extension is generally for one year, although officers may exercise discretion based on current processing times for Quebec skilled worker permanent residence applications.
What the update means for CSQ holders
The A73 instructions provide a specific LMIA-exempt pathway for qualifying Quebec-selected workers who are already residing in Quebec and need to continue working for an existing employer or move to a new Quebec employer while meeting the program requirements.
The distinction between A73 and other work permit options for CSQ holders remains important. A73 is an employer-specific work permit for qualifying CSQ holders currently in Quebec, while other International Mobility Program categories apply to CSQ holders outside Quebec or to certain permanent residence applicants seeking an open work permit.
Applicants and representatives should assess the person’s CSQ category, current immigration and work authorization, Quebec residence, permanent residence application status and employer compliance requirements before relying on the A73 exemption.
Source: IRCC Program Delivery Updates