Texte: Basile Moratille / Translator’s Francisco Salazar
Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova
Effective February 1, 2025, temporary foreign workers—as well as the spouses and common-law partners attached to a primary permit—will no longer be eligible for employment services in Quebec.
Funded by the Quebec government, these services are delivered by a network of non-profit organizations across the province, many of which operate under the banner of the Réseau des organismes spécialisés dans l’intégration en emploi des nouveaux immigrants (ROSINI).
These organizations are tasked with:
- raising awareness and preparing the foreign workforce for the Quebec labor market: They provide information and support—both in groups and on an individual basis—to help newcomers understand the job market, adapt their communication to local norms, and even prepare for job interviews, among other things,
- facilitating connections between job seekers and employers: They help companies in finding potential candidates who might be a good fit for their needs,
- supporting the overall integration of immigrants: They help ensure that newcomers are successfully integrated into both the workforce and Quebec society.
Previously, these services were reserved for permanent residents—or those obtaining permanent residency—who had lived in Quebec for five years or less. However, to address the growing number of temporary immigrants, access was extended to all foreign nationals living in Quebec who are legally eligible to work.
Now, as part of its strategy to reduce the number of temporary residents in Quebec, the government has decided to cut off access to these services for temporary workers starting February 1, 2025.
Who is affected by this change?
This measure affects some categories of workers, regardless of the specific program they belong to:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This includes those holding a valid work permit at the time of job loss, who may secure new employment under a closed work permit in line with TFWP rules,
- International Mobility Program (IMP) participants: Whether they hold open or closed work permits,
- Spouses and common-law partners: Those going with a principal worker or applicant under the IMP (with an open work permit),
- International Experience Canada (IEC) participants: Individuals taking part in any of the program’s streams.
The Exceptions
As always, there are exceptions:
Existing Registrations: Anyone already enrolled with a partner organization will continue to receive employment services.
Sector-Specific Exceptions: Special provisions are in place for sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and engineering.
Status-Based Exception: International students who graduated in Quebec and hold a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) are also exempt from this change.
Affected individuals are strongly encouraged to register with an organization by January 31, 2024.
Naturally, permanent residents will continue to enjoy full access to these services.
Uncertainties
With the government providing no public notice until less than two days before the measure takes effect, several gray areas are still. For example, it is unclear whether temporary residents holding a valid Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) or those who have already started the process of obtaining permanent residency will be affected.
Additionally, with this reduction in public employment services for temporary foreign workers, questions arise about the future of other supports they currently rely on—such as those offered by Qualifications Québec or Accompagnement Québec.
What alternatives are available?
Employment service organizations, most of which learned of the measure just a week before it goes into effect, are already exploring ways to adjust both their structures and their approaches to serving affected clients.
Keep in mind that, in the absence of an official public statement from the government, most of the available information comes directly from the organizations affected. More details on the implementation of this measure are expected to be released soon.
Meanwhile, feel free to visit our dedicated page on job search support.
