Working in Quebec with a CSQ

Individuals holding a valid Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) may work in Quebec without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) being required for the position.

Overview of working in Quebec with a CSQ

These workers may apply to extend or renew their work permit in Quebec.

Under an agreement with the federal government, Quebec allows certain foreign nationals selected under its economic immigration categories (specifically theQuebec Skilled Worker Selection Programme (SWSP)andQuebec Experience Programme (PEQ)) who hold a valid work permit and are currently residing in the province of Quebec to extend their work permit with their current employer, or obtain a new one with a new employer, without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

There is no restriction on the skill level of the position offered to a CSQ holder.

Who it applies to

Individuals holding a valid CSQ under one of these programmes and currently residing in Quebec must fall into one of the following categories:

• Applicants wishing to extend their work permit with their current employer, or obtain a new one with a different employer in the province of Quebec.
• Applicants wishing to obtain a work permit with a new employer in the province of Quebec.
• International students who have obtained a Post-Graduation Work Permit and have a job offer in the province of Quebec.
• Holders of a work permit obtained through participation in one of the following programmes under theInternational Experience Canada (IEC) programme:
  • Working Holiday.
  • Young Professionals, 18 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship).

Points to note when working in Quebec with a CSQ

• The applicant must currently be a resident of Quebec.
• The work permit is valid for the duration of the job offer and may not exceed two years. This period gives the applicant sufficient time to apply for permanent residence before the work permit expires.
• The application must include a copy of the valid Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and the Quebec job offer. The Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) must show one of the following codes in section 9, Category: “IQ – Travailleurs qualifiés”, “IP – Travailleurs”, “IT – Travailleurs qualifiés”, “IZ – PEQ Travailleurs”, “IY – PEQ Étudiants”, or “I6 Travailleurs Art.40”.
• Only employer-specific work permits are issued (open work permits are not issued).
• A spouse or common-law partner accompanying the principal applicant and currently in Canada is entitled to apply for an open work permit for the duration of the principal applicant’s work permit, regardless of the skill level of the principal applicant’s occupation.

Find out more about obtaining a CSQ and working in Quebec on the Government of Quebec website athere.