Having a CSQ alone doesn't grant permission to work in Quebec. Yet, individuals holding a CSQ may qualify to extend their existing work permit in Quebec. To proceed, the applicant must currently hold a valid work permit in Quebec, possess a CSQ, and secure an official job offer from a Quebec-based employer. Meeting these requirements enables them to apply to MIDI for a work permit extension.

What is CSQ?

CSQ stands for “Certificat de sélection du Québec” in French, which translates to “Quebec Selection Certificate” in English. It’s a document issued by the Quebec government to foreign nationals who have been selected for immigration to Quebec. The CSQ is one of the requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Quebec, as it signifies that the applicant has met the province’s immigration criteria.

Other International Mobility Program

SOWP for Student
The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of a full-time international student to work in Canada while the student completes their studies, without requiring an LMIA. Know More
Post-Graduation Work Permits
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are available to international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions. The work permit is open, meaning graduates can work for any employer without needing an LMIA, for a period equal to their study duration. Know More
Open Work Permits
Open work permits allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA or job offer. This type of permit is available to specific individuals, including spouses of skilled workers or international students. Know More
International Experience Canada
International Experience Canada (IEC) provides work permits to young people from participating countries to work and travel in Canada. The program is LMIA-exempt and allows applicants to gain work experience in Canada as part of their cultural exchange. Know More
ICT Work Permit
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a Canadian branch without requiring an LMIA. This LMIA exemption facilitates the movement of key staff within a company. Know More
CUSMA Work Permit
Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), certain U.S. and Mexican citizens can apply for work permits in Canada without needing an LMIA, based on specific job categories, such as professionals, traders, and investors. Know More
CETA Work Permits
Under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), citizens of European Union countries can obtain work permits in Canada without an LMIA for specific job categories, such as executives, professionals, and technicians. Know More
Canada's Spouse Open Work Permit
Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students in Canada can apply for an open work permit without requiring an LMIA. This allows them to work for any employer during their stay. Know More
Bridging Open Work Permit
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is available to individuals who are transitioning from temporary status to permanent residency. It allows them to continue working for any employer while they await a decision on their permanent residency application, without needing an LMIA. Know More
Wants to more about Working With a CSQ?

Other Work in Canada

Working in Quebec

Working in Quebec requires a valid work permit or specific authorization. Quebec has its own immigration programs and criteria that must be met for foreign workers to work legally in the province.

Work without a Work Permit

Certain foreign workers can work in Canada without a work permit under specific circumstances, such as intra-company transferees, business visitors, and diplomats, among others.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) - (LMIA - Based Work Permits)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is required to ensure that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

Open Work Permits

Open work permits allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada, without the need for a specific job offer or an LMIA. This type of permit is usually available to spouses of skilled workers or international students, and those applying for permanent residency.

LMIA - Labour Market Impact Assessment

An LMIA is a document required for most work permits in Canada. It assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market, ensuring that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job.

Live-in Caregivers

The Live-in Caregiver Program allows individuals to work in Canada as caregivers for children, elderly individuals, or those with medical needs. The program has specific eligibility criteria, including the requirement to live with the employer.

IEC Program - Working Holiday Visa

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis. The Working Holiday Visa, part of the IEC program, is designed for individuals who want to travel and work in Canada.

Global Skills Stream

The Global Skills Stream provides work permits for highly skilled foreign workers in specific fields, such as technology, engineering, and science. It is designed to help Canadian employers quickly fill high-demand roles with global talent.

Employer-Specific Work Permits

Employer-specific work permits allow foreign workers to work for a specific employer in Canada. These permits are tied to the employer, job position, and location, and can be obtained with a valid job offer and an LMIA or LMIA-exemption.