QUEBEC IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
What is the Quebec Immigration Program?
Under the Québec–Canada Accord, Québec exercises exclusive responsibility over the selection of economic immigrants intended for the province. Applicants chosen by Québec receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) (Québec Selection Certificate) before applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for medical, security, and admissibility clearance to obtain permanent residence.
Québec’s economic immigration system is organized around distinct, dedicated programs: economic skilled worker streams led by the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) for temporary workers and graduates already in the province, and dedicated pathways for business candidates.
How does Quebec’s Skilled Worker Immigration (PSTQ) work?
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) (Qualified Worker Selection Program) replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) to better meet immediate regional and sector-specific labor needs.
The PSTQ is divided into four distinct streams:
- SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Targets occupations in TEER 0, 1, or 2 requiring advanced or specialized education.
- INTERMEDIATE SKILLS: Targets occupations in TEER 3, 4, or 5 covering essential labor and technical roles.
- REGULATED PROFESSIONS: Focuses on candidates licensed or certified by a professional order or regulatory body in Québec.
- EXCEPTIONAL TALENT: Targets individuals with proven, outstanding achievements in strategic economic sectors, research, sports, or arts and culture.
Expression of Interest & Selection Process
- Candidates submit a free Expression of Interest (EOI) profile through Québec’s Arrima platform.
- Profiles in the Arrima pool are ranked via a points-based system.
- Québec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) conducts selection rounds based on targeted labor criteria, stream requirements, regional priority needs, and French competency.
- Candidates meeting the criteria with the highest points in a given draw receive an invitation in their Arrima message center.
- Upon receiving an invitation, candidates have 30 days to accept and submit a complete Application for Permanent Selection along with official supporting documents and processing fees.
- Once approved, MIFI issues the CSQ, allowing the applicant to move to the federal stage for permanent residency.
What is the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)?
The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) is an expedited pathway for individuals already integrated into Québec’s society and workforce. Unlike the PSTQ, the PEQ does not rely on a points ranking grid or the Arrima invitation pool; eligible applicants can apply directly for permanent selection.
The program is structured into two main streams:
- QUEBEC GRADUATE STREAM: Designed for international students who have completed an eligible diploma (such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, DEC, or qualified DEP/ASP) at a recognized institution in Québec and demonstrate required French oral proficiency (minimum Level 7 / B2).
- TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER STREAM: Designed for skilled temporary residents with full-time work experience in Québec acquired within an eligible TEER category, currently employed in the province, and meeting oral French proficiency requirements.
What are Quebec’s business immigration programs?
Québec manages three distinct, dedicated economic categories for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed professionals seeking permanent selection.
- QUEBEC INVESTOR PROGRAM: A pathway for high-net-worth individuals with proven management experience. Candidates must enter into an investment agreement with an authorized financial intermediary, meet minimum net worth and education requirements, and fulfill physical residency and French language conditions in Québec prior to permanent selection.
- QUEBEC ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM: For individuals planning to establish, acquire, or operate a business in Quebec. Stream 1 targets innovative startups backed by a business incubator, accelerator, or university project center. Stream 2 targets traditional business owners acquiring or operating an existing enterprise with a required capital deposit and equity stake.
- QUEBEC SELF-EMPLOYED WORKER PROGRAM: A stream for independent professionals, tradespeople, or freelancers coming to Québec to create their own job by practicing a profession or trade independently. Applicants must demonstrate lawful net worth, relevant professional experience, and the capacity to establish their practice in the province.
Is French language proficiency mandatory for Quebec immigration?
Yes, French proficiency is mandatory for virtually all economic and business immigration streams. Quebec prioritizes candidates who can integrate into the province’s official language environment.
Required proficiency starts at Level 5.
Can family members accompany the principal applicant?
Yes, you can bring family members that you declared in your Quebec application. These include:
- your spouse or common-law partner
- your dependent child (<22 years old)
- your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child
- a dependent child of a dependent child
What are the key considerations in submitting an application?
The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for the Quebec Immigration Program:
- Are you applying to the right immigration program?
- What submissions can you add to strengthen your application?
- How do you determine that you are correctly meeting the minimum requirements?
LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN.
We firmly believe that your success is our success. We’ll strategize on your immigration plan, identify the right pathway for you, and ensure you take the fastest route to Canadian citizenship.
We commit to ensuring that your application package will be accurate, complete, and at its strongest to avoid delays and errors that waste your time and resources. Our goal is to be able to say to you, “Welcome to Canada!”
