Quebec Immigration Programs, Quebec distinguishes itself from other Canadian provinces and territories due to its distinctive history and culture, an amalgamation of French and Canadian influences. Within the federal system of Canada, Quebec holds a unique status, accompanied by specific provisions and authority designed to safeguard its individualistic culture and the use of the French language.
In contrast to the other provinces and territories in Canada, Quebec has established its own immigration system, complete with unique pathways and criteria for the selection of immigrants. The province also manages its distinct processes for choosing candidates. While Quebec Immigration Programs takes on the responsibility of selecting immigration candidates, the federal government oversees their admission. Individuals chosen by Quebec will be issued a Certificate de selection du Québec (CSQ), or Quebec Selection Certificate, allowing them to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Quebec Selection Certificate
To acquire a Quebec Selection Certificate, you need to submit an application under one of Quebec’s immigration programs. The Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) is granted by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration, or MIFI) of Quebec, indicating that the candidate has been chosen to establish residence in Quebec. Armed with the CSQ, the candidate becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The CSQ remains valid for 24 months or until the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on the permanent residence application.
Quebec Immigration Programs
Following are the major Quebec immigration programs for foreign workers:
Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) permits individuals with skilled work experience from foreign countries to establish themselves in Quebec. To be eligible for the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) under the Regular Skilled Worker Program, candidates must attain the minimum required score on the RSWP point assessment grid. Upon accumulating sufficient points, they can proceed to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) through the Arrima Portal. The Arrima Portal serves as an online platform for managing applications from foreign workers seeking to apply for the Quebec Immigration Programs under the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
Expressions of Interest will undergo assessment based on diverse human capital factors like age, education, and work experience, among others, resulting in an assigned score. Those with the highest scores will be extended an invitation by the Quebec government to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec selection certificate). The Quebec government will conduct Arrima draws regularly to issue these invitations. The number of candidates invited will be contingent on factors such as the annual admission target and the processing capacity of Quebec’s immigration department.
The likelihood of a candidate receiving an invitation is influenced by factors like possessing a job offer, the specific occupations targeted during the draw, and the candidate’s eligibility score. Upon obtaining a Quebec Immigration Programs, candidates become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility requirements for RSWP
For RSWP, the eligibility of a candidate is assessed on the basis of following factors:
- Education
- Work experience
- Age
- Proficiency in French and English
- Study or work experience in Quebec
- Family members residing Quebec
- Job offer
- Spouse’s credentials
- Children
- Proven ability to financially establish in Quebec
Quebec Experience Program
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), or Programme de l’expérience québécoise, facilitates foreign graduates and temporary workers in Quebec to acquire a Quebec Selection Certificate through an expedited process. The program’s objective is to ensure that the province can leverage the contributions of individuals who are already residing in Quebec and have integrated into the Quebec community.
The PEQ represents an excellent choice for candidates proficient in French and currently employed in Quebec with a temporary work permit. Furthermore, applications for this program are typically processed within a time frame of six months. PEQ candidates are expected to submit their applications, complete the necessary fee payment, and upload the required documents through the Arrima Portal.
The application process for PEQ involves the following steps:
1. Create a profile on Arrima Portal
2. Submit the complete application along with supporting documents
3. Pay the processing fees
Eligibility criteria for foreign workers
- Prove that they have stayed in Quebec as a temporary worker
- Demonstrate their intention to settle in Quebec
- They must have at least 24 months of full-time work experience obtained within the 36 months preceding the submission of application.
- They must have had a legal status while staying in Canada as a temporary worker
- They must be employed at the time of submission of application
- Prove their proficiency in French language, which should be equal to Level 7
- Spouses of principal applicants must also have spoken proficiency in French
Eligibility requirements for Quebec graduates
- French language proficiency equal to Level 7
- Legally residing in Quebec at the time of submitting the application
- Proof of settlement funds
- The candidate must have obtained a degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in Quebec within 36 months before submitting the application
- The duration of the studies must be at least 2 years
- Must have at least one year’s work experience in a job classified under NOC 0, A or B.
Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in food processing
Quebec initiated this program on March 24, 2021, and it is scheduled to conclude on January 1, 2026. To qualify for this program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Prove their proficiency in spoken French
- Work experience in Quebec
- Be working in Quebec in an eligible occupation at the time of submitting their application
Permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies
The Quebec government introduced this program on March 31, 2021, and it is set to conclude on January 1, 2026.
Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors
This pilot program was launched on April 22, 2021 and will be closed on January 1, 2026. A person can apply for CSQ under this program if, they are:
- A foreign worker or a Quebec graduate in artificial intelligence
- A foreign worker in information technologies and visual effects
Eligibility requirements include:
- Proficiency in spoken French, if you are submitting the application as a Francophone
- A job or job offer in artificial intelligence, information technologies or visual effects in Quebec
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