Quebec
Key Highlights
About Quebec
Quebec is a province in Canada known for its rich culture, French-speaking population, and strong economy. Unlike other provinces, Quebec has more control over its immigration policies, operating its own immigration system outside of the federal Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Quebec’s immigration system focuses on selecting immigrants based on its unique needs, primarily through programs such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). These programs prioritize French-speaking or skilled workers who can contribute to Quebec’s labor market and integrate into its society. Quebec’s immigration system operates independently of the PNP, making it distinct from other provinces in Canada.
Life In Quebec
- Opportunities: Quebec’s economy thrives in industries like technology, aerospace, healthcare, and finance. Cities like Montreal are tech hubs, providing ample job opportunities and support for entrepreneurs.
- Education and Jobs: Home to top universities such as McGill and Université de Montréal, Quebec offers affordable education and financial aid. Its growing sectors, including technology and healthcare, provide job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers alike.
- Quality of Life: Quebec offers a balanced lifestyle with excellent public services, low crime rates, and a strong focus on community. Cultural and recreational activities are abundant, creating a safe and enriching environment.
- Family Benefits: The province is family-friendly, offering affordable childcare, generous parental leave, and strong educational programs. Family allowances and subsidized daycare make raising children more affordable.
- Affordable Lifestyle: Compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Quebec offers lower housing costs and affordable public transportation, making life more financially manageable.
- Healthcare Access: Quebec’s publicly funded healthcare system ensures residents receive essential medical services. The province’s health insurance, RAMQ, covers most basic medical needs.
- Natural Environment: Quebec’s landscapes include forests, mountains, and lakes, ideal for hiking, skiing, and camping. Its national parks and natural beauty offer residents endless outdoor activities year-round.
- Climate: With cold winters and warm summers, Quebec’s climate is diverse. Winters bring snow and cold, but Quebecers embrace it with festivals and winter sports. Summers are ideal for outdoor events.
- Festivals and Events: Quebec is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with major events like the Montreal Jazz Festival, Quebec Winter Carnival, and Just for Laughs, reflecting its lively and artistic community.
- Population: Quebec, with over 8 million residents, is predominantly French-speaking, though English is widely used in cities like Montreal. Its multicultural population enriches its diverse cultural atmosphere.
Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)/Quebec Selection Certificate
The CSQ is required for all immigration applicants who wish to settle in Quebec. It is a prerequisite for applying for permanent residence with the federal government of Canada.
Quebec immigration applications are accepted through two distinct processes: selection and acceptance. Selection is done at the provincial level and recruitment is at the federal level.
To immigrate to Quebec, an applicant must meet the requirements for both selection and admission. In the selection step of the process, a foreign national must obtain approval from the province of Quebec itself.
Selection is verified by the Certificate du Québec (Québec Certificate – CSQ), a document issued by the provincial immigration authorities after a successful application in one of Quebec’s immigration programs.
Key Immigration Programs Leading to CSQ
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)-Temporary Foreign Workers
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – International Student
- Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
- Quebec Investor Program
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
- You need a diploma that is recognized and equivalent to the Quebec education system.
- Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation is required.
- French knowledge is beneficial and often essential, enhancing application chances.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) - Temporary Foreign Workers
The Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise, PEQ) is an immigration pathway for individuals who have gained work experience or completed their studies in Quebec. For temporary foreign workers, this program offers a streamlined route to obtaining permanent residence in Quebec.
You must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Quebec in the 24 months preceding your application.
Proficiency in French is important, usually requiring a CLB level of at least 7 for temporary foreign workers.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) - International Student
- You must have completed a recognized study program in Quebec. The program should be at least 180 hours in length (generally about 1 year) and should be a diploma that is eligible under the PEQ guidelines.
- Proficiency in French at CLB 7 level or higher is required, often demonstrated through language tests like TCF or French education completion.
Self-Employed Worker Program
- You must submit a detailed business plan demonstrating the viability of your proposed business in Quebec.
- Proficiency in French is recommended, not mandatory, but showing French skills boosts your application.
Entrepreneur Program
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is designed to attract individuals who want to start and operate a business in Quebec and ultimately obtain permanent residence in Canada. The program aims to support entrepreneurs who can contribute to Quebec’s economy by creating jobs and investing in the province
Key Streams
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program has two main streams, each catering to different types of entrepreneurial ventures:
You must have at least 2 years of experience as a business owner or senior manager.
You must submit a comprehensive business plan demonstrating the viability of your proposed business.
You need to demonstrate that you will make a personal investment of at least CAD 200,000 in your new business
Proficiency in French is highly recommended, although it might not be mandatory. Demonstrating French language skills can strengthen your application
You must have at least 2 years of experience as a business owner or senior manager.
You must show you will acquire an operational business in Quebec, providing details on its financial status and operations.
You must demonstrate that you will make a personal investment of at least CAD 300,000 in the business acquisition
Proficiency in French is highly recommended, although it might not be mandatory. Demonstrating French language skills can strengthen your application
Investor Program
- You must have at least 2 years of experience in management or ownership of a business.
- You must have have a minimum net worth of CAD 2 million
- Applicants need to demonstrate a passive investment of CAD 1.2 million in a government-secured investment fund for a period of 5 years, with no interest or return on this investment.
- Knowledge of French is beneficial and could enhance the application.