Please note that some pages are only available in French.
The temporary permit allows any competent person to practise engineering in Quebec on a specific and time-limited project. However, it is not a fast track to membership. For a long-term career, it is essential to obtain a regular permit.
If you are already a member of another engineering association in Canada, you can benefit from a streamlined registration process by choosing to apply for a regular permit. You’ll benefit from an easier, faster and less expensive process. To know more, visit the Members of a Canadian Association page.
If you have an engineering degree from France and would like to establish yourself in Quebec to practise engineering on a long-term basis rather than on a temporary project, please consult the Graduates from France section.
The temporary permit allows competent individuals to work as engineers in Quebec on a specific and time-limited project. It is available only to those who meet the required experience and competencies. Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
The temporary permit is valid for a period of one year, and may be renewed as many times as necessary for a specific project and a specific job, provided you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the French language.
If you cannot prove this, renewal is subject to passing an examination at the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) in Montreal. In the event of a failed exam, renewal is limited to a maximum of 3 consecutive attempts.
For more information, see the language requirements page.
To submit an application for a temporary permit to the Order :
The processing time for this permit is usually 8 to 10 weeks.
Multiple permits: It’s possible to have more than one temporary permit, either simultaneously or consecutively, as long as you can prove that you have sufficient knowledge of French. However, if you are not fluent in French and have already obtained a first temporary permit for a project, you will not be able to obtain a second permit. In this case, we suggest you contact us to explore your options.
Please note that it is not possible to hold a temporary permit while applying for a regular permit. You must first have the temporary permit terminated before you can apply for a regular permit.
If you have any questions about temporary permits, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1 800 461-6141, option 1.
To renew your permit, contact the OIQ at least 4 months before its expiration. You will receive an email inviting you to fill in a form (for yourself and, if applicable, your collaborator), provide a letter from your employer, and pay the renewal fees. Unless you have already demonstrated sufficient proficiency in French, you will need to take a French exam within the 12 months preceding your renewal request. Failure to meet this requirement may result in your application being denied.
If you carry out reserved professional activities in private practice, you must subscribe to the group contract of complementary professional liability insurance issued by the OIQ’s exclusive broker. This applies at least to the work related to the project for which you are applying for a temporary permit. You will be required to provide the OIQ with proof and detail of this insurance.
For more information, see Appendix 4 of the Temporary Permit Application Form.
Fees are charged for the OIQ’s review of your temporary permit application and must be paid at the time of application. They vary according to your profile and your academic and professional background. To find out whether your country of study is one with or without an agreement, consult this page.
| Your profile | Admission Fees | Renewal Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Member of another canadian association | $ 1462.87 | $ 1127.87 |
| Foreign-trained professional from a country WITH agreement | $ 1462.87 | $ 1127.87 |
| Foreign-trained professional from a country WITHOUT agreement | $ 2882.87 | $ 1127.87 |
If you need more information on the steps to follow to practice engineering in Quebec, please contact us.