Temporary Work Permits in Quebec: Your Essential Guide

If you're planning to hire skilled foreign workers in Quebec or are a foreign worker looking to secure temporary employment in the province, here’s a streamlined guide to help you navigate the process.

1. LMIA Exemptions for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) Holders

Foreign workers who hold a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) might be eligible for an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under specific conditions. This exemption is available if you:

  1. Possess a valid work permit.

  2. Hold a CSQ.

  3. Currently reside in Quebec.

  4. Have applied for Canadian permanent residency via the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Eligibility for Exemptions Includes:

  1. Extending the work permit with the current Quebec employer.

  2. Renewing a work permit with a new Quebec employer.

  3. Holds the post-graduation work permit in addition to the Quebec job offer.

  4. Participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program seeking an extension or renewal.

2. Streamlined LMIA Process in Quebec

Quebec offers a facilitated LMIA process in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This process allows employers to skip the standard 28-day job advertising requirement for certain skilled occupations listed on an annual target list. However, employers must still meet other Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) criteria and offer competitive wages.

3. Standard LMIA Process

If your situation doesn’t qualify for the facilitated process, you can follow these steps:

Receive a Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Quebec-based employer.

Apply for LMIA: The employer submits an LMIA application to ESDC and sends the required documents to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI).

Obtain CAQ: The worker must obtain a Certificate d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ), which is signed by the worker.

Apply for a Work Permit: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews the application and issues the work permit. If you have any issues, you can get help from our team at CWC Immigration Solutions.