Immigration to Quebec

Quebec is the largest province in Canada by area and the second largest by population. It boasts a rich culture, a strong economy, and breathtaking natural beauty. That’s why many people dream of living in Quebec after moving to Canada.

There are different ways to immigrate to Quebec. These options offer good opportunities for individuals and families seeking a better life. In this simple guide, we’ll explain the main paths to move to Quebec.

We’ll talk about immigration for workers, students, business owners, and entrepreneurs. We’ll also explore Quebec’s unique language and culture, which make it a distinct place to live.

Why Immigration to Quebec?

We completely understand that when it comes to immigrating to Canada, the first choice for many individuals is often the major, well-known cities like Vancouver and Toronto.
These cities are heavily featured in the media, and their large immigrant populations have become associated with the idea of success. But allow us to suggest a broader perspective and introduce a lesser-known, yet remarkably smart, alternative: the province of Quebec.

Why Consider Quebec for Immigration:

What should we know before immigrating to Quebec?

• More Immigration Control Than Any Other Province:
  Quebec has had its immigration ministry since 1968, giving it more authority than other provinces.
• Expanded Powers Over Time:
  The province has gradually gained more control over the federal government in selecting its immigrants.
• Selection of Skilled Workers:
  Quebec is responsible for choosing skilled workers who wish to live and work in the province.
• Two-Step Immigration Process:
  • Step One – Quebec Selection (CSQ):
    • Quebec evaluates applicants based on its criteria.
    • If selected, you receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) for yourself and your family.
  • Step Two – Federal Review:
    • After obtaining the CSQ, you apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence.

Immigration to Quebec: Pathways

Quebec offers different immigration programs for different types of applicants. Below are the main options. Keep in mind, immigration rules can change from time to time, we do our best to keep everything up to date.

🆕 Québec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Looking to live and work in Québec? The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is the new way to get permanent residence in Québec. It is more focused and faster than the old program.

Who Can Apply?

• Are 18 or older
• Plan to live and work in Québec in a job you are qualified for
• Have at least 2 years of paid work experience in your main occupation
  • At least 1 year must be in Québec, full-time or equivalent
• Meet language requirements:
  • French: Level 5 or higher
  • If you have a spouse or partner, they must have at least Level 4 in speaking and listening

How to Apply?

1. Declare your interest: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Wait for an invitation: If selected, you receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection
3. Submit your application: Provide all required documents

Required Documents

• Proof of work experience
• Educational credentials
• Language test results
• Identity and civil status documents
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency

Key Differences and Advantages Compared to QSWP

Feature	PSTQ	QSWP (Old Program)
Focus on in-demand jobs	Yes, prioritizes jobs with labor shortage	No, general skilled worker selection
French language	Strong French is required and gives higher points	French recommended but less strict
Experience in Québec	At least 1 year of Québec work experience is required	Not required
Faster selection	More targeted and quicker invitations	Slower, larger pool of applicants
No job offer needed	Yes	Usually helpful but not always required

Why PSTQ is better?

• Focuses on the jobs Québec really needs
• Higher chance for applicants with French skills and Québec experience
• Faster and simpler process than the old QSWP

🟠 Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is one of the main ways to move to Quebec if you want to live and work there. It works independently from Canada’s Express Entry and follows its own rules.

Quebec uses this program to choose people who can help the economy and settle well in its mostly French-speaking society.

If you’re accepted, you get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Then you can apply to the Canadian government for permanent residence.

Key Features

• Points system: You get points for things like education, work experience, age, French skills, and adaptability.
  More points = better chance
• No job offer needed: You don’t need a job offer to apply, but if you have one, you get extra points.
• French language matters: Speaking French is a big plus. But if you meet other requirements, you may still qualify without it.

Steps to Apply

1. Check your eligibility:
   • Education: You need a valid diploma or degree. Quebec must recognize it.
   • Work experience: At least 3 years of work in a job from Quebec’s in-demand list.
   • Age: Must be within the allowed age limit.
   • Language: You need a good French test score.
   • Points: You must reach a passing score in the Arrima system.
   • Job type: Your job must match Quebec’s in-demand jobs.
2. Some in-demand jobs in Quebec include:
   Banking, marketing, IT, software, healthcare, social work, food services, construction, transportation, and web development.
3. Show intent to live in Quebec:
   You must promise to stay in Quebec after moving.
4. Create an Arrima profile:
   Fill in your details online, education, work, language, etc.
5. Apply for CSQ:
   If you meet the criteria, send your request for the Quebec Selection Certificate.
6. Selection by Quebec:
   The government picks new immigrants from Arrima based on points.
7. Apply to the federal government:
   Once you get the CSQ, send your full application to the Canadian government. They will check your health, security, and other documents.
8. Apply for permanent residence:
   Fill out the forms, pay the fees, and submit your documents.
9. Get your visa:
   After approval, you’ll receive your immigration visa and can move to Quebec.

Processing Time

It depends on your profile, your country, and how complete your documents are. After getting your CSQ, the federal process usually takes a few months.

🟠 Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast-track immigration pathway designed for foreign workers and international students who are currently living in Quebec. To be eligible, applicants must have advanced proficiency in French and be able to demonstrate work or study experience within the province.

This program offers a straightforward route to permanent residence for those who have already adapted to Quebec’s society and labor market. The PEQ (Programme de l’expérience québécoise) was launched in 2019, and since then, many immigrants have successfully settled in Quebec through this program.

The Quebec government encourages foreign workers employed in the province and international students who have completed a diploma or degree in Quebec to apply for permanent residency. On July 22, 2020, some changes were made to the eligibility requirements of the PEQ.

How to Apply?

For students to immigrate and gain residency through the PEQ, they must have studied full-time in Quebec and obtained one of the following credentials:

• Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) with a total of 1,800 study hours
• DEP combined with an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP) totaling 1,800 study hours
• Diploma of College Studies (DEC), specialized training
• Bachelor’s degree (Baccalauréat)
• Master’s degree (Maîtrise) or MBA
• Doctorate (Doctorat)

The diploma or degree must be issued by a university or educational institution in Quebec and approved by the government. Additionally, the international student must have lived in Quebec for at least half of their study period and must also have the required work experience.

Another important point is that the student must have intermediate to advanced knowledge of French and be able to prove their French language skills through one of the following methods:

• Completion of a French-language study program
• Full-time study in French language for at least three years at an educational institution
• Passing a recognized French language test, such as the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) or other exams
• Meeting the language requirements of a professional body in Quebec

Foreign workers temporarily employed in Quebec who want to apply through the PEQ must be working in an occupation listed among the in-demand jobs specified by the program.

This list includes professions that are highly sought after in Quebec’s labor market. Before submitting their application, candidates must have at least 12 months of work experience in that occupation. The requirements for workers applying under the PEQ are:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Reside in Quebec and continue working there
• Hold a valid work permit for employment in Quebec
• Have at least 12 months of work experience in Quebec
• Achieve the required score in French language proficiency tests
  

🟠 Quebec Entrepreneur or Business Program (QEP)

Quebec offers various options for Canadian entrepreneurs, investors, and startup owners interested in establishing businesses. The goal of these programs is to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program operates on a points-based system like other immigration programs. If applicants earn the minimum required points, they will be invited for an interview. This method has advantages that other programs do not offer, including:

• No university degree is required.
• Applicants can easily obtain permanent residency for themselves and their family members.
• You can bring your spouse and children under the age of 22 with you to Canada.

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program has specific requirements, which are detailed below.

How does it Work?

Several entrepreneur programs in Quebec provide opportunities for capable and entrepreneurial individuals to immigrate or invest in the province. The Quebec Entrepreneur Program has two main pathways.

● First Pathway

In this pathway, applicants must reside in Quebec. A business accelerator, business incubator, or university entrepreneurship center must support the applicant’s business. Business owners can implement their plan alone or together with up to three other foreign nationals who have also applied under this program.

• Business Accelerators: Organizations in Quebec that provide support services, especially helping entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to find funding.
• Business Incubators: Organizations that offer supervisory services to entrepreneurs.
• University Entrepreneurship Centers: Entities managed by universities or academic institutions providing consulting services to entrepreneurs.

Applicants must submit a business plan to Quebec and complete all required forms available on the Ministry of Immigration and Quebec Development website.

Requirements for the First Pathway:

• Obtain at least 41 points
• Have at least two years of business ownership or management experience within the last five years
• Know the French language
• Possess at least a high school diploma
• Have financial resources
• Submit a business plan
• Provide a service proposal certificate from a business accelerator, incubator, or university entrepreneurship center
• Intend to reside in Quebec

● Second Pathway

In this pathway, applicants must immigrate to Quebec and either start a new business or purchase and manage an existing business.

Requirements for the Second Pathway:

• Obtain at least 81 points
• Have at least two years of business ownership or management experience within the last five years
• Have a minimum net worth of CAD 900,000
• Invest at least CAD 300,000 in businesses located in Greater Montreal, or at least CAD 200,000 in businesses outside this area
• Pay a CAD 200,000 deposit as a guarantee of business execution
• Own at least 25% of shares in a new business or at least 51% of shares in a purchased business
• The business must have been active for at least five years
• The business cannot have been previously selected in the Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Have at least intermediate French language skills
• Possess at least a high school diploma
• Be financially independent
• Submit a business plan
• Permanently reside in Quebec
• Create at least one permanent full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents

🟠 Family Sponsorship in Quebec

Quebec allows its citizens to financially sponsor family members such as spouses, children, parents, and grandparents to immigrate and join them. There are specific requirements and conditions that the immigration applicant must meet in this regard.

Canada is one of the top immigration destinations worldwide. Quebec, as one of Canada’s largest provinces, has its special immigration programs to attract the best immigrants. Quebec is considered a popular destination for immigrants to Canada.

Reasons for this popularity include a strong and dynamic economy, abundant job opportunities, housing rents in Canada that are lower compared to some major Canadian cities, a favorable climate and beautiful environment, numerous festivals and celebrations, as well as safety with low crime and violence rates.

Quebec Immigration Requirements

To immigrate to Quebec, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the province, which operates its immigration system independent from the federal government. Key requirements include:

• Language Proficiency:
  Proficiency in French is highly preferred and often required, as French is the official language of Quebec. Some programs may accept English, but knowledge of French greatly improves your chances.
• Education and Work Experience:
  Applicants need to have relevant educational qualifications and skilled work experience in occupations in demand in Quebec’s labor market.
• Proof of Financial Stability:
  You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during the initial settlement period in Quebec.
• Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ):
  Applicants must obtain a CSQ, which confirms Quebec’s approval of their application based on the province’s selection criteria.
  
• Health and Security Checks:
  After receiving the CSQ, applicants must pass medical examinations and security background checks as part of the federal permanent residence application process.
• Age and Adaptability:
  Younger applicants and those with strong ties to Quebec or Canadian family members may receive additional points in the selection system.

Final Thoughts

Quebec’s immigration system is unique and flexible, designed to meet the province’s specific linguistic, cultural, and economic needs. By prioritizing French-speaking applicants, promoting regional immigration, and aligning with labor market demands, Quebec continues to attract new immigrants while preserving its cultural heritage and strengthening its economy.

Source: quebec.ca

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