Quebec is the francophone province located in Central Canada, which enjoys more authority and autonomy on matters related to immigration, compared to other Canadian provinces and territories. It is the largest province by area and the second largest in terms of population. It has a fast developing services sector and other industrial sectors, which offer various opportunities for immigrants. Montreal, the second largest city of Canada, is located in Quebec. Quebec is often called the Europe of North America, and is known for its vibrant multicultural environment, beautiful landscapes, high living standards and affordable cost of living.
Skilled immigration to Quebec
As per the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province has the authority to select its own immigrants. Every year, Quebec welcomes around 30000 to 50000 immigrants. Foreign skilled workers can move to the province mainly under two immigration programs, which are the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program and Quebec Experience Program. Through these two programs, the Quebec government selects immigration candidates who can economically establish themselves in the province. Those who are chosen by the provincial government under the skilled worker programs are issued a Quebec Selection Certificate, with which, they can apply for permanent residence in Canada. There are few other pilot programs as well, which targets candidates with work experience is some specific areas.
Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program(RSWP)
Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program is one of the important Quebec immigration programs under which the government takes in a lot of immigrants every single year. The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program takes in individuals who are skilled & qualified to economically establish themselves in the province. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program does not have a list of eligible occupations. So, candidates can qualify under the program irrespective of their occupation or field of expertise.
Those interested to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) under this program may submit an Expression of Interest to the Arrima portal. The Expression of Interest profiles submitted in this manner, will then be assessed and each of them will be awarded with a score.
The Expression of Interest profiles are assessed mainly on the basis of three categories of factors:
- Human capital factors(Age, proficiency in French, education etc.)
- Ability of the candidate to economically establish themselves in Quebec (job offer, Quebec education or work experience)
- Changing needs of the labour market in Quebec
Those who have the highest scores will be invited to apply for the Quebec Selection Certificate during the Arrima draws that are conducted regularly. Once you obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate or CSQ, you may apply for permanent residence in Canada with the same.
Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) or Québec experience program)
The Quebec Experience Program is for students or workers who have been in Quebec to study or work. Applicants will be issued a Quebec Selection Certificate once they are found to meet the Quebec immigration requirements. Once the applicant receives a CSQ he/she can apply for Permanent Residency.
Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors
This immigration pathway targets foreign workers and Quebec graduates in artificial intelligence, as well as foreign workers in information technologies and visual effects. Quebec government launched this pilot program on April 22, 2021 and it will be closed on January 1, 2026. To be eligible, the candidates must also have proficiency in French as well as a valid job offer from a Quebec employer.
Permanent immigration pilot program for food processing workers
This permanent immigration pilot program targets temporary workers in Quebec’s food processing sector. To be eligible, the candidate must have work experience in Quebec and also be holding a job in an eligible sector, at the time of submitting their application.
Permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies
This pilot program is for those candidates who are working temporarily in Quebec as orderlies. The pilot program was launched on March 31, 2021 and it will close on January 1, 2026.
Eligibility requirements:
- Proficiency in French
- Work experience as an orderly in Quebec
- Working as an orderly while submitting the application under this program
Once the candidate receives an invitation to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate under any of the above programs, they can submit the complete application within 90 days.
Open work permit for PR applicants
Once you obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (Québec Selection Certificate) as a skilled worker under the Regular Skilled Worker Program or the Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors, you may apply for an open work permit to live and work in Quebec, under the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+). The validity of this open work permit will be a maximum of three years.
Bringing your spouse to Quebec
If you are a temporary worker in Quebec, you can bring your spouse along with you. They can obtain an open work permit and stay in Quebec for a maximum period of three years.
Integration of immigrants to the Quebec society
The Quebec government has undertaken several measures to make it easier for immigrants to integrate to the Quebec society. A new immigrant may contact their integration support agent even before they arrive in Quebec. Then the agent will direct them to various services that are available for them at their particular location such as:
- French courses
- Online French courses
- Recognition of skills by qualifications
- Information session on Quebec and its regions
So, as soon as a new immigrant comes to Quebec, their integration assistance agent will offer them support such as:
- Helping to evaluate their needs precisely
- Preparing an individualised action plan for them
- Referring you to a regional skills recognition counsellor from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
- Directing you to the services of the partner agencies of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
Among the wide variety of Quebec immigration programs the government offers, it is up to the individual to choose which suits the best for him/her. In order to know more about Quebec immigration programs and to check your eligibility with our points calculator to migrate for free, get in touch with our team of experts now!
