Steps to obtain a CAQ for a temporary foreign worker 

For temporary foreign workers wishing to work in Quebec, obtaining a Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is an essential step. Unlike some immigration procedures, where the applicant must initiate the application himself or herself, under the CAQ for a temporary foreign worker, it is the employer in Quebec who must initiate the process.

To begin the process of applying for a Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for a temporary worker via the Arrima platform, an essential prerequisite must be met: the submission of a joint Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) within the same platform. This preliminary step is crucial, as the CAQ application is intrinsically linked to the LMIA file on Arrima.

1) Access to Arrima

Employers must first log in to their account on the Arrima platform. If the employer does not yet have an account, he or she must first create an account on the Arrima platform, specially designed by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) to facilitate immigration procedures in Quebec. This account will enable employers to manage EIMT and CAQ applications for their foreign employees.

2) Preparing the necessary documents

Before starting the application, the employer must gather all the necessary documents, including :

• Detailed and signed employment contract. The Ministry suggests using the standard employment contract template, known as Contrat de travail type (A-2700-CF) (PDF 171 Kb), for drafting employment contracts.
• Application form for temporary worker selection.
• Supporting documents required for the temporary foreign worker, which must include: a copy of the passport pages including the name, place of birth, and signature of the holder; a detailed, up-to-date CV; copies of diplomas obtained and corresponding transcripts; previous residence authorizations if applicable (such as work permit, study permit, or visitor record); as well as employment attestations confirming professional experience related to the proposed position.

It is essential that the documents provided by the temporary foreign worker are in English or French. Any documentation in another language must be translated, and the translation must be certified by a professional translator.

3) Create CAQ request on Arrima

To initiate a request for a Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for a temporary foreign worker via Arrima, the employer must first locate and select the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) file he/she previously submitted on the platform. This action is essential to link the new CAQ application to a specific labor market assessment that has been submitted.

4) Submission of supporting documents

The employer must upload the supporting documents directly to the Arrima platform. This includes a copy of the employment contract, the temporary worker selection application form and the supporting documents required for the temporary foreign worker.

5) Payment of processing fees

Payment of the CAQ application processing fee is a mandatory step that must be completed online via Arrima. The $222 CAD fee must be paid by the employer for the application to be processed.

6) Application follow-up

Once the application and supporting documents have been submitted, the employer can track the status of the application directly on his Arrima account. MIFI will contact the employer via Arrima for any further questions or to request additional documents.

7) Receipt and transmission of the CAQ to the employee

If the application is approved, the employer will receive the CAQ electronically. It is the employer's responsibility to forward the CAQ to the temporary foreign worker, who must then use it to apply for a work permit from the federal government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the road to obtaining the Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for a temporary foreign worker is proving to be a methodical and essential process for Quebec employers wishing to enrich their team with international skills. The Arrima platform is an essential tool in this process, facilitating exchanges and follow-up between the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) and employers, thus ensuring smooth application management. It is imperative that employers remain attentive to MIFI guidelines and the specific needs of their foreign candidates, to ensure a smooth process and successful integration into their company and the Quebec community.

**Please note that the information presented in this article is subject to change and is provided for reference purposes only; it should not be construed as legal advice. For accurate and personalized immigration advice, we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified lawyer or immigration consultant.