Temporary Permit for Project

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 application must be for a specific project.
• You must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the field and project for which you are applying. To demonstrate this, you are required to submit engineering experience validated by a reference of your choice (such as a manager, supervisor, colleague, customer, or supplier) who can attest to your competence.

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 :

• Complete the Application Form
• Gather the required documents. See page 2 of the application form for a complete list of the documents required, based on your profile.
• Send the completed form and your documents to the OIQ by email at [email protected].

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.