Temporary permit issued in accordance with s. 37 of the Charter of the French Language

Holders of such a permit who are duly entered on the roll of the Order become members of the Barreau du Québec. They have the same duties and obligations as other members of the Barreau du Québec: they must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers and hold professional liability insurance with coverage limited to the activities authorized under the temporary permit.

This type of permit is valid for one year and can be renewed up to three times. Holders of a temporary permit must show annually that they have attempted to pass the exams of the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF).

What activities can the holder of such a permit perform?

A temporary permit is subject to the same limits as the permit sought by the applicant, but is issued temporarily for a period of up to one year (can be renewed three times). Thus, depending on the type of permit ultimately sought, the temporary permit will be limited to specific acts or areas of law. 

When a temporary permit is issued, the applicant seeking admission to the profession must already satisfy the other criteria for the issuance of the permit sought, including having the professional skills and the legal knowledge required to practise in the requested areas of law.

Conditions to obtain a temporary permit

You must provide the following original documents:

• the duly completed application for admission to the Barreau du Québec, which will be reviewed by the Committee for Access to the Profession before the application for a temporary permit is referred to the Board of Directors for a decision;
• the duly completed application for a permit issued by the Barreau du Québec;
• all documents that must be submitted with the application for admission (listed in schedules 1 and 2 to the application for admission), including proof of identity and Canadian police clearance;
• your law degree(s);
• a certificate issued by a competent officer of the Bar of which you are a member, attesting that you are legally authorized to practice law and that you have not been disbarred or that your right to practice law outside Quebec has not been limited or suspended;
• the decision of the Equivalences Committee, if applicable;
• a CV setting out your professional background and letters of recommendation, if available; and
• any other document, if required.

How to obtain a permit

Applications for a temporary permit are reviewed by the Secretary of the Order, who ensures that the conditions for the issue of a permit are met. If the conditions are met, the application for admission to the Barreau du Québec is referred to the Committee for Access to the Profession, which, pursuant to section 45 of the Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, must examine whether the applicant has the moral character, conduct, skills, knowledge and qualifications required to practice the profession.

Upon receipt of the decision of the Committee for Access to the Profession declaring the applicant eligible to practice the profession, the application for a temporary permit is submitted to the Board of Directors, which decides whether or not to issue a permit.

It takes at least three months to process an application for a temporary permit. If the application is incomplete, it may take longer. Moreover, the Committee for Access to the Profession may consider it necessary to meet with the applicant.

Once the Board of Directors decides to issue a temporary permit, you must follow the steps outlined below to be entered on the Roll of the Order and to be able to practice within the limits of your temporary permit:

Administrative fees

The permit application fee is $237, payable online by credit card (Visa or MasterCard).

Once you are entered on the Roll of the Order, you must pay the annual membership dues.