Travailler au Québec

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Job Market

Some strategies can help newcomers face challenges entering the workforce.

Key messages

  • Before you arrive in Québec, find out about the steps you will need to take to get your skills recognized. This can give you a better chance of finding a job.
  • Don’t be discouraged if finding a job that matches your aspirations takes time. Your experience and skills are valuable assets.
  • Accepting a temporary job or a job in another field can open the door to a job you really want in the future.

Realities of Québec’s job market

Did you know?

Immigrant and refugee workers play a major role in Québec’s economy. In several sectors, this population makes up 1 in 5 workers.

Examples include management of companies and enterprises (20.7%), health and social services (18.8%), finance and insurance (20.2%), information and culture (18.7%) and transportation and warehousing (21.5%).

Source: Statistics Canada, 2025.

Québec offers job opportunities in many sectors. However, immigrants and refugees often face challenges entering the workforce.

For example:

  • Trouble getting your diplomas, qualifications and skills obtained abroad recognized
  • Not having work experience in Canada or Québec
  • Meeting the requirements of professional orders (engineers, doctors, nurses, etc.)
  • Dealing with the language barrier
  • Experiencing prejudice or discrimination during the hiring process
  • TFW The length of your work permit and renewing your permit

This can have several consequences, such as:

Unemployment

Unemployment is when you want to work, but can’t find a job.

  • In Canada, the unemployment rate for immigrants who have been in the country for less than 5 months is higher than for people born in the country.
  • In Québec, the unemployment rate is almost 2 times higher for immigrants and refugees than for people born in the province.

Deskilling

Deskilling is when your job is below your education or skill level.

This phenomenon often affects immigrants and refugees in Canada and Québec. These people sometimes wait years before finding a job in their field. During this time, they are unable to gain relevant local experience. Sometimes they even have to go back to school in the same field.

Job insecurity

TFW Temporary foreign workers occupy some of the most precarious jobs in Québec. A closed work permit also makes it harder to change jobs and makes workers more dependent on their employer.

Important

TFW Occupational injuries and deaths are 2 times more common for temporary foreign workers than for the general population (Porter 2019). This is because temporary foreign workers tend to hold more dangerous jobs.

The language barrier also increases the risk. In Québec, 2 out of 3 temporary foreign workers don’t speak French or English (MIFI 2023, p.16). This makes it difficult to understand safety standards and rules.

To learn about workers’ rights and obligations and to protect yourself, see Workplace and Rights.

Important

TFW IS The criteria to get an open work permit for family members can change. It is important to be aware of them, since this can affect the financial stability of your family.

Myth: EI “The important thing is to find a job quickly when you arrive in Québec, since work is health.”

Having a job is no guarantee of good mental health. For example, a precarious job can help financially when you arrive. But this can be hard in the long term, especially when you were selected for your skills. Underemployed economic immigrants have a higher risk of developing mental and physical health issues. Resources are available to guide you and help you find meaningful work.

Source: Shankar, J., Chen, S. P., Lai, D. W. L., Joseph, S., Narayanan, R., Suleman, Z., Ali, H. M. A., & Kharat, P., 2024

Effects on your well-being

Unemployment, deskilling and job insecurity can:

  • Cause financial hardship
  • Complicate long-term planning (savings, family planning, etc.)
  • Increase uncertainty and stress
  • Reduce self-confidence
  • Impact personal relationships

“When I first came to Québec, I thought it would be easy to find a job with my engineering degree. After applying to many jobs with no reply, I started to doubt my skills and the value of my degree here. Feeling powerless was hard, but I kept going. I went through the process of having my skills recognized, and today, I have a job I love.”

Know that these situations do not reflect your abilities or value. Having long-term goals can give you a sense of direction and help you stay motivated.

If you are having trouble, talk to someone you know or a health and social services professional.

To find out more

Important

TFW IS Your migration status can create a lot of uncertainty and instability for you and family members accompanying you.

Having a temporary status makes it harder to access services, find a stable job and integrate into Québec society long term.

How to enter the workforce more easily

Tips:

Developing and highlighting your skills

Did you know?

After applying for a job, it is normal not to receive an answer right away. Don’t worry: wait times can vary.

Adapting your CV to Québec’s standards: This can help you get noticed by employers.

  • List your most recent experience first
  • Don’t include a photo, your age or your marital status
  • Use keywords that are easy to understand

To find out more: Preparing Your Application | Government of Québec.

Using employment assistance services: They can help you write your CV, prepare for interviews and understand Québec’s job market. To find out more : Employment Integration Resources.

Important

IS TFW With a temporary status, access to employment assistance services may be limited. Ask the organization for more information. 

Getting your skills acquired abroad recognized: If your trade or profession is regulated, this can help you get a licence. Educational institutions also offer services to help you get part of your studies and experiences recognized. To find out more : Recognition of skills acquired abroad | Government of Québec.

Use career transition programs: They can help you write your CV, prepare for interviews and understand Québec’s job market. To find out more : Changing Careers | Government of Québec.

Going back to school: This can be a good way to meet new people and enter Québec’s workforce more easily. To find out more: Return to School | Government of Québec.

Adjusting your approach

Stay flexible : A temporary job or job outside your field can give you recognized work experience in Canada or Québec. This can open the door to better opportunities in the future.

Be patient

Highlight your skills : Your knowledge, skills and experience are assets. Use them in your current job, volunteer work or other situations.

Networking

Networking means building and maintaining potentially useful professional relationships (advice, job opportunities, etc.).

Word of mouth: Someone you know can recommend you to their employer or let you know about an opportunity.

Trade shows and job fairs: These events are a chance to meet employers who are hiring. There are usually also workshops to improve your CV or job search techniques. To find out more: Salons et foires de l’emploi | Government of Québec [in French].

Professional mentoring program: There are programs in several fields. To find out more : Programmes de mentorat | Mentorat Québec [in French].

Professional “5 à 7” events: Generally held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., these social activities are an opportunity to build your network or strengthen existing relationships.

Volunteering: See Volunteering.

Using online resources and temporary placement services

Job search websites:

Important

Beware of fraudulent job offers. Dishonest people create fake job offers to steal money or personal information.

Be cautious if:

  • You receive a job offer by text or email, even though you never applied
  • A job offer involves receiving money in your bank account and sending part of it to someone else
  • The offer promises that you will earn a lot of money quickly, especially working from home

IS Job banks at educational institutions: Most CEGEPs and universities have a job and internship bank on their website.

Temporary placement agencies: It is best to be hired directly by a company. If this is not possible, a temporary placement agency can act as an intermediary and assign you to different workplaces. Make sure you have a valid work permit linking you to the agency before you start work.

Important

Beware of fraudulent temporary placement agencies.

All temporary placement agencies must have a valid licence from the CNESST.

To protect yourself:

  • Research the agency online.
  • Check its status in the CNESST’s list of licenced agencies.
  • Be cautious if the agency has no physical office with a fixed address.

Sources

 Hanley, J. & L. Castracani. (2024). Accès aux soins de santé pour les travailleuses et les travailleurs étrangers temporaires. https://sherpa-recherche.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Webinaire_MidiSHERPA_6-novembre-2024_2h.pdf

Hilario, C. T., Oliffe, J. L., Wong, J. P., Browne, A. J., & Johnson, J. L. (2018). “Just as Canadian as Anyone Else”? Experiences of Second-Class Citizenship and the Mental Health of Young Immigrant and Refugee Men in Canada. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(2), 210‑220. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988317743384

Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC). (2023). Infographie : L’immigration, ça compte pour le secteur des soins de santé du Canada. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/documents/pdf/francais/infographique/immigration-ca-compte-infographie_sante-fr.pdf

Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC). (2024). Avantages de l’immigration dans les secteurs d’activité canadiens. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/campagnes/immigration-ca-compte/assurer-croissance-canada.html

Institut de la statistique du Québec. (2024). Rémunération horaire moyenne et rémunération hebdomadaire moyenne, résultats pour les personnes immigrantes et celles nées au Canada, Québec, Ontario et Canada, 2006-2025. Gouvernement du Québec. https://statistique.quebec.ca/fr/produit/tableau/remuneration-horaire-et-remuneration-hebdomadaire-resultats-pour-les-personnes-immigrantes-et-celles-nees-au-canada-quebec-ontario-et-canada#tri_tertr=1&tri_sexe=5

Picot, G. et F. Hou. (2020). A Canada–U.S. Comparison of the Economic Outcomes of STEM Immigrants. Statistique Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2020016-eng.htm

Porter, A. (2019). Les travailleurs étrangers plus en proie aux blessures. La Terre de chez nous. https://www.laterre.ca/actualites/vie-rurale/les-travailleurs-etrangers-plus-en-proie-aux-blessures/

Shankar, J., Chen, S. P., Lai, D. W. L., Joseph, S., Narayanan, R., Suleman, Z., Ali, H. M. A., & Kharat, P. (2024). Mental health challenges of recent immigrants in precarious work environments — a qualitative study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, Article 1428276. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1428276

Statistique Canada. (2024). Tableau 14-10-0082-01 Caractéristiques de la population active selon le statut d’immigrant, moyennes mobiles de trois mois, données non désaisonnalisées. Gouvernement du Canada. https://doi.org/10.25318/1410008201-fra

Statistique Canada. (2025). Tableau 98-10-0597-01 Statistiques du revenu d’emploi selon les secteurs d’industries, le plus haut niveau de scolarité, le statut d’immigrant et la période d’immigration, le travail pendant l’année de référence, l’âge et le genre : Canada, provinces et territoires, régions métropolitaines de recensement et agglomérations de recensement y compris les parties. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/fr/tv.action?pid=9810059701

Employment Integration Resources

Different resources offer services to make this essential step easier.

Key messages

  • You are not alone in the integration process. Services designed for people in your situation can help.
  • Services that help you get your skills recognized can explain the steps required to practise a regulated trade or profession.
  • Employment assistance services can help you look for a job and prepare for interviews.

Where to start

These two resources can help you get started and direct you to the right services to:

  • Get your skills recognized
  • Enter the workforce

Their staff understands immigrants and refugees experience.

Accompagnement Québec

Accompagnement Québec

  • Free and personalized public service for immigrants and refugees
  • Accessible abroad and throughout Québec
  • Access to an integration assistance agent from the MIFI
  • Needs assessment (settling in, recognition of skills, employment, French classes, immigration. etc.)
  • Personalized action plan
  • R Support for the specific needs of sponsored refugees
  • Accompagnement Québec | Government of Québec 

Community organizations offering support to immigrants and refugees

Getting your skills recognized

Regulated trades and professions

In Québec, many jobs and professions are legally regulated. To perform them, you must get authorization or a licence.

To find out if your profession or trade is regulated, you can:

To find out more: Having skills acquired abroad recognized if your trade or profession is regulated in Québec | Government of Québec 

If your trade or profession is regulated, you can start the process before you leave or when you arrive in Québec. Register for Accompagnement Québec | Government of Québec service for assistance from an IAA. 

Important

Getting your skills acquired abroad recognized can take time. Sometimes, the process can be unsuccessful.

Financial assistance

Having your skills acquired abroad recognized can be expensive.

Find out if your trade or profession is eligible for the Financial assistance program for skills recognition (PAFFARC) | Government of Québec. This program offers financial assistance to take refresher training and get your skills recognized by a regulatory body.

Comparative evaluation of studies done outside Québec

The comparative evaluation compares the school systems of Québec and other countries and provides an expert opinion for information purposes only. It is not the equivalent of a diploma.

Important

This process involves wait times and fees (for example, to translate documents that are not in French or English).

Getting a comparative evaluation can help you demonstrate your skills to:

  • An employer, when you are looking for a job
  • An educational institution, if you would like to study in Québec
  • A regulatory body

To find out more: Having skills acquired abroad recognized by an employer | Government of Québec

Employment services

Free services can help you with your job search.

“Employment services can offer valuable support. Don’t hesitate to contact a resource near you to find out what services or activities are available. Some organizations offer assistance specifically for immigrants and refugees.”

Services Québec

Employment services

Services for students

IS Some CEGEPs and universities can help their students and graduates find a job or provide them with career advice. Contact your educational institution to find out if they are available to you. 

Sources

Cameron, D. (2023, 4 octobre). Des travailleurs immigrants demandent une action collective contre une agence. La Presse.  https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2023-10-04/systeme-illicite-de-placement/des-travailleurs-immigrants-demandent-une-action-collective-contre-une-agence.php

Centre social d’aide aux immigrants (CSAI). (s. d.). Immigrer au Canada – 10 conseils pour trouver un emploi au Québec. https://centrecsai.org/trouver-emploi-quebec/

La Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). (2026). Registre des titulaires de permis d’agence. https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/demarches-formulaires/agences-placement-personnel-recrutement/permis-agences/registre-titulaires-permis-agence

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). À propos de l’évaluation comparative. https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/travailler-quebec/faire-reconnaitre-competences-acquises-etranger/obtenir-evaluation-comparative/comprendre

Qualifications Québec. (2026). Comprendre la reconnaissance des compétences. https://qualificationsquebec.com/comprendre-la-reconnaissance-des-competences/

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Connaître les professions et les métiers réglementés. https://www.quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-reglemente/connaitre-professions-metiers-reglementes

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Faire reconnaître vos compétences acquises à l’étranger par un employeur. https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/travailler-quebec/faire-reconnaitre-competences-acquises-etranger/par-employeur

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Faire reconnaître vos compétences acquises à l’étranger si votre métier ou profession est réglementé au Québec. https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/travailler-quebec/faire-reconnaitre-competences-acquises-etranger/par-organisme-reglementation

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Faire reconnaître vos compétences acquises à l’étranger par un établissement d’enseignement. https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/travailler-quebec/faire-reconnaitre-competences-acquises-etranger/par-etablissement-enseignement

Gouvernement du Québec. (2023). Individu admissible – Guide des mesures et des services. 2.1 Clientèle individus admissibles à l’offre de services d’emploi. https://www.accueil.servicesquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/fichiers_ServicesQC/guide_mesures_services/02_Generalites/02_1_Clientele_individu_admissible/02_1_Clientele_individu_admissible.pdf

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Trouver un organisme d’aide à l’emploi. https://www.quebec.ca/emploi/trouver-emploi-stage/organismes-aide

Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Salons et foire de l’emploi. https://www.quebec.ca/emploi/trouver-emploi-stage/salons-emploi

Workplace and Rights

Taking the time to get familiar with local practices in the workplace and learn about labour laws can help you feel more confident.

Key messages

  • It is normal to need time to adjust to a workplace. Asking questions, building relationships and keeping an open mind can help.
  • In Québec, all workers have rights, regardless of their migration status.
  • Specialized resources are available to help you with certain processes and assert your labour rights.

Adjusting to a new workplace

Joining a new workplace can be stressful. Some ways of doing things or expectations may be new to you. It is very normal to feel uncertain, be afraid of making mistakes or feel alone.

You may also feel uncomfortable or that your skills are not recognized.

Tips:

  • Keep an open mind and try not to compare it with what you are used to.
  • Observe how other people do things and behave at work.
  • Talk to and build relationships with your colleagues and supervisors.
  • Ask questions to improve your understanding and prevent miscommunication.
  • If possible, find an experienced colleague to guide you.

“I had trouble finding a job in my field while I was studying, even with a degree and a background in education. In interviews, I got the impression that my experience wasn’t recognized. A friend recommended that I get involved with a community organization. The staff there soon recognized my skills and gave me responsibilities. This experience allowed me to get advice, expand my network and build my confidence.”

  • Be patient with and kind to yourself.
  • Get involved with a community organization or volunteer to get familiar with local practices.
  • Participate in an Objectif Intégration information session to learn about local workplace norms and Québec’s labour laws.

Quiz

 

Résultats

#1. In 2023, what percentage of workers in Québec used French almost all the time at work?

Around 66% of workers in Québec used French at least 90% of the time at work (Office québécois de la langue française, 2023).

Précédente
Sauvegarder ma réponse

Knowing your rights

Important

In Québec, some laws don’t apply to all job categories. Find out about Workers who are not covered | CNESST.

In Québec, all workers have rights, regardless of their immigration status.

Different laws regulate working conditions. Click on each theme to find out more.

Labour standards

Did you know?

Employers who do not respect labour standards can face fines or legal action.

Workers are entitled to minimum standards for :

Important

Labour standards can vary by occupation.

Health and safety at work

Workers have the right to :

Discrimination and harassment

Workers have the right to:

Did you know?

In Québec, some jobs are unionized. In these cases, working conditions are defined by a “collective agreement,” a contract negotiated between the union and the employer. This provides additional protections for unionized workers.

Specific circumstances of temporary statuses

TFW Know that you have the same rights as all workers in Québec. This means that your employer does not have the right to:

  • Confiscate your official documents or personal belongings
  • Steal your money
  • Force you to work or to provide services that are not in your job description

Stay alert and find out what obligations employers must respect.

To find out more

TFW If you work in the agricultural sector, these brochures in French, English and Spanish are for you:

IS You can work on campus or off campus while you study if certain conditions are met. Check which conditions apply before you start working to maintain your right to stay in Canada.

To find out more

Asserting your rights

Asserting your rights does not affect your migration status, even if an employer says otherwise.

Here are some tips if you experience a dispute or injustice at work:

  • Talking to someone you trust (coworker, friend, etc.) can provide you with emotional support, validation and advice.
  • Ask government agencies that promote labour rights or your union (if you have one) for information about certain processes (filing a complaint, getting compensation, etc.).
  • Contact a community organization to talk about your situation and receive confidential support.

Help exercising your rights

Government agencies

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST)

  • Promotes labour rights and obligations in Québec
  • Offers services for workers in certain sectors who are authorized to work, regardless of their immigration status
    • Prevention of work-related psychosocial and physical risks
    • Information and training about rights and obligations
    • Compensation for industrial accidents and occupational diseases
    • Reporting and filing complaints
  • 1-844-838-0808
  • Client services | CNESST

Unions

Unionized workers can get assistance from their union.

  • Occupational health and safety issues
  • Advice and representation if your employer does not respect working conditions
  • Information about rights and obligations

Community organizations

Au bas de l’échelle

  • Free and confidential services for non-unionized workers
  • Information about your labour rights and options
  • Training on various topics (labour laws, psychological and sexual harassment, temporary placement agencies)
  • 514-270-7878
  • Accueil | Au bas de l’échelle [in French]

Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI)

  • Free and confidential services for workers who are immigrants or refugees, regardless of their immigration status
  • Information about rights, options and immigration and labour issues
  • French, English, Spanish
  • 514-342-2111
  • info@iwc-cti.ca
  • Home | IWC-CTI

Info Salud PTET-CALFA

  • TFW Free services for TFWs with a closed work permit
  • Listening service
  • Individual psychosocial support and group support sessions (Spanish-language services available to anyone who speaks Spanish, regardless of immigration status)
  • Information on health care services and occupational health and safety
  • Medical consultations for non-urgent needs
  • French, English, Spanish
  • Phone, WhatsApp, email
  • 1 888-286-7584
  • WhatsApp: 514-776-7120
  • SoutienTET@calfa.ca
  • Hola, ¿ còmo podemos ayudarte? | Info Salud PTET-CALFA

Réseau d’aide aux travailleuses et travailleurs migrants agricoles du Québec (RATTMAQ)

  • TFW Services for TFWs in the agricultural and food processing sector
  • Reception at the airport, guidance and mental health and legal support
  • Phone and chat
  • WhatsApp: 514-415-8077
  • Montérégie, Montréal and Laval: 1 514-415-8077
  • Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches: 1 581-849-7941
  • Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: 1 581-574-8174
  • Accueil | RATTMAQ

Translation and interpretation services for temporary foreign workers | Service d’interprète d’aide et de référence aux immigrants

  • TFW Free services for TFWs with a closed work permit
  • Translation and interpretation services in 52 languages and dialects (document translation or interpretation in situations such as job loss, an accident, illness, etc.)
  • Services offered remotely
  • Phone, WhatsApp, video call and email
  • 1 514-585-4763
  • TET@siari.org
  • Translation and interpretation | InfoTET

To explore further

Sources

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST). (2021). Entreprise de compétence fédérale. https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/demarches-formulaires/employeurs/dossier-dassurance-lemployeur/types-protection/entreprise-competence-federale

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST). (2026). Travailleuses et travailleurs non visés. https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/conditions-travail/categories-travailleuses-travailleurs/travailleuses-travailleurs-non-vises

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST). (2025). Santé psychologique. https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/prevention-securite/sante-psychologique

Educaloi. (2025). Les normes du travail fédérales. https://educaloi.qc.ca/capsules/normes-travail-federales/

Emploi et Développement social Canada. (2024). Comment signaler un abus des travailleurs étrangers temporaires. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.canada.ca/fr/emploi-developpement-social/services/travailleurs-etrangers/signaler-abus.html

Emploi et Développement social Canada. (2025). Travailleurs étrangers temporaires – Vos droits sont protégés. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.canada.ca/fr/emploi-developpement-social/services/travailleurs-etrangers/droits-proteges.html

Frozzini, J., Gonin, A. & Lorrain, M.-J. (2019). Dynamiques interculturelles en milieu de travail et associatif : des enjeux incontournables pour une participation démocratique des néo-Québécois. Communiquer, (25), 79–97.

Gouvernement du Québec. (2025). Les normes du travail au Québec.  https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/normes-du-travail-quebec.pdf

Immigrant Québec. (2024). Nouveau service de traduction et d’interprétariat pour les TET. https://www.infotetquebec.com/traduction-et-interpretariat/

Institut national de la santé publique. (2025). Enquête québécoise sur des conditions de travail, d’emploi, de santé et de sécurité au travail.  https://www.inspq.qc.ca/publications/1336#:~:text=Le%20chapitre%204%20dresse%20un%20portrait%20des%20dimensions

IU SHERPA. (2023). Accès aux soins de santé pour les travailleurs migrants. Cahier des personnes participantes. https://sherpa-recherche.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cahier_participants.pdf

Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale. (2025). Le code du travail en question et réponses. Gouvernement du Québec. https://www.travail.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/fichiers/Documents/code_travail/CodeTravailQR.pdf

Ministère du Travail du Québec. (2021). La convention collective. Gouvernement du Québec. https://www.travail.gouv.qc.ca/publications/liste-par-themes/le-code-du-travail-en-questions-et-reponses/la-convention-collective/

Office québécois de la langue française. (2025). Communiqué 2024. Étude sur la langue de travail au Québec À Montréal, 43 % des personnes utilisent généralement ou exclusivement le français au travail. Gouvernement du Québec. https://www.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/office/communiques/2024/20240307_etude_langue_travail_quebec_montreal.aspx