A73 work permit: an advantage for CSQ holders

As part of the immigration process in Quebec, the A73 work permit is intended for holders of a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) who are awaiting permanent residency.

What is the A73 work permit?

The A73 permit is a closed work permit tied to a specific employer in Quebec.

It allows CSQ holders to renew their work permit or obtain a new one without requiring the employer to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This permit significantly simplifies the hiring process or the renewal of a work permit.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the A73 permit, the applicant must meet several conditions:

• Hold a valid work permit;
• Hold a valid CSQ issued by MIFI (Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration);
• Have a job offer from an employer in Quebec, specifically a job offer number obtained following specific steps taken by the employer;
• Currently reside in Quebec and intend to remain there.

Process

The A73 permit application involves several steps:

1. Submission of a job offer by the employer via the IRCC portal, indicating exemption code A73;
2. Preparation of the required documents to be attached to the application: CV, civil status, passport, CSQ, employment contract, recent pay slips, etc.;
3. Payment of fees: $155 for the year 2025 for a closed work permit;
4. Online submission of the application
5. Waiting for IRCC’s decision

Note:

The A73 work permit application can be submitted before or after the federal permanent residence application, as long as the CSQ is valid.

This is not the case for the A75 permit, an open work permit. It is intended for holders of a valid CSQ who have already submitted their permanent residence application.

Duration and renewal

The A73 permit is generally valid for a period of up to two years, depending on the applicant’s passport validity.

However, it is possible to obtain a new A73 permit if the duration of the first issued permit is less than two years. This is subject to providing a new job offer and the required documents.

However, this permit cannot be renewed once the maximum duration has been reached. As a general rule, the decision on the permanent residence application is made within those two years.

Benefits of the A73 permit

• LMIA exemption, which significantly simplifies procedures, costs, and timelines for the employer;
• Professional stability and the possibility of changing jobs during the processing of the permanent residence application.

For family members:

The spouse or common-law partner is generally eligible for an open work permit with the same duration as the principal applicant’s permit.

For dependent children, separate procedures must be undertaken: a work permit, study permit, or visitor record (depending on their age and level of education).

Questions about the steps to follow? Our professionals are available to accompany you throughout the process : info@immetis.com