Immigration to Quebec

I want to immigrate to Quebec! This might be the common sentence of many people choosing Canada as their new home. But why? The reason for this decision likely, if not certainly, comes from what we’ve heard about this province. However, relying solely on hearsay isn’t enough for this important decision of immigration. This article is where we’ll take you beyond the hearsay about immigrating to the province of Quebec.

Immigrating to the province of Quebec, as the largest province in Canada, offers countless opportunities for newcomers. The provincial government significantly invests in Quebec’s immigration programs to meet its own needs. This is good news for immigrants, as they can take advantage of these unique programs to obtain permanent residency.

Quebec holds a unique position in Canada’s immigration landscape due to its French language and rich culture. This province runs its own permanent immigration programs. Now, let’s get familiar with the advantages, immigration conditions for Quebec, the points system, and other matters related to immigrating to Quebec.

Through what programs can one immigrate to Quebec?

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Pilot immigration programs to Quebec

Quebec business immigration programs:

Quebec Investor Program

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

Quebec Self-Employed Program

Note 1: Having a job offer is not mandatory for Quebec’s provincial immigration programs. However, having a job offer will boost your points.

Note 2: None of Quebec’s provincial immigration programs are aligned with Express Entry.

The Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

One of the main ways to immigrate for those looking to settle in Quebec is the Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). If you are applying to immigrate to Quebec, you should know that your selection will be based on characteristics, education level, language skills, work experience, and ties to Quebec.

The immigration process to the province of Quebec through the Skilled Worker Program.

You need to start by submitting your expression of interest through the Arrima portal. The submitted profiles are scored based on factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. The Quebec provincial government invites the highest-scoring candidates to participate in the regular draws for permanent residency.

Applicants who are invited to apply for immigration to Quebec under the QSWP will then use the Mon Projet Quebec portal to complete and submit their application for permanent selection. This portal allows candidates to finish their application, make their payment online, track their application status, make changes to their application, and access their personal email during the process.

For candidates who succeed under the QSWP, a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) will be issued, and they can then apply to the Canadian government for permanent residency. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will conduct a medical and criminal background check as part of its approval process.

What are the requirements for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

To qualify for the Quebec Skilled Worker program, you must score enough points based on the Quebec immigration selection scoring table.

This scoring table consists of 9 factors:

Education

Work experience

Age

Knowledge of French and English

Residence in Quebec and family in Quebec

Valid job offer

Spouse’s points

Children’s points

Financial capacity and independence

If you are a single applicant, you need to score at least 50 points under this system, while a candidate with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points.

How does the Quebec Skilled Worker scoring work?

Scoring Factor	Score
Education	Maximum 14 points
Field of expertise	Maximum 12 points
Job offer	Maximum 14 points
Work experience	Maximum 8 points
Age	Maximum 16 points
Language skills	Maximum 22 points
Residence and having a family member in Quebec	Maximum 8 points
Spouse’s conditions	Maximum 17 points
Child accompaniment	Maximum 8 points
Financial capacity	1 point

When does the QSWP accept submitted applications?

You can create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile anytime using the Arrima online portal, and there’s no time limit for this.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

If you have studied or worked in Quebec and want to obtain permanent residency in the province, you may qualify for immigration under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). This immigration program is a fast track to immigrate to Canada, with a processing time of six months.

The aim of this program is for the Quebec community to benefit from the involvement of individuals who have already spent some time in the province, understand Quebec’s values, and are already well integrated into the Quebec community. This process makes relocating to Quebec much easier.

How can I immigrate to Quebec through the PEQ program?

Depending on your situation, you can apply for one of two streams under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ):

Temporary Foreign Worker

Quebec Graduates

Note: As of January 2022, PEQ applicants must upload and submit their application, fees, and documents through the Arrima portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Steps to immigrate to Quebec through the Quebec Experience Program

1. Choose one of the two permanent selection application forms and fill out the one that fits your situation.

2. Prepare the documents as specified in the application form.

3. Create your profile on the Arrima platform.

4. Submit your application for permanent selection through Arrima.

5. Pay the processing fees for your application.

The Quebec immigration ministry reviews complete applications within six months. This period begins after receiving the complete application, fees, and support documents.

Eligibility requirements for the Quebec Experience immigration program for students:

– You must be at least 18 years old.

– You must have resided temporarily in Quebec to study.

– You must intend to stay permanently and work in Quebec.

– You must not have violated study permit and CAQ regulations.

– You must have obtained a diploma or degree from Quebec that is acceptable for the PEQ within the last 36 months.

– You must have studied at least 1,800 hours, equivalent to 2 years, in Quebec.

– You must hold a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or DEC diploma.

-You should have at least 12 months of work experience in job categories TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 in Canada and be employed at the time of application.

-You should have an upper-intermediate level of French.

Here are the conditions for the Quebec immigration experience program for workers:

– You must be at least 18 years old.

– You must intend to settle permanently in the province of Quebec.

– You should have lived temporarily in the province of Quebec for work purposes.

– You need to have at least 24 months of full-time work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job in Quebec within the 36 months prior to submitting your application.

– You must have a valid work visa and currently work for an employer residing in Quebec.

– You need to have at least 12 months of valid work experience.

– You should have an above-average level of French.

Trial immigration programs for the province of Quebec

Trial immigration programs for the province of Quebec are run to help the province find the workforce it needs in several sectors. The immigration department intends to issue a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) annually for a maximum of 600 principal applicants plus their family members under any of the three trial programs.

Note: All three trial programs will be in effect until January 1, 2026.

The trial program for workforce in the food industry

The trial program for workforce in the food industry offers a pathway for your permanent immigration to the province of Quebec if you work in the food sector. Keep in mind that the application acceptance period is from November 3, 2021, to December 31, 2022, or until the maximum number of applications is reached.

Conditions for this trial program:

– You must be 18 years or older.

– You must intend to reside for work in Quebec.

– You should meet the residence conditions in Quebec.

– You must be able to demonstrate financial ability for at least the first three months after arriving in Quebec.

– Education requirements: You must have a diploma related to at least a high school diploma or a vocational diploma from Quebec in a full-time study program of at least one year.

Work experience requirements:

You must have a full-time job in a qualified sector in Quebec; or have worked full-time and earned minimum wages for at least 24 months in Quebec in a qualified job during the 36 months prior to the date of application. The work experience or job must be in one of the two qualified sectors under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) of the Canadian government.

NAICS 311 – Food Production

NAICS 3121 – Beverage Production

Required Language:

Knowledge of French at level 7

Nurse Assistants Trial Program

This trial program offers a pathway for individuals already living in Quebec who work as caregivers, nurse aides, or health service colleagues to receive permanent residency in Canada. This program is divided into the following two streams:

Job Category

Job Category – Education

The application acceptance period is from November 3, 2021, to December 31, 2022, or until the maximum number of applications is reached.

General Conditions for Both Programs

Be 18 years or older.

Have the intention to reside and work in Quebec.

Have financial means for at least the first three months after arriving in Quebec.

Knowledge of French at level 7.

Specific Conditions for the Employment Program

Educational Requirements

Hold a relevant diploma obtained after completing a full-time program of at least one year.

The diploma must be equivalent to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in Quebec.

Work Experience Requirements

At least 24 months of work experience as a caregiver in Quebec during the 36 months prior to the application date.

At least 12 months in a health-related job involving primary personal care outside of Quebec, and at least 12 months regularly in Quebec during the 36 months prior to the application date.

The work experience must be legally obtained and full-time.

Trial Program for the Workforce in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects

This immigration trial program for the province of Quebec is designed to attract and retain graduates from Quebec universities in the fields of artificial intelligence, information technology, and generally those working in technology in Quebec or individuals with a job offer from a Quebec employer.

This program is divided into two sections:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information Technology and Visual Effects (IT/VE)

The aim of this program is to select 300 graduates and temporary workers in Quebec in the artificial intelligence sector and 300 foreign workers in the information technology or visual effects sector.

Note: The application acceptance period is from November 3, 2021, to December 31, 2022, or until the applications reach their maximum number.

General Requirements for Both Immigration Trial Streams in Information Technology

You must be 18 years or older;

You intend to stay in Quebec for work.

If applicable, you should comply with your residency conditions in Quebec.

You need to show financial independence within the first three months after your arrival in Quebec.

Language requirements for both streams

Both streams in this program include French-speaking and non-French-speaking profiles.

Individuals selected under the French-speaking profile must have French language skills at level 7 (advanced intermediate).

Those chosen under the non-French-speaking profile will be automatically enrolled in a free, personalized program called “Accompagnement Québec,” designed to facilitate integration into Quebec society and support French language learning.

Quebec business immigration programs

If you have suitable financial capability, you can apply for immigration to the province of Quebec through 3 business immigration programs:

If you’re looking to migrate to Quebec to start or buy a business, you can apply through the Quebec Entrepreneur Program.

If you want to immigrate to Quebec through investment, apply through the Quebec Investment Program (QIIP). The Quebec Investor Program is the only passive investor program in Canada and one of the most popular investment programs globally. If you successfully obtain permanent residency through this method, you only need to invest for the Quebec government; there’s no need to manage the business yourself.

If you are self-employed and have a profession or are a trader, you might qualify for the Quebec Self-Employment Program. (Quebec accepts 50 applications for selection under the self-employment program from November 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022.)

What is Arrima?

Arrima is an online platform created by the Quebec government to provide services for immigration applicants to the province.

Using Arrima is completely free and open to everyone. Below, we will attempt to give an overview of the various immigration methods that can be carried out through this platform.

What are the applications of Arrima in immigrating to the province of Quebec?

Many of the immigration processes to the province of Quebec can be done through Arrima. All of these depend on the program you have chosen. Here are the main pathways where Arrima can be utilized:

Creating, submitting, completing, and updating an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Quebec’s Skilled Worker programs.

Accessing the self-assessment tool to estimate the score you can achieve by submitting an expression of interest and assess your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent selection.

Applying for permanent residency, as well as submitting documents and paying the necessary fees for immigration to Quebec under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

Creating an Arrima profile for applying for permanent residency, submitting documents, and paying the required fees under one of Quebec’s pilot permanent immigration programs.

Receiving information and submitting related forms for:

Financial aid for part-time French courses;

“Quebec Companionship” programs;

Program for refugees outside the country (collective sponsorship).

How many immigrants does Quebec accept?

Quebec’s immigration program for 2022 aims to welcome 52,500 new immigrants to the province through its various immigration programs.

Quebec’s target for 2022 was to attract between 32,000 and 33,900 immigrants. These immigrants are processed through categories available to the province. These targets include:

18,000 to 22,000 skilled workers (skilled worker)

1,500 to 2,300 immigration through business

5,000 to 5,700 people in other economic immigration programs of the province

10,000 people through the Family Reunification program

Economic immigrants are expected to make up 65 percent of the total acceptance target in Quebec for 2022.

In addition, the province plans to receive more immigrants in 2022 to make up for the significant shortage of admissions in the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to 18,000 admissions can be processed in 2022, in addition to the planned maximum of 52,500, bringing the total admissions to 70,000.

How much does it cost to immigrate to Quebec?

As of January 1, 2022, the fees for applying for Quebec’s provincial immigration programs are calculated according to the table below:

Applicant	Cost
Primary applicant	$844 CAD
Spouse of the applicant	$181 CAD
Each child	$181 CAD

Studying immigration to Quebec

When it comes to Quebec, you can’t overlook studying and educational immigration to the province. Given that education in Quebec is considered a priority, the quality of education here is really high. This quality is noticeable right from elementary school and continues through to university.

Benefits of immigrating to Quebec

Excellent educational system

High standard of living

Affordable costs

Rich culture

Diverse job market

Unique immigration policies

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Frequently asked questions

How can I immigrate to Quebec?

There are various ways to immigrate to Quebec, which include the following programs:

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Provincial Nominee Programs for Quebec

Business immigration programs to Quebec

Can I create an application for QSWP without using Arrima?

No. Currently, the only way for you as an applicant to immigrate to Quebec under the QSWP is to create a profile in Arrima.

Is the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) the same as Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)?

No. These two programs are completely different from each other.

Do I need to achieve a minimum score to immigrate to Quebec through the Quebec Experience?

No. For this program, that is, the PEQ, you do not need to achieve a minimum score.

Who is eligible to immigrate to Quebec through the Quebec Experience?

If you have experience living in Quebec, you can apply for this program. This experience could come from studying in Quebec or working in the province. Keep in mind that all applicants need to prove their French language skills at a level higher than intermediate.

How do I apply for immigration to Quebec through the Quebec Experience Program or PEQ?

As an applicant, you must apply online through the Arrima system. You can no longer apply for this program via email.

How long will it take to receive my CSQ?

According to the Quebec immigration ministry, PEQ applications will be processed within 6 months.

What documents or diplomas are accepted for immigration to Quebec through the Quebec Experience Program?

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Doctorate

College diploma (DCS)

Diploma of vocational studies (DVS)

Which occupations qualify for the PEQ category?

If you’re applying for the Quebec experience program as a foreign worker, you must have at least 24 months of full-time work experience out of the last 36 months before submitting your application. Work is considered full-time if you are engaged in it for at least 30 hours a week. Part-time work is not recognized in the PEQ program. Continuous work experience can be counted in your application if it was full-time.

If I, as an applicant, am not eligible for the PEQ, can I apply for the CSQ through another route?

Yes. Applicants who do not meet the PEQ requirements can apply for a CSQ through the Quebec Skilled Worker program.

What is Mon projet Quebec?

This is an online system used to receive completed applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker program. Candidates who are invited to apply for permanent selection under the skilled worker program must register in Mon projet Quebec and submit their documents.

What is the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CSQ)?

A CSQ is a document given to applicants who succeed in Quebec’s immigration programs to show that they have been selected for immigration to the province. With a CSQ, you can apply for permanent residency through the federal government. Keep in mind that a CSQ is not a permanent visa.

Will the applicant's age increase during the application process cause them to lose points for the age factor?

No. The age of the applicant and the age of accompanying family members (if any) is locked on the day the application is submitted.

Do I need a job to immigrate to Quebec?

No, you do not need a job to immigrate to Quebec. However, having a valid job offer can make it easier for you to obtain permanent residency.

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