Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec is the only Canadian province where French is the sole official language. As a result, some immigration programs in Quebec require proficiency in French or give preference to those who speak it fluently. However, there are also options available for non-French speakers wishing to immigrate to the province.

Immigration applications to Quebec are processed through two distinct processes: selection and admission. Selection is managed at the provincial level, while admission falls under federal jurisdiction. To immigrate to Quebec, an applicant must meet the criteria for both processes. During the selection stage, the candidate must obtain approval from the province of Quebec.

This approval is confirmed by obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), a document issued by the provincial immigration authorities after the application is accepted under a Quebec immigration program.

The Regular Skilled Worker Program of Quebec (PRTQ) is an immigration option that allows individuals to obtain permanent residency in Quebec. Under this program, all applicants must demonstrate a minimum of qualified work experience. The PRTQ is based on a points system, meaning candidates must achieve a minimum score on an evaluation grid to be eligible.

Although proficiency in French is not required to submit an application, it can enhance the score obtained on the evaluation grid.

To be eligible for this program, candidates must submit an expression of interest (EOI) on the online Arrima portal.

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is an immigration pathway that allows individuals to obtain permanent residency in Quebec.

This program requires candidates to have acquired experience in the province, either as temporary foreign workers or as international students. PEQ applicants must also demonstrate an intermediate or advanced knowledge of spoken French. Additional eligibility requirements apply, including that the candidate must be legally residing in Quebec at the time of application submission and processing.

To apply under the Quebec Investor Program, candidates must have a net worth of at least CAD 2 million and be able to invest at least CAD 1.2 million with a Quebec financial intermediary. Applicants who meet these criteria may be eligible to obtain permanent residency in Canada through this program.

Among the immigration programs of Quebec, the Quebec Entrepreneur Program requires candidates to have the financial resources, experience, and intention necessary to manage a business project in Quebec or acquire an existing business in the province.

The Quebec Self-Employed Workers Program allows certain professionals to settle in Quebec by creating their own employment. To be eligible, the candidate must have a net worth of at least CAD 100,000 and demonstrate two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the field they intend to practice in Quebec.

Certain temporary residency programs in Quebec, including most study programs for international students, require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) to authorize temporary stay in the province.

Note: The CAQ allows for a temporary stay in Quebec and should not be confused with the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which permits obtaining permanent residency in the province.

If a Quebec employer wishes to hire a foreign national, they can propose a job offer officially validated by the MIDI. This validated job offer is particularly advantageous under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) because it allows candidates to earn either 8 points (if the position is located in the Montreal area) or 10 points (if the position is located outside of Montreal).

Moreover, holders of a validated job offer are exempt from the quota for applications under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), allowing them to submit a CSQ application at any time. For a job offer to be validated, both the position and the foreign national must meet several criteria:

Requirements for the Position:

• Must be a full-time permanent position at skill level 0, A, B, or C of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Must have a positive or neutral impact on the local labor market.
• Must be offered in writing by a Quebec employer who has been active for at least 12 months.
• The Quebec employer must demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position, if applicable.

Requirements for Foreign Nationals:

• Must provide copies of identification documents, education documents, a resume (CV), and a written copy of the job offer.
• Must possess a license or certificate to practice the profession if it is regulated in Quebec.
• If the foreign national is already working for the employer, they must provide a copy of their work permit and three recent pay stubs.
• If the foreigner is already working for a Quebec employer with a temporary work permit, the employer does not need to prove recruitment efforts for the position. In other cases, the employer must prove that they attempted to recruit a Canadian before offering the position to a foreigner.

Once all the requirements are met, the employer can submit a validation request to the MIDI.