Migrate to Quebec: Find Out Quebec Immigration Programs as a Skilled Worker
Quebec stands as the sole province in Canada with French as its sole official language. Consequently, certain Quebec immigration programs necessitate proficiency in French or may prioritize individuals proficient in the language. Nonetheless, pathways are also available for non-French speakers aspiring to immigrate to the province.
Certificate of Selection Quebec (CSQ): Immigration to Quebec follows two distinct processes: selection and admission. Selection occurs at the provincial level, while admission takes place federally. To initiate immigration to Quebec, applicants must fulfill both selection and admission criteria. In the selection phase, foreign nationals must secure approval from the province of Quebec itself. This approval is demonstrated through a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificate of Selection of Quebec – CSQ), issued by provincial immigration authorities upon successful application through one of Quebec’s immigration programs.
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) Program: The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program stands as one of Quebec’s pathways to permanent residency. This program targets skilled workers, requiring all applicants to showcase a minimum level of skilled work experience. QSW operates on a points-based system, necessitating applicants to attain a minimum score on the points assessment grid to qualify for eligibility.
This program does not require the applicant to be proficient in French to apply, but proficiency in French may lead to increased scores on the scoring grid. Eligible candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Arrima online portal to be considered for this programme.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) serves as one of Quebec’s pathways to attaining permanent residence status. This program mandates that candidates possess experience in Quebec, either as a temporary foreign worker or an international student. Moreover, applicants to the PEQ program must demonstrate advanced intermediate proficiency in spoken French. Additional eligibility criteria include legal residency in Quebec at the time of application submission and processing.
Quebec Investor Program: Prospective applicants to the Quebec Investor Program must possess net assets totaling at least C$2 million and the capability to invest a minimum of C$1.2 million with a financial intermediary in Quebec. Meeting these criteria may render applicants eligible for permanent residency in Canada through this program.
Quebec Entrepreneurship Program: The Quebec Entrepreneurship Program necessitates applicants to exhibit financial capacity, coupled with experience and intentions to manage or acquire a business in Quebec.
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program: This program allows self-employed individuals to immigrate to Quebec and establish their own businesses. Eligibility requires a minimum of C$100,000 in net assets and two years of self-employment experience in the field the applicant intends to practice in Quebec.
Certificate of Acceptance in Quebec (CAQ): Various temporary residence programs in Quebec mandate possession of a Certificate of Acceptance in Quebec (CAQ) for temporary residence in the province. Notably, this includes the majority of study programs for international students. It’s imperative to differentiate the CAQ from the Certificate of Selection of Quebec (CSQ), which grants permanent residence in the province.
Approved Job Offer: Quebec employers seeking to hire foreign nationals may extend official job offers validated by MIDI. A certified job offer provides advantages in the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program, offering 8 points (if the position is in the Montreal region) or 10 points (if outside Montreal). Holders of approved job offers are exempt from QSW application quota requirements. Validation of a job offer necessitates meeting specific requirements:
Job Requirements:
- Must be 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 submitted in writing by a Quebec employer operational for at least 12 months.
- Appropriate recruitment efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be made if possible.
Requirements for Foreigners:
- Submission of identity documents, educational documents, curriculum vitae (CV), and a written copy of the job offer.
- Licensing or certification if the profession is regulated in Quebec.
- Submission of work permit and three recent pay slips if already working for the employer under a temporary work permit.
In cases where the foreign national is already working for the employer under a temporary work permit, the employer is not obligated to demonstrate attempts to hire a Canadian for the position. However, in all other instances, evidence of recruitment efforts must be provided. If all requirements for a verified job offer are met, the employer may submit a verification request to MIDI.
