Quebec immigration programs
Quebec offers a variety of immigration programs that allow eligible applicants to obtain Canadian permanent residence. Quebec has been granted significantly more autonomy by the federal government in its immigration policies and procedures. This is why Quebec's programs are often considered separate from those of other provinces.
Quebec is Canada's only province where French is the official language. Some Quebec immigration programs demand proficiency in French or give preference to those who speak it well. Non-French speakers can also immigrate to Quebec.
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| Quebec immigration programs |
Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ)
Two separate processes are used to approve Quebec immigration applications: selection and admission. Selection takes place at the provincial level while admission takes place at the federal level. An applicant must fulfill both the selection and admission requirements to immigrate to Quebec. A foreign national must be approved by the province of Quebec to move forward with the selection phase.
After submitting a successful application to one of Quebec's immigration programs, a certificat de selection de Quebec (Quebec Selection Certificate – CSQ) is issued.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW), is one of Quebec’s pathways to permanent residency. All applicants must have a minimum of one year of work experience to be eligible for the skilled worker program. QSW is a points-based program. This means that applicants must score a minimum score on the points assessment grid to be eligible.
Although the program doesn't require applicants to be fluent in French, they may get a higher score on the points assessment grid.
To be considered for the program, eligible candidates must submit an Expression of Interest to the Arrima portal.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Quebec's permanent residence pathway is the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Candidates must have had experience as either a temporary foreign worker, or international student in Quebec to be eligible for this program. PEQ applicants must have intermediate to advanced knowledge of oral French. Additional eligibility requirements apply to this program. The applicant must be legal resident in Quebec at the time of the submission and processing.
Quebec Investor Program
Quebec Investor Program applicants must have at least $2,000,000 in net assets and be able to invest $1.2 million with a Quebec financial intermediary to qualify. These applicants may be eligible for permanent residence in Canada via the Quebec Investor Program.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Quebec Entrepreneur Program applicants must have the financial ability, experience, and intent to manage a project or acquire a business in Quebec.
Quebec Self-Employed
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program: This program allows self-employed individuals to migrate to Quebec to create their own jobs. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have at least $100,000 in net assets and two years experience working as a self-employed worker within the field they intend to practice in Quebec.
Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec (CAQ)
To authorize temporary residence in Quebec, a number of Quebec's programs for temporary residents require a certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (Quebec acceptance certificate - CAQ). This applies to most international student study programs. NOTE: A CAQ allows temporary residence in Quebec. A Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is for permanent residence.
Validated Job Offer
Employers in Quebec may be able to offer a job to a foreign national if they are looking to hire them. Validated job offers are a strong advantage for Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW), as they give their holder either 8 or 10 points, depending on whether the job is in Montreal.
Holders of valid job offers are exempted from the quota requirement for applications to QSW. They can also apply for a CSQ anytime. The job offer must be validated by the position and the foreign national.
Required Skills for a Job Position:
You must be a permanent, full time position at National Occupational Classification Skill Level 0, A or B.
It must have a positive impact on the local labor market.
Must be written offer by Quebec employer that has been in business for at least 12 months.
If applicable, appropriate recruitment efforts must be made to hire a Canadian citizen (or permanent resident) for the job.
Foreign National Requirements
You must submit copies of your identification documents, education documents, curriculum vitae, CV, and a copy of your employment offer.
If the profession is in Quebec, you must have a license or certificate in order to practice.
The employer must have a copy of the work permit if the foreign national is working already.
Employers do not have to prove that they tried to recruit permanent residents or Canadians if a foreign national is working already for Quebec employers on a temporary permit. The employer must also show evidence of recruitment efforts in all other cases. Employers must show that they have made significant efforts to hire Canadians to fill the job before offering it to a foreigner. The employer can submit a validation application to MIDI if all requirements are met for the job offer.