Quebec City

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Work Permits and Authorization

Information about obtaining legal authorization to work in Quebec City as an immigrant or visitor.

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Overview of Work Permits in Quebec City, Canada

In Canada, work permits are issued by the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, Quebec has its own immigration policies and requirements, which may add additional steps for those seeking to work in Quebec City. Work permits allow foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer, in a specific occupation, and for a specific duration.

Categories of Work Permits

There are two main types of work permits in Canada:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit

  • Tied to a specific employer, job, and location.
  • Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases, which is a document showing that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
  • Some jobs are LMIA-exempt (e.g., intra-company transfers, jobs under international agreements like NAFTA/USMCA, or certain academic positions).

2. Open Work Permit

  • Not tied to a specific employer.
  • Allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible.
  • Commonly issued to:
    • Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students.
    • International students who have graduated from a Canadian institution (Post-Graduation Work Permit).
    • Refugees, asylum seekers, or vulnerable workers.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility depends on the type of work permit you are applying for. Below are the general requirements:

General Requirements for All Work Permits

  • Proof of a valid job offer (for employer-specific permits).
  • Proof of qualifications for the job (e.g., education, certifications, work experience).
  • Proof of financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada.
  • A clean criminal record (you may need to provide a police clearance certificate).
  • Proof of good health (a medical exam may be required for certain jobs or if youโ€™ve lived in certain countries).
  • Intention to leave Canada when your work permit expires (unless you apply for permanent residency).

Additional Requirements for Quebec

  • If you are working in Quebec, you may need a Certificat dโ€™acceptation du Quรฉbec (CAQ) for temporary work, issued by the Quebec government.
  • The CAQ is required for most jobs unless the position is exempt (e.g., jobs under international agreements or certain high-demand occupations).

Application Procedures

The process for obtaining a work permit in Quebec City involves several steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer

  • Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer may need to apply for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) unless the job is LMIA-exempt.

Step 2: Apply for a CAQ (if required)

  • If your job requires a CAQ, your employer must submit an application to the Ministรจre de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intรฉgration (MIFI) in Quebec.
  • Once approved, you will receive a CAQ certificate, which you must include in your work permit application.

Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit

  • Submit your application online through the IRCC website or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country.
  • Required documents include:
    • Job offer letter.
    • LMIA (if applicable).
    • CAQ (if applicable).
    • Passport.
    • Proof of qualifications.
    • Proof of financial means.
    • Police clearance certificate and medical exam results (if required).

Step 4: Wait for Processing

  • Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation and may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

Step 5: Receive Your Work Permit

  • If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Present this letter to the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada to receive your work permit.

Costs

  • Work Permit Application Fee: CAD $155.
  • Open Work Permit Holder Fee: Additional CAD $100 (if applicable).
  • Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 for a family.
  • CAQ Application Fee: CAD $220 (as of 2023).

Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and the type of work permit. As of October 2023:

  • Work Permit (Outside Canada): 1-4 months.
  • Work Permit (Inside Canada): 1-2 months.
  • CAQ Processing: Approximately 20 business days.

Check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing times: IRCC Processing Times.

Local Considerations for Quebec City

  1. Language Requirements:

    • French is the primary language in Quebec City. While some employers may require fluency in French, others may accept English-speaking candidates, especially in industries like technology, tourism, or academia.
    • Consider taking French language courses to improve your employability and integration into the local community.

  2. High-Demand Occupations:

    • Quebec has a list of high-demand occupations that may have simplified immigration processes. Examples include IT professionals, healthcare workers, and skilled tradespeople.

  3. Cultural Adaptation:

    • Quebec City has a distinct culture influenced by its French heritage. Be prepared for cultural differences, such as workplace norms and communication styles.

  4. Local Support Services:

    • Quebec City offers various resources for newcomers, including employment services, language training, and settlement assistance.

Local Offices and Resources in Quebec City

  1. Ministรจre de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intรฉgration (MIFI)

    • Website: MIFI
    • Services: Information on CAQ applications, immigration programs, and integration services.

  2. Service Canada Centre

    • Address: 400 Boulevard Jean-Lesage, Quebec City, QC G1K 8W1.
    • Services: Assistance with SIN applications (required for working in Canada) and general employment resources.

  3. Immigrant Assistance Organizations

    • Centre Multiethnique de Quรฉbec (CMQ):
      • Website: CMQ
      • Services: Settlement support, job search assistance, and French language courses.
    • Voice of English-speaking Quรฉbec (VEQ):
      • Website: VEQ
      • Services: Support for English-speaking newcomers in Quebec City.

  4. Quebec City Chamber of Commerce

    • Website: Chamber of Commerce
    • Services: Networking opportunities and resources for professionals.

Tips for Success

  • Start Early: The work permit process can take several months, so begin as soon as you secure a job offer.
  • Learn French: Even basic French skills can significantly improve your experience in Quebec City.
  • Stay Informed: Immigration policies and procedures can change, so regularly check the IRCC and MIFI websites for updates.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you find the process overwhelming, consider consulting a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate the work permit process and start your career in Quebec City. Let me know if you need further assistance!