Open Work Permit under IMP
The IMP+ program provides an opportunity for individuals to secure an open work permit for up to three years while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency application. This flexibility allows skilled workers to continue working and contributing to Québec’s economy during the immigration process.
The International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) offers skilled workers the opportunity to obtain an open work permit for a maximum duration of three years, facilitating their swift integration into the Québec labor market. This permit is exclusive to Québec.
Key Program Details:
Under the IMP+, individuals can acquire an open work permit, enabling them to relocate to Québec expeditiously and engage in employment opportunities within the province. The program has a quota of 7,000 open work permits annually, with a temporary increase to 14,000 permits for 2022, inclusive of the permits that could have been issued in 2021 under a prior agreement with the Government of Canada (as of August 4, 2021).
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the IMP+, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- Hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (Québec Selection Certificate) as a skilled worker, obtained through either the Regular Skilled Worker Program or the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies, and visual effects sectors.
- Not have obtained permanent residence status, which includes applicants who have not yet applied for permanent residence or those who have applied but are awaiting a decision.
Reside outside of Québec, either abroad or in another Canadian province.
Exclusions:
Applicants are ineligible for the program under the following circumstances:
- If they have already received a positive decision on their application for permanent residence.
- If their application for permanent residence was declined by the Government of Canada.
- If their Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) has expired without a permanent residence application being submitted.
Accompanying Spouse and Dependent Children:
Eligible applicants can extend benefits to their legal or de facto spouses, who may also obtain an open work permit for up to three years as accompanying temporary foreign workers. Furthermore, dependent children accompanying the applicant are permitted to pursue studies in Québec, typically requiring a Québec Acceptance Certificate for enrollment.
Obtaining an Invitation to Apply:
Applicants holding a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) obtained through eligible programs will receive a communication from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, enabling them to apply for an open work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), subject to meeting specified conditions.
General Notices:
Receiving communication from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration does not guarantee eligibility for the IMP+. Applicants must satisfy all conditions outlined in the communication, notably not having received a decision on their permanent residence application (if submitted). The application window lasts for 90 days from the communication mailing date.
Preparation for Arrival in Québec:
To facilitate successful integration into Québec, applicants are encouraged to explore available government services and resources outlined in the Settle and Integrate in Québec and Integration Service for Immigrants pages.
