CSQ to Obtain an Open Work Permit in Quebec

[carlotanching]

Hello guys,
I am currently an international student here, just recently got my Quebec CSQ thru Skilled Worker Program in March and filed immediately my PR application in Federal two days ago.

Now, I want to change my status from student visa to open work permit while waiting for my PR. I called the CIC and their advise was- I can use my CSQ, and get an employer in Quebec. Together with my CSQ, I also need to submit employment contract from an employer based in Quebec to obtain an open work permit.

Any thoughts of this guys? I really appreciate your help and thanks in advance.

 

[LveMtl]

Hello guys,
I am currently an international student here, just recently got my Quebec CSQ thru Skilled Worker Program in March and filed immediately my PR application in Federal two days ago.

Now, I want to change my status from student visa to open work permit while waiting for my PR. I called the CIC and their advise was- I can use my CSQ, and get an employer in Quebec. Together with my CSQ, I also need to submit employment contract from an employer based in Quebec to obtain an open work permit.

Any thoughts of this guys? I really appreciate your help and thanks in advance.

Hi ,

Can you share your timeline for CSQ?

When did you applied for CSQ?

 

[carlotanching]

Filed

Hi ,

Can you share your timeline for CSQ?

When did you applied for CSQ?

Csq filed- March 2014
Aor- June 2014
intent to refuse-Jan 23, 2018
Sent updates- Feb 14, 2018
Reveived CSQ dated March 16- March 22
Sent Federal- April 4, 2018

Btw, Im already in Canada thru student visa since August 25, 2017. Application becomes fast when I am here. How about your timeline pls

 

[LveMtl]

Filed

Csq filed- March 2014
Aor- June 2014
intent to refuse-Jan 23, 2018
Sent updates- Feb 14, 2018
Reveived CSQ dated March 16- March 22
Sent Federal- April 4, 2018

Btw, Im already in Canada thru student visa since August 25, 2017. Application becomes fast when I am here. How about your timeline pls

Applied: March 2017
Doc. Request: Dec 2017
Document received : Jan2018
Waiting for decision

 

[carlotanching]

Oh m

Applied: March 2017
Doc. Request: Dec 2017
Document received : Jan2018
Waiting for decision

oh my! It will take five years!

 

[Betula]

Unfortunately the official answer is that with CSQ you cannot get an open work permit. You are LMIA -exempt so it makes it easier for your prospective employer to help you obtain a work permit, but it will be a closed one. Or employer specific. That's the deal. In other provinces PR applicants are eligible for something called bridging open work permit, but as usual, this does not apply to Quebec. You can always try to apply for it, a few have succeeded but others got rejected because as I said, Quebec PR applicants with CSQ are not eligible for open work permits.

 

[Sophia.sa1245]

Hello Dear,

I was in the same situation as you.
Yes you can have an open work permit if you hold a Certificat de Selection du Quebec ( CSQ).
It allows you to work without the LMIA.
The calling center is useless it will provide you different information every time you call.

I suggest you do this questionnaire on the website which will guide you to the online application :

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html

answer all the questions and it should lead you to the online application form.
There are two fees (a total of 250$)
It takes 5 weeks if you apply within canada.

Best of luck!

 

[egoetc]

Out of curiosity why didn't you get your open work permit after you finished your studies? Or did you try and it was not approved?

 

[Sophia.sa1245]

You need to apply for an open work permit 90 days before your study permit expires.
I past the deadline so I had to follow this process

 

[carlotanching]

Out of curiosity why didn't you get your open work permit after you finished your studies? Or did you try and it was not approved?

Hi,
No, I got my CSQ thru Quebec skilled worker program not with student visa

 

[carlotanching]

You need to apply for an open work permit 90 days before your study permit expires.
I past the deadline so I had to follow this process

Its not thru student visa program. I got my CSQ thru Quebec skilled worker program

 

[carlotanching]

Hello Dear,

I was in the same situation as you.
Yes you can have an open work permit if you hold a Certificat de Selection du Quebec ( CSQ).
It allows you to work without the LMIA.
The calling center is useless it will provide you different information every time you call.

I suggest you do this questionnaire on the website which will guide you to the online application :

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html

answer all the questions and it should lead you to the online application form.
There are two fees (a total of 250$)
It takes 5 weeks if you apply within canada.

Best of luck!

Great! You are an angel! Are you under Student visa or Quebec Skilled Workers program? Thanks

 

[Sophia.sa1245]

I am under Quebec skilled worker program as well!

 

[carlotanching]

I am under Quebec skilled worker program as well!

Great you so gave me hope then.. thanks a lot! So what’s your entry in Canada? Are you already in Canada when you applied for work permit? Thanks again

 

[Sophia.sa1245]

Great you so gave me hope then.. thanks a lot! So what’s your entry in Canada? Are you already in Canada when you applied for work permit? Thanks again

I applied outside of canada so its 14 weeks until you receive the open work permit. I still have 2 weeks until i receive it! In your case it should be 5 weeks max because you are in canada. You might need to go to the border once you receive the letter of approval of the open work permit. Therefore you will enter canada under an open work permit with the length of your studies. For example If you did a bachelor degree than it should be 3 years I think.