Quebec immigration: candidates awaiting permanent residence can now apply for new open work permit

Alexandra Miekus - 30 May, 2022

Canada has officially launched the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+), a new measure to fast-track the recruitment of talent from abroad.

Recognizing the limited pool of skilled workers in the country and in Quebec in particular, this measure aims to facilitate the recruitment of workers from abroad to address labour shortages in the French-speaking province.

“As Canada’s economy continues to grow and recover from the pandemic, addressing the labour market challenges faced by employers is a top priority. We recognize that labour shortages are particularly critical for many sectors in Quebec, and the IMP+ initiative will speed up the arrival of skilled workers to the province and help newcomers quickly settle into their new communities,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, said in a press release last week. 

Normally, foreign workers applying for permanent residence cannot settle in Canada and start work until their application is approved.

As of May 24, 2022, through the IMP+, their arrival and integration before the end of the PR approval process will be made easier and faster.

The IMP+, an extension of the IMP, provides a new work permit option for Quebec Selection Certificate (also known as the CSQ) holders who are awaiting approval of their permanent residence application.

People who hold a CSQ, which means they have been selected by the province of Quebec to apply for permanent residence, will be able to apply for an open work permit and settle and work in the province before receiving their PR approval. The work permit will be valid for three years, allowing the applicant to work for any employer and will only be valid in the province of Quebec. Close family members of the applicants may also obtain an open work permit or a study permit.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• reside outside of the province at the time of application;
• hold a CSQ under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program or the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Visual Effects Workers;
• have received an invitation letter from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) under the IMP+.
• have submitted an application for a work permit and paid applicable fees. 

Information provided by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicates that the IMP+ will have a cap of 14,700 applications for 2022. From 2023 onwards, the annual cap on applications will be set at 7,350 per year. 

Complete our FREE Assessment form to see if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada