Quebec, renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and awe-inspiring scenery, boasts a unique identity within Canada. It is part of the Canadian federation while possessing specific powers and provisions to safeguard and cultivate its distinct French language and cultural heritage.
Consequently, Quebec administers its own immigration process, featuring dedicated programs and selection criteria designed for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. This comprehensive Canadavisa page is designed to illuminate your immigration options and guide you through the process of obtaining a Quebec visa.
Quebec Immigration:
Shared Jurisdiction with Distinctive Powers:
Immigration in Canada involves both the federal government and individual provinces. While the Constitution grants broader authority to the federal level, Quebec possesses unique powers exceeding those of other provinces. This enhanced role emerged in 1968 with the establishment of Quebec’s dedicated immigration ministry, driven by a recognition that integrating skilled newcomers was crucial to upholding the province’s strong Francophone identity.
Two-Step Process for Skilled Workers:
Today, Quebec exercises its distinct authority by selecting all skilled workers seeking permanent residency within its borders. However, final admission remains an exclusively federal responsibility. This two-step process unfolds as follows:
- Quebec Selection: Applicants must first meet the criteria and procedures set by Quebec. Successful candidates receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), obtained through specific immigration programs. This CSQ signifies you’ve been chosen for immigration to Quebec.
- Federal Admission: With the CSQ in hand, you can apply for permanent resident status through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This step involves mandatory medical, security, and criminal background checks.
Meeting Requirements at Both Levels:
Achieving permanent residency in Quebec necessitates satisfying both the provincial and federal requirements.
Additional Opportunity: IMP+ Open Work Permit:
Since 2022, a new measure facilitates the transition. CSQ holders awaiting final federal approval may be eligible for an International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) open work permit. This allows them to work and reside in Quebec while the permanent residency application completes.
Quebec Economic Immigration Programs
Unique French Language Focus:
As the sole province in Canada with French as its official language, Quebec prioritizes French proficiency in its economic immigration programs. Currently, all programs require applicants to demonstrate French language skills, with additional requirements for sponsored spouses to reach a level 4 proficiency on the Quebec scale.
Selection Based on Provincial Needs:
Quebec selects skilled workers with training and experience that align with its demographic and economic priorities, established through annual admission targets. Foreign nationals interested in settling in Quebec can be invited to apply for a CSQ through several economic categories, including:
Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP):
This program, soon to be replaced by the Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program (QWSP) on November 29, 2024, prioritizes skilled workers whose qualifications facilitate integration into Quebec’s job market. Selection considers language proficiency, age, and family situation.
QWSP Eligibility and Selection Factors:
QWSP applicants require a minimum score on the Québec selection grid, based on nine factors:
- Education (up to 14 points)
- Area of training (up to 12 points)
- Validated job offer (up to 14 points)
- Work experience (up to 8 points)
- Age (up to 16 points)
- Language proficiency (up to 22 points)
- Ties to Quebec (up to 8 points)
- Spouse/partner characteristics (up to 17 points)
- Accompanying children (up to 8 points)
- Financial self-sufficiency (1 point)
Single applicants require at least 50 points, while those with spouses/partners need at least 59 points.
Language Requirements:
Principal applicants must demonstrate a Level 7 French proficiency, while spouses/partners require a minimum Level 4 spoken French ability. Approved language tests are listed under “Proving French Language Ability” and “Proving English Language Ability – IELTS.”
Processing Fees:
As of January 1, 2022, QWSP processing fees are:
- Principal applicant: CAD $844
- Spouse/partner: CAD $181
- Each dependent child: CAD $181
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – Fast Track to Permanent Residence
The PEQ is a popular immigration pathway for international students and skilled workers who have gained experience in Quebec. It offers a faster route to permanent residency compared to other programs, typically processing applications within six months.
Who is eligible?
Two main streams exist under the PEQ:
- Temporary Foreign Workers: Open to individuals with at least 24 months of full-time work experience in Quebec within the past 36 months, along with other requirements like legal status and French language proficiency.
- Quebec Graduates: For international students who have completed an eligible degree or diploma in Quebec and meet specific study duration and French language requirements.
Key eligibility criteria:
- Intention to reside in Quebec: Applicants must demonstrate their intention to live and work in Quebec permanently, excluding ineligible sectors.
- Work experience: Temporary foreign workers need 24 months of full-time work in Quebec (30 hours/week) in eligible occupations. Graduates require 12 or 18 months of experience depending on their diploma level.
- French language: All applicants must meet French language proficiency requirements, varying from Level 4 (spoken) for spouses to Level 7 (spoken and written) for principal applicants.
- Legal status: Applicants must be in Quebec legally at the time of application.
Application process:
- Choose the appropriate application form: Separate forms exist for temporary foreign workers and graduates.
- Gather supporting documents: Prepare required documents as listed in the application form.
- Create an Arrima profile: All applications are submitted electronically through the Arrima platform.
- Submit your application: Complete and submit your application package through Arrima.
- Pay processing fees: Application fees apply and must be paid before submission.
Benefits of the PEQ:
- Faster processing: PEQ applications are typically processed within six months, compared to longer wait times for other programs.
- Pathway to permanent residency: Successful applicants receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), a key step towards permanent residency in Canada.
- Simplified process for graduates: Quebec graduates already familiar with the province and language have a potentially smoother transition to permanent residency.
Additional resources:
- PEQ website: https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/work-quebec/skilled-workers/quebec-experience-program
- Arrima platform: https://arrima.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/aiguillage/
- Quebec Ministry of Immigration: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers.html
Pilot Programs Overview:
Addressing Quebec’s Labor Needs:
Quebec’s pilot programs address skills shortages in several sectors through expedited pathways to permanent residency. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) aims to grant up to 600 Quebec Selection Certificates (QSC) annually under each program. All programs operate from November 2023 to January 1, 2026.
Three Targeted Programs:
- Food Processing: Offers permanent residency to temporary foreign workers in admissible food processing jobs. Applications open November 23, 2023, and close December 31, 2024, or once quotas are reached.
Key Requirements:
- Age 18+
- Intention to live and work in Quebec
- Valid legal status in Quebec
- Financial self-sufficiency for three months post-arrival
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent vocational diploma
- Work experience: 24 months full-time in eligible food processing roles (NAICS 311 or 3121) within the past 36 months
- Language: French level 7 (advanced intermediate)
- Targeted occupations: Butchers, meat cutters, food/beverage/fish processors, cleaners, machine operators, chicken gatherers
- Orderlies: Provides permanent resident status to orderlies and related healthcare workers residing and working in Quebec. Offers two streams: Work and Work-Study. Applications open November 23, 2023, and close December 31, 2024, or once quotas are reached.
General Requirements (Both Streams):
- Age 18+
- Intention to work for a company not directly or indirectly controlled
- Valid legal status in Quebec
- Financial self-sufficiency for three months post-arrival
- French level 7 (advanced intermediate)
Work Stream:
- Education: Quebec vocational diploma (DEP) in orderlies
- Work experience: 24 months as an orderly in Quebec within the past 36 months, or 12 months in healthcare outside Quebec followed by 12 months as an orderly in Quebec
- Targeted occupation: Nurse aide, orderly, patient service associate
Work-Study Stream:
- Education: Quebec Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVE) in orderlies within 24 months of application, including completed Institutional and Home Care Assistance Program and secondary vocational diploma
- Work experience: 12 months as an orderly in Quebec after program completion, legally acquired, paid, and full-time
- AI, IT & Visual Effects: Attracts and retains Quebec graduates and international talent in these sectors. Offers two streams: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology & Visual Effects (IT/VE). Applications open November 23, 2023, and close December 31, 2024, or once quotas are reached.
General Requirements (Both Streams):
- Age 18+
- Intention to work for a company not directly or indirectly controlled
- Valid legal status in Quebec (if applicable)
- Financial self-sufficiency for three months post-arrival
- Language: French-speaker or non-French-speaker (Francization) profiles
AI Stream:
- Foreign Workers: Bachelor’s degree or higher with one year of full-time work experience in a level 0, A, or B job within the past five years, or master’s/PhD with AI job offer in Quebec; gross annual salary at least $75,000 outside Montreal or $100,000 within Montreal.
- Quebec Graduates: Recent higher specialized studies (DESS), master’s, or PhD from a Quebec institution; AI job offer in Quebec; DESS graduates require 6 months of full-time level 0, A, or B job since graduation; half of study program completed in Quebec.
IT/VE Stream:
- Education: Quebec college diploma (technical training) or bachelor’s degree
- Work experience: Eligible full-time job for at least 2 years, and current full-time eligible job with hourly wage equivalent to the average wage for your occupation (Emploi-Québec website)
- Targeted occupations: Computer/information systems managers, electrical/electronics engineers, information systems analysts/consultants, software engineers/designers, computer programmers, engineering technologists/technicians, computer network technicians, producers/directors/choreographers, audio/video recording technicians, graphic designers/illustrators
Quebec Business Immigration Programs
Start Your Business Journey in Quebec:
Foreign nationals with relevant financial resources and qualifications can access three immigration pathways to Quebec specifically designed for businesspeople. These programs offer attractive options for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals seeking to establish themselves in the province.
Strong French Language Proficiency:
Effective immediately, fluency in French has become a mandatory requirement for all applicants across all three business immigration streams. This requirement ensures effective integration and participation in Quebec’s dynamic business environment.
Explore Your Pathway:
- Entrepreneur Program: Ideal for individuals seeking to establish or acquire a business in Quebec and contribute to the local economy.
- Investor Program: Suitable for individuals wishing to make a significant investment in the province through the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), Canada’s only passive investor program, offering a streamlined path to permanent residency without active business management involvement.
- Self-Employed Program: Designed for qualified professionals and tradespeople seeking to establish their self-employed practice in Quebec.
While not mandatory, seeking guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer can be helpful throughout the application process, especially if your situation is complex or you have any doubts.
Whether or not a criminal record will bar you from immigrating to Quebec depends on the severity of the crime and the sentence you received. You should consult with an immigration lawyer to discuss your specific situation.
While French language proficiency is mandatory for the QSWP, there are other immigration programs for Quebec that may not require French, or have lower language requirements. Exploring these options and considering French language training are beneficial in the long term for successful integration in Quebec.
You can find more information on the websites of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- What are the benefits of immigrating to Quebec as a skilled worker?
Quebec offers many benefits for skilled workers, including:
- Strong job market in various sectors.
- High quality of life with affordable healthcare and education.
- Beautiful natural environment and vibrant culture.
- Pathway to Canadian citizenship.
You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your QSWP application. They will also need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as language proficiency.
The processing time for QSWP applications can vary, but is generally quicker than other programs. The MIFI aims to process complete applications within six months.
The required documents depend on your specific situation, but may include:
- Proof of identity and status.
- Educational credentials.
- Proof of work experience.
- Language test results.
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency.
- Police clearance certificates.
To be eligible for the QSWP, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid passport.
- Intend to live and work in Quebec.
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
- Meet the minimum score on the Quebec selection grid, based on your age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and ties to Quebec.
- Have a minimum level of French language proficiency (typically Level 7 on the Quebec French Proficiency Scale).
The two main pathways are:
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): This program selects skilled workers based on their education, work experience, language skills, and ties to Quebec. It is generally the fastest option for skilled workers to immigrate.
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Stream): This federal program also welcomes skilled workers, but you may need to submit an application under both Federal and Quebec immigration systems.