New IRCC Program Updates For Quebec CSQ & Open Work Permit

Last Updated On 15 February 2023, 1:27 PM EST (Toronto Time)

On December 7, 2022, IRCC published program delivery updates for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holders outside Quebec and for the open work permit processing and issuance under the International Mobility Program. 

Program deliver updates contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff for processing of applications.

International students can apply for a CSQ in the skilled worker category if they have a PEQ-eligible Québec diploma, 12 to 18 months of full-time work experience in Québec (depending on the type of diploma), and they are currently employed full-time in Canada.

While the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) permits you to obtain a three-year open work permit, this permit enables you to enter Quebec more quickly and integrate into the labour market. However, it only applies to Québec.

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Updates for the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holders outside of Quebec 

Below are the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) changes affecting CSQ holders outside Quebec. 

First, the guidelines have been amended to clearly state that candidates can apply for and be issued an open work permit under LMIA exemption before or after submitting their application for permanent residence.

Second, there are changes to the eligibility requirements section. It states that if an application for permanent residence has been submitted, it must have been submitted before the expiry of the CSQ and must still be in progress.

Next, instructions were added under “Documentary evidence” to clarify that submitting the application for permanent residence is not required if the applicant has applied for permanent residence to IRCC under one of Quebec’s economic immigration streams. However, in this case, the applicant must provide one of the three documentary pieces of evidence listed in the instructions.

Moreover, a comparative table of the categories available through the International Mobility Program for CSQ holders was added as a reference tool. A similar table was added in the instructions for the Quebec cases.

Lastly, the NOC field has been updated with instructions on how to submit the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for applications received on or after November 16, 2022.

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Changes to the Open work permit – General processing and issuance

Firstly, a note has been added to the “City of destination” field that was under the “Work permit issuance in the Global Case Management System (GCMS): Unrestricted.”

Secondly, the NOC field has been updated with instructions on how to enter the NOC code for applications received on or after November 16, 2022.

Moreover, the table under “Open work permit LMIA exemption categories” has been revised to reflect additional types of spouses or common-law partners eligible to apply for an LMIA-exempt open work permit (for example, spouses of CSQ holders and spouses of provincial nominees). Previously, the instructions mentioned spouses of skilled workers.

Lastly, two new sections have been added, “Work permit application refusals” and “Previous updates.”

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