Quebec is a beautiful, predominantly French-speaking province in Canada. Quebec has the autonomy to admit immigrants according to their own selection criteria.

If you are planning to immigrate to the province of Quebec, you will need to learn about the different programs under Quebec Immigration.

Quebec offers different immigration programs for visitors, students, and foreign workers that are distinct from the federal government or some of the other provinces and territories.

French proficiency is not always mandatory but would be advantageous for your application.

What is the Process of Quebec Immigration?

Quebec Immigration programs will have a 2 step selection process. You must acquire a Quebec Selection Process/Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) that signifies that you have been selected for immigration by the Quebec authorities.

If you are immigrating to Quebec, you will be required to file for permanent residency with the Canadian government department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 24 months of getting a CSQ.

Quebec selects applicants based on their skills, experience, and human capital value. After being approved by the Quebec immigration authorities, you must clear all health and criminality inadmissibilities.

What are the Different Programs Available Under Quebec Immigration?

Quebec Experience Class Program (PEQ): If you have lived in Quebec as an international student or a foreign worker, then you can transition to permanent residency under the Quebec Experience Class Program (PEQ).

You are required to have an intermediate level of French proficiency and prior work experience in Quebec.

International students require full-time work experience of varying ranges from 12 months to18 months depending on the type of study program or diploma.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): You could work in Quebec under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). You will be eligible for a QSWP if you have a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and a completed application for permanent residency.

You will be required to meet certain eligibility requirements like education, age, work experience, language proficiency, and financial resources to support your stay.

Quebec Business Immigration: The Quebec Business Immigration programs offer you the opportunity to immigrate to Quebec for self-employment, entrepreneurship or investment.

You do not require French language proficiency to be eligible for programs under the Quebec Business Immigration Program. You can choose from the following business immigration programs:

• Quebec Self-Employed Program: You can apply for the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program if you intend to create your own job while you are residing in Quebec as a self-employed person. You must have minimum net assets of $100,000 to be eligible. You also need to score a minimum of points on the self-employed assessment grid.
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program: Under the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, you can immigrate to Canada if you intend to establish or acquire a business. You can apply under these 2 streams based on your circumstances.
• Quebec Immigrant Investor Program: The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program allows you to immigrate to the province of Quebec as an investor. You need to have net assets of at least $2,000,000. You will also be required to make a 5-year investment of $1,200,000 with the Investissement Québec – Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.

Quebec Pilot Program for Orderlies: The Quebec Pilot Program for Orderlies is for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who are already residing in Quebec and want to immigrate. Applicants will be required to meet certain work experience and educational requirements to qualify for this program. However, all applicants must be currently employed as orderlies, nurse aides, and/or patient service associates under the NOC 3414.

Quebec Pilot Program for Workers in Food Processing: The Quebec Pilot Program for Workers in Food Processing was launched to attract foreign workers currently employed in the food and beverage industries in Quebec. Applicants will require a minimum of 2 years of work experience, occupation under the designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, and French language proficiency.

Quebec Pilot Program for Workers in the AI, IT, and VFX: New Quebec immigration programs: Quebec Pilot Program for Workers in the AI, IT, and VFX Sectors offer two immigration streams: the AI stream and the IT and Visual Effects stream. The AI stream is for international graduates and temporary foreign workers who are either currently employed or have a valid job offer for an eligible occupation in the province.

The IT and Visual Effects stream is for temporary foreign workers with at least 2 years of work experience in one of the eligible occupations. Applicants must be either fluent in the French language or agree to learn French-speaking to gain permanent residence in Quebec.

What is the Quebec Immigration Plan for 2021?

Quebec's immigration plan for 2021 defines the targets for applicants who will be allowed under different programs offered by the province of Quebec. This province updates its immigration plan yearly.

The Quebec Immigration Plan for 2021 has set out the aim of 44,500 to 47,500 permanent residency admissions in the current multi-year plan.

A re-balancing is planned to make up for delays in 2020 due to the health crisis by taking 7000 additional applicants.

What is a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ)?

A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) authorizes temporary stay in the province of Quebec as an international student or foreign worker. You do not need to apply for a CAQ if you do not need a study or work permit issued by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What is a Certificate of Selection (CSQ)?

A Quebec Certificate of Selection authorizes you to apply for permanent residence in Quebec. It signifies that you have been approved after the first step of the immigration process.

Can you immigrate to Quebec through Express Entry?

No, Quebec does not allow applicants to immigrate through Express Entry. You can not apply for Express Entry if you intend to reside in Quebec at any time during your stay in Canada.

Does Quebec have its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

No, Quebec has its separate immigration programs that can be similar to the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program as the content of this topic has been explained above.

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