Before obtaining permanent residence, apply for an open work permit.
The International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) allows you to apply for an open work permit for up to three years. This permit allows you to enter Québec faster and integrate into the labor market. It is only available in Québec.
Under this program, a total of 7,000 skilled workers may obtain an open work permit each year. Exceptionally, up to 14,000 permits may be issued in 2023 including permits that could have been issued in 2022 under the August 4, 2022 agreement with the Government of Canada.
People who meet the following requirements are eligible for the program:
As a skilled worker, you must have a Certificat de sélection du Québec (Quebec Selection Certificate).
You must have a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec Selection Certificate) obtained through the Regular Skilled Worker Program or the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for workers in the fields of artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects.
Have not yet been granted permanent residency
You must be in one of the situations listed below:
Have not applied for permanent residency. In this case, your CSQ’s validity period must not have expired.
Exclusions
You are ineligible for this program if you are:
You received a positive decision on your application for permanent residence; the Government of Canada denied your application for permanent residence; your CSQ is no longer valid, and you have not yet applied for permanent residence.
Your companion’s spouse
If you meet the requirements, your legal or de facto spouse may obtain an open work permit for a maximum of three years as the legal or de facto spouse accompanying a temporary foreign worker.
Children accompanying you
Your dependent children are welcome to accompany you and study in Québec. In order to study in Québec, they must first obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate. For more information, see Obtaining Permission to Study in Québec. This link will take you to a new window.
Obtaining a letter of invitation to apply for this program
If you have a Certificat de sélection du Québec obtained through the Regular Skilled Worker Program or the Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, and Visual Effects Permanent Immigration Pilot Program, you may receive a communication from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation, et de l’Intégration. If you meet the requirements, it will allow you to apply for an open work permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
General information
Receiving correspondence from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation, et de l’Intégration does not ensure your eligibility for the IMP+. You must meet all of the conditions outlined in the communication before submitting your work permit application. If you have submitted a permanent residence application, you must not have received a decision on it.
You will have 90 days from the date this correspondence is mailed to apply to IRCC.
Only those who have received a communication may apply to the IRCC for a permit. Visit the IRCC for an instruction guide and forms for an IMP+ job application. This link will take you to a new window.
Prepare for your trip to Quebec.
We invite you to visit our site following pages to help you integrate into Québec and learn more about the services provided by the government. Settlement and integration services for immigrants in Québec.
