Temporary work permits are a common pathway for foreign nationals to work in Quebec for a limited duration. These permits are issued based on specific conditions and requirements set by Canadian immigration authorities.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a federal initiative that enables Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to address temporary labor shortages. Under this program, employers must meet certain criteria and obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. The LMIA assesses factors such as the availability of Canadian workers, wages, working conditions, and efforts made to recruit locally.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a federal initiative aimed at addressing temporary labor shortages in Canada by allowing employers to hire foreign workers to fill specific positions. Under this program, employers must obtain authorization from both provincial and federal governments to hire foreign workers. The program covers various industries and occupations, including agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and more.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) serves the objective of facilitating Canadian employers in hiring temporary foreign workers. To participate in this program, both you and your prospective employer must adhere to specific conditions outlined by the Canadian government.
The program encompasses various streams, including:
Your employer determines the appropriate stream under which your employment falls. Subsequently, they are typically required to:
To work temporarily in Québec under the TFWP, you generally need to obtain the following documents:
By fulfilling these requirements, both employers and workers can navigate the TFWP effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating temporary employment opportunities in Québec.
To work in Quebec as a temporary foreign worker under the TFWP, the first step is to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. This offer must meet certain criteria, including demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker is necessary due to a shortage of available Canadian workers. Once you have received a job offer, you can proceed with the application process to obtain the necessary authorizations to work in Quebec.
In order to work temporarily in Québec, it is imperative to secure an offer of employment from a reputable business based in the province. Following this, both you and your employer will need to undertake the necessary steps to obtain the requisite legal authorization to work in Québec.
Until all the necessary authorizations and documents are obtained for your employment in Québec, it is strongly advised to refrain from taking definitive actions such as:
To optimize your job search efforts in Québec, consider the following avenues:
Please note that while these platforms offer valuable job listings, registration may not be available for foreign workers, except for specific events like Journées Québec, as the posted job offers are primarily intended for local candidates.
To work temporarily in Quebec, you must obtain authorization from both the provincial and federal governments. The process involves submitting various documents and applications, including a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the federal government, which assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. Additionally, you may need to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to legally work in Quebec.
Once you have received the necessary authorizations to work temporarily in Quebec, there are certain steps to follow. This may include obtaining a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), if applicable, and ensuring compliance with any conditions or requirements outlined in your work permit. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the terms of your authorization and abide by all immigration regulations during your stay in Quebec.
Once you have obtained all the authorizations to work temporarily in Québec, here are some steps to take before your arrival and once you are here.
Prior to your departure and to familiarize yourself with what awaits you upon your arrival in Québec, it is advisable to consult the comprehensive guide titled “Settle and Integrate in Québec.”
This guide provides invaluable information on various aspects, including:
It is essential to gather all relevant documents that may facilitate your settlement process in Québec. These documents should be originals or certified true copies and must be in either French or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by translations signed and authenticated by a professional translator.
Here is a list of documents that you and your family members, if applicable, should bring to Québec:
Upon your arrival in Québec, certain steps need to be taken promptly:
When arriving at an airport or other border crossing, ensure you have the following documents readily available:
Depending on your mode of arrival, follow up with the relevant authorities at the airport or border crossing. This may involve communicating with the Canada Border Services Agency to fulfill any necessary reporting requirements.
In the initial days after your arrival, prioritize certain steps and document procurement essential for your settlement. Some of these documents may be required by your employer or healthcare institutions.
For further assistance with housing, obtaining essential documents, enrolling children in school or childcare services, and integrating into Québec society, consult the appropriate sections in the “Settle and Integrate in Québec” guide.
To facilitate your integration into Québec, consider registering with the integration service for immigrants and exploring government-sponsored services offered by partner organizations. Additionally, seize the opportunity to enhance your French language skills through courses provided by the Gouvernement du Québec, which may be particularly relevant if you work as a personal care attendant. Discuss language learning arrangements with your employer upon arrival to ensure a smooth integration process.
If you wish to extend your temporary work stay in Quebec, you will generally need to submit a new application for authorization renewal. This process may involve reapplying for a work permit and providing updated documentation to support your continued employment in Quebec. It’s important to initiate the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date of your current authorization to avoid any disruptions to your employment.
If you intend to prolong your work authorizations in Québec, your employer must undertake the necessary procedures with both the Gouvernement du Québec and the Government of Canada to acquire a fresh Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This process entails:
To ensure a seamless renewal process, it is imperative to account for processing times and commence your application at least six months before the expiration of your current work permit.
Alternatively, if you have opted to pursue permanent residency through the Government of Canada, alternative avenues for renewing your work permit may be available.
If your spouse and children accompany you during your work stay in Quebec, they may be eligible for certain opportunities, such as employment or study programs. Spouses may be able to obtain their own work permits or pursue educational opportunities, while children may have access to schooling and other support services. It’s advisable to research and understand the options available for accompanying family members to ensure their smooth integration into life in Quebec.
Your spouse is eligible to work during your stay in Québec, regardless of your marital status, whether you are legally married or in a de facto union, and irrespective of gender. It’s imperative to initiate the application process for your spouse simultaneously with your own.
If you possess a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec Selection Certificate) and a work permit issued under LMIA exemptions A73, A75 (BOWP), or A76 (IMP+), your spouse qualifies for an open work permit, irrespective of the nature of your own work permit.
However, if the above criteria are not met, the procedure varies based on the type of job you hold in Québec. It’s essential to first identify the title and code of the TEER category for your occupation from the National Occupational Classification.
However, family members of a foreign worker are currently ineligible for an open work permit if the foreign worker is in:
Their eligibility is planned for future phases, with an undetermined effective date. In such cases, your spouse can come to Québec:
Your spouse has the option to study full-time or part-time in Québec while you work there temporarily. They must obtain the necessary authorizations to study in Québec, which can be applied for simultaneously with your temporary worker application. However, your spouse is responsible for covering the cost of their studies unless eligible for a tuition exemption.
The authorization requirements for your children’s education vary based on their age and level of schooling.
For detailed steps, refer to the Authorizations to Study in Québec page.
Although Québécois children typically attend Francophone schools until the end of secondary education, you have the flexibility to choose your children’s language and institution during your temporary stay.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) provides additional flexibility for Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without the need for an LMIA. This program is designed for specific situations where hiring a foreign worker is deemed beneficial for Canada, such as intra-company transfers, reciprocal agreements, and significant economic, cultural, or social benefits. Under the IMP, employers may hire foreign workers directly without going through the LMIA process, streamlining the hiring process for certain skilled workers.
Typically, employers interested in hiring under this program must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal. This offer of employment number must then be included in your work permit application.
Upon approval of your work permit application, you will either receive a letter of introduction if you are outside of Canada or a new work permit if you are already in Canada or submit your application upon entry.
If you receive a letter of introduction, it must be presented to a Canada Border Services officer upon arrival in Canada to obtain your work permit.
Under the International Mobility Program, there is no need to apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which requires an LMIA, if your employer offers you a position.
Overall, temporary work permits offer a pathway for foreign nationals to contribute to Quebec’s workforce on a short-term basis. Whether through the TFWP or IMP, these permits enable employers to address temporary labor shortages while providing opportunities for skilled workers to gain valuable experience in Quebec’s diverse industries.
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