Finding a job in Quebec is not difficult if you possess the skills required in the local job market and can effectively manage your job search. Here are some helpful tips.
Quebec stands out as one of Canada's most dynamic provinces, with the influx of immigrants steadily increasing each year. Your proficiency in English and French, coupled with your determination, network, and qualifications, can make a significant impact in the Quebec job market.
Montreal and Quebec City have the highest concentration of job offers, but opportunities can also be found in various regions of La Belle Province. Dynamic, medium-sized cities like Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, Saint-Hyacinthe, Drummondville, Lévis, Blainville-Sainte-Thérèse, Granby, Chicoutimi, and Rimouski offer a less intense job market competition compared to Montreal and Quebec City.
To learn more about job opportunities in Quebec for foreigners, check out our article on the Quebec job market. For specific details on immigration procedures, refer to the article on work permits in Quebec. Lastly, if you're interested in a career in Quebec's largest city, read our article on working in Montreal.
Work permits in Quebec
To work temporarily in Quebec, you need a job offer from a company in the province. Both you and your employer must then go through the process of obtaining legal authorization to work in Quebec. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers, but certain conditions must be met by both you and your employer. Initially, your prospective employer must request and pay for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Services. Additionally, they must secure a positive labor market impact assessment from the Quebec government.
Meanwhile, you need to submit your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to both the Canadian and Quebec governments, along with the necessary documents. Both authorities process the LMIA application collaboratively. Once the market studies from both confirm that no eligible Canadian or permanent resident is available for the offered position, you can proceed to apply for your work permit. Typically, you'll require a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Quebec government and a work permit issued by the Canadian government to work temporarily in La Belle Province.
Explore the Mobilité francophone program if you're fluent in French, or consider the Jeunes Professionnels permit (details below). Additionally, individuals in specialized professions, like performing artists, may be eligible to work in Canada without work permit, subject to specific conditions. If you're applying for a Working Holiday Permit (WHP) or a post-graduation permit, a job offer is not required. For more details, refer to the immigration and citizenship section on the Canadian government website.
In most cases, the online submission of the work permit application is required through the Canadian government website. After submitting your application, you can track processing times on this page.
Individuals granted a closed work permit are authorized to work solely for a specific, predetermined employer. However, some applicants have the option to obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work without restrictions on the employer. This applies, for example, to the spouse of someone coming to study or work in Canada on a valid permit. In such cases, the spouse isn't required to secure a job before departing. If you plan to prolong your stay in Quebec, it's essential to renew your status at least 30 days before your current work permit expires.
Good to know:
Depending on your country of origin, you might need to apply for a visitor's visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with your work permit. If you're contemplating permanent residency in Quebec, it's important to know that all Canadian provinces and territories, excluding Quebec, have the authority to choose candidates from the Express Entry pool. Therefore, if your goal is to become a permanent resident while living and working in Quebec, you'll need to explore alternative options.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
If your home country has a bilateral agreement with Canada and you fall within the age range of 18 to 30 (or 35 for the French), you have the opportunity to work in Quebec through one of the three IEC programs: the Working Holiday Permit (WHP), the Young Professionals Permit, and the International Co-op Internship Permit. The procedures for the IEC are simpler and quicker compared to the traditional method of obtaining a work permit.
To begin, you need to sign up in the candidate pool on the official Government of Canada website. You have the option to express interest in multiple programs. The organization periodically sends invitations to candidates in the pool to submit their applications. Note that these programs are limited to the number of beneficiaries each year, and once the annual quotas are filled, invitations stop being issued.
The Working Holiday Permit allows you to travel to Canada for one or two years, during which you can work to fund your trip, and you have the flexibility to change employers as you please. On the other hand, the Young Professionals Permit allows you to work for a single employer, which you must secure before your departure. This permit, also valid for a maximum of two years, is tailored to provide you with your initial work experience in Canada, particularly in a field related to your studies. Lastly, if an internship is necessary for continuing your studies in your home country and you have an offer from a Canadian employer, the International Co-op Internship permit would be suitable for you.
Good to know:
The WHP is a program in high demand, and applicants are selected at random. Your chances of coming to Canada will be higher if you apply in the Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship categories.
Looking for work in Quebec
Once you have your work permits for Quebec, you can begin your job search. A number of community and government organizations offer job search assistance. Here's an overview:
Local employment centers (CLE)
There are around 150 CLEs (Centres Locaux d'Emploi) located throughout Quebec, all of which operate under the Quebec Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Solidarity. These centers provide a diverse range of services to Quebec residents in search of employment. At your local CLE, you can access job listings and information on different trades. Additionally, you can utilize computers, phones, fax machines, and printers available on-site. Advisors are present to assist you with crafting your CV and navigating various tools. The CLEs regularly organize group information sessions and workshops on various topics. If needed, CLE staff can also direct you to other job search assistance organizations based on your profile. Note that there are government programs that offer job subsidies for specific groups of workers, such as young individuals, visible minorities, and new permanent residents.
Organizations that help newcomers
There are more than a hundred community organizations dedicated to welcoming and assisting newcomers in Quebec. If you're unsure where to find them, you can reach out to your city's town hall or utilize the search tool provided by the Ministry of Immigration of Quebec.
These organizations offer a wide range of services: advisors can assist you in finding housing, enrolling your children in school, providing workshops on life in Quebec, and, of course, supporting you in your job search. Their services are typically free and open to everyone. In Montreal, some organizations focus on serving specific categories of immigrants, such as women, or address particular issues, like job placement.
On your own
When looking for a job in Quebec from abroad or taking independent steps, it's essential to be aware that the Quebec Emploi and Guichet-Emplois websites are the go-to references in Quebec for job searches. Keep in mind that not all job postings are targeted toward foreign workers. Additionally, you can explore popular online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and the websites of Pôle Emploi, your country's chambers of commerce, and economic missions in Quebec. Consider submitting your CV to specialized recruitment agencies through online portals.
The official website of the Quebec government provides recommendations to enhance your job search in Quebec. You may directly apply to Journées Québec recruitment events and explore company websites based in Quebec.
Good to know:
The Employer Portal is an online tool for Quebec employers to find foreign workers who align with their labor needs. If you've expressed interest in coming to Quebec and have consented to temporary employment, your profile may be visible in employer searches on the Employer Portal.
In Montreal, Quebec City, and smaller cities like Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke, you can personally deliver your CV to employment agencies. Alternatively, you can utilize the 411.ca business directory or explore your local area to identify companies you're interested in. Feel free to walk in, drop off your CV, or inquire about the contact details of the recruitment person — this is a common practice in Quebec.
Good to know:
The government's Emplois d'avenir website provides information on the jobs that are recruiting and will be recruiting in the coming years in Quebec.
Developing your network in Quebec
The most effective way to secure a job is through networking. In Quebec, only about 20% of job offers are advertised in the press or on the Internet, while the remaining 80% are discovered through word-of-mouth, unsolicited applications, or directly approaching companies.
Expand your network by discussing your situation with friends and neighbors, and participate in various events around your city to connect with new people. Some community organizations can even help you find a mentor in your field, assisting you in building your network and understanding the local landscape. Volunteering is another effective way: not only will you make new friends, but Quebec employers also value the fact that you've gained experience in the province. Always be ready to share your contact information whenever the opportunity arises; if an employer is interested, they'll reach out to you.
When it comes to your resume, adapt it to meet Quebec standards. The Quebec CV aligns with the Anglo-Saxon model, being detailed and sometimes extending over two or even three pages. Including contact details for former employers or teachers is also a good practice. Remember, in Canada, we don't include photos on resumes!
Request a comparative evaluation of your studies outside Quebec from the Ministère de l'Immigration de la Francophonie et de l'Intégration (MIFI), or work towards aligning your academic background with Quebec standards.
Know your rights at work in Quebec
As a temporary foreign worker, you have the same labor rights and obligations as all workers in Quebec.
The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) is the government agency overseeing the enforcement of labor laws in Quebec. The CNESST website provides a wealth of valuable information. Check out the "I'm a temporary foreign worker" section, which outlines your rights and responsibilities in the workplace and includes relevant publications like "What you need to know about work".
For agricultural workers, publications on agricultural labor standards in Quebec and injury prevention in agriculture are also available.
The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms protects your fundamental rights and prohibits discrimination. To find out more, visit the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) website.
Useful links:
Emploi-Québec - Practical job search guide, help with CVs and job offers
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