Quebec Immigration

What is Certificate de selection du Quebec (CSQ)?

There are two separate application processes for Quebec immigration – Selection and Admission. Selection is done at the provincial level, while admission is done at the federal level. To immigrate to Quebec, a candidate must meet the selection and admission requirements. At the selection stage of the process, a foreign national must obtain approval from the province of Quebec itself.

Selection is demonstrated using a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de Sélection du Québec – CSQ), which is a document issued by provincial immigration authorities following an accepted application under one of Quebec’s immigration programs.

What are the different immigration programs under Quebec immigration?

At present, the following are the different immigration programs candidates can apply to become a permanent resident in Quebec:

Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) Program is one of Quebec’s immigration pathways to permanent residency. As a skilled worker program, all applicants must demonstrate a minimum of skilled work experience. QSW is a points-based immigration program, which means applicants must achieve a minimum score on a points assessment grid to be eligible.

This program does not require an applicant to be fluent in French to apply, but fluency in French may result in an increased score on the points assessment grid.

Eligible applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Arrima online portal to be considered for this program.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is one of Quebec’s immigration pathways to permanent residency. The program requires applicants to have experience in the province of Quebec, either as a temporary foreign worker or an international student. Candidates for the PEQ must demonstrate an advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French. There are additional eligibility requirements for this program, including that the applicant is a legal resident of Quebec at the time the application is submitted and processed.

Quebec Investor Program

To apply for the Quebec Investor Program, applicants must have net assets totaling at least C$2 million and the ability to invest at least C$1.2 million with a Quebec financial intermediary. Candidates who meet these criteria may be eligible to obtain permanent residence in Canada through the Quebec Investor Program.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program requires that candidates have the financial capacity as well as the experience and the intention to manage a business project in Quebec or to acquire a business in Quebec.

Quebec Self-Employed

The Quebec Self-Employed Workers Program allows certain self-employed workers to immigrate to Quebec and create their jobs. To be eligible for this program, a candidate must have net assets of at least CA$100,000 and two years of experience as a self-employed person in the field he plans to practice in Quebec.

Validated Job-Offer

If a Quebec employer wishes to hire a foreign national, he may be eligible to submit a job offer officially validated by the MIDI. A validated job offer is a strong advantage in the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program since it gives its holder either 8 points (if the job is located in the Montreal region) or 10 points (if the position is located outside the Montreal area).

Additionally, validated job offer holders are exempt from the quota requirement for QSW applications, which means they can apply for a CSQ at any time.

To get a valid job offer, foreign skilled worker and the job-opening position must meet the following requirements:

• Must be for a permanent full-time position at National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, B, or C.
• Must have a positive or neutral impact on the local labor market.
• Must be offered, in writing, by a Quebec employer who has been in business for at least 12 months.
• Appropriate recruitment efforts must have been made to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position, if applicable.

What are the eligibility criteria for Quebec Immigration?

To be able to live in the province as a permanent resident, the candidate must get their hands on the CSQ (Certificate of Selection of Quebec). As an express entry program of the federal government, the Quebec PNP program is also points-based. This allows them to appoint only immigrants who have the skills necessary for the economic development of the province.

A single candidate must score a minimum of 50 points in this system, while a candidate with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points.

These points are awarded based on the credentials submitted by applicants. The Quebec PNP program selection factors are as follows:

Note: Achieving a point in the Financial Self-Sufficiency Selection Factor is mandatory. This helps the province know that the applicant will be able to financially support themselves and any accompanying family members moving to Canada.

What is the process for Quebec immigration?

Quebec has different portals that allow skilled immigrants around the world to apply for Quebec immigration under different programs for permanent residency.

Arrima Portal

Arrima Portal was introduced by the Quebec immigration ministry – MIDI to manage the EOI applications for QSWP. Applicants first have to submit their EOI profile through the Arrima portal to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Arrima portal is open year-round thus allowing the applicants to apply for the Quebec immigration process any time.

Mon Projet Quebec

Applicants who can get an invitation from the provincial government to apply for Quebec immigration through QSWP, have to secure the Mon projet Quebec portal to submit their application.

Here are the major features of this portal for skilled immigrants who want to apply for Quebec immigration:

• Complete your CSQ application
• Make payments online
• Check the status of their application
• Make changes in the app
• Access email throughout the process

What is the processing time for Quebec immigration?

Quebec Immigration Document Checklist

We have compiled the list of documents that an applicant needs to submit with their Quebec immigration application to be a Canadian permanent resident residing in the province:

• Financial self-sufficiency contract (Quebec immigration form A-0522-OA)
• Photocopy of birth certificate.
• Photocopy of valid passport showing date of issue and expiry date.
• Original passport-size photos of all accompanying family members in Quebec.
• A certified copy of all internship agreements completed as part of a study program.
• Photocopy of documentation supporting your work as a freelancer or entrepreneur.
• Original parental consent statement if a child under 18 will be accompanying the applicant to Canada without the other parent.
• Photocopy of French tests: TEF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada, TCF, TCFQ, DELF, or DALF.
• Photocopy of the English test: IELTS.
• An original or certified copy of the tax return to prove the legality of the work experience.