A work permit and permanent status are different things: the permit itself gives the right to work in Canada under its stated conditions, but it doesn’t guarantee permanent residence. Its value lies in the fact that working in Canada can become experience, and Canadian or Quebec experience is now highly valued and earns points in several programs, including Entrée Express. Below is what the material covers and which criteria may change.
A work permit and status are not the same thing
A work permit allows a person to work wherever they are located in Canada, under the conditions stated in it. A closed permit (tied to a specific employer) restricts more than an open one, but in both cases it’s a right to work. Permanent status is a separate process, in which the applicant competes with those who don’t have a work permit at all.
In the case discussed, the husband had a closed permit and lost his job, while the wife had an open permit for three years. It was she who accumulated work experience, and thanks to that she obtained a CSQ, and now the family is applying for permanent residence. So having a permit doesn’t equal experience: experience only accrues through actual work.
How work experience helps in Entrée Express
Work experience in Canada or Quebec can give an advantage. If an applicant has Canadian experience, they can move into the Canadian experience category, where, according to the description, proof of funds isn’t required. Language proficiency requirements in this category are also lower: the skilled worker category requires level 7 in all skills.
What may change starting in 2027
The current criteria of the Quebec program, according to the speaker, will be repealed in July 2027: they were originally set to last two years. An extension is possible, but in that case the criteria would become void and new ones would appear. If the Parti Québécois comes to power, in the speaker’s view, the underlying philosophy will likely stay the same.
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