Temporary Work Permits In Quebec

The process for employers in Quebec who wish to hire foreign skilled workers differs from the procedures followed by employers in other parts of Canada.

As a result, this also impacts foreign workers seeking temporary employment in skilled occupations in Quebec. This detailed page from The Millennium Immigration outlines how to work in Quebec on a temporary basis.

Exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Process – CSQ Holders
The LMIA Process In Quebec: Facilitated LMIAs
The Regular LMIA Process

Exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Process – CSQ Holders

The government of Quebec has established provisions to streamline the hiring process for temporary foreign workers holding a valid Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). These provisions allow employers to bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement when hiring a foreign worker who:

Possesses a valid work permit.
Holds a skilled worker Certificate of Selection in Quebec (CSQ), which is issued by Quebec immigration authorities and confirms that the individual has been selected to reside in Quebec.
Currently resides in Quebec.
Has applied for permanent residency under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Additionally, the foreign worker must meet one of the following criteria:

They are seeking to extend their work permit with their current employer.
They are looking to renew their work authorization with a new employer in Quebec.
They are a foreign student who has obtained a post-graduation work permit and has a validated job offer in Quebec.
They are participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative and are either seeking to extend their work authorization with their current employer or renew it with a new employer in Quebec.

These criteria are specific to Quebec. There are also various cases across Canada where an LMIA may not be required. For a comprehensive list of LMIA exemptions, click here.

The LMIA Process In Quebec: Facilitated LMIAs

The federal regulations governing LMIAs impose strict advertising requirements on employers, requiring them to advertise the position for a minimum of 28 days before requesting to hire a foreign worker. This is designed to ensure that Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to apply for the job before an employer can seek to hire a foreign national. Alongside this, a detailed analysis of interviews conducted prior to extending a job offer to the foreign worker serves as evidence of recruitment efforts.

In Quebec, the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) has an agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows employers to request an LMIA without going through the full advertising process. These are referred to as facilitated LMIAs.

Specialized Target Occupations
In February 2014, Quebec introduced a list of skilled occupations identified as having a labor market need. For positions on this list, the standard advertising requirements for obtaining a positive LMIA are waived, and the list is updated annually. To view the current list of target occupations, click here.

Employers in Quebec wishing to hire a foreign worker must still complete all other steps in the regular LMIA application process and comply with the requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

If the job offered to the foreign worker is not on the target occupations list, the LMIA application will be evaluated under the standard process, requiring the employer to advertise the position for a minimum of 28 days.

Employee Compensation
The wage offered to the foreign worker must align with the wage rate paid to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the same occupation within the same geographic area.

The Regular LMIA Process

To work as a temporary foreign worker in Quebec, individuals must secure a temporary job offer from a Quebec-based employer and obtain a Temporary Work Permit from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

In most other situations not covered by special provisions, the regular LMIA process must be followed. For LMIAs issued to employers in Quebec, the employer must adhere to federal regulations and submit supporting documents to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). This includes completing an application for a Certificate d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ), which must be signed by the foreign worker.

Following this, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess the application to determine whether a work permit will be granted, based on the applicable requirements for workers and temporary residents in Canada.

Contact THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION for Assistance

Looking to enter Canada for temporary work? THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION can assist you! With over 11 years of experience, we specialize in helping workers and employers navigate Canadian immigration regulations.