Quebec is a distinct and dynamic province in Canada with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, and a unique blend of French and Canadian heritage. It is the only province in Canada with French as its sole official language, which is why some of its immigration programs require fluency in French or give preference to applicants who are fluent in French. However, there are also immigration pathways available for non-French speakers who want to live in Quebec.
Quebec offers a variety of immigration programs that enable qualified individuals to become permanent residents of Canada. The federal government has granted Quebec a significant degree of autonomy over its immigration policies and procedures, which is why Quebec’s immigration programs are often treated separately from those of other provinces.
With its unique immigration policies and procedures, Quebec offers a variety of immigration programs that enable qualified individuals to Immigrate to Quebec.
Why immigrate to Quebec?
- Strong economy: Quebec has a strong and diversified economy, with a focus on manufacturing, service, and natural resource sectors. The province’s economy represents a total of 19.65% of Canada’s GDP ((as of 2010). Quebec’s strong economy provides immigrants with many job opportunities and a high standard of living.
- Welcoming community: Quebec is a welcoming and inclusive province. Immigrants from all over the world are drawn to Quebec’s vibrant culture and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- High quality of life: Quebec is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. The province offers its residents a high quality of life, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and social services. Quebec also has a beautiful natural environment and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Unique culture and language: Quebec is the only province in Canada with French as its sole official language. This makes Quebec a unique and attractive destination for immigrants who are interested in learning and experiencing French language and culture.
- Pathways for non-French speakers: While some of Quebec’s immigration programs require fluency in French, there are also pathways available for non-French speakers who wish to immigrate to the province. These pathways include the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
- Affordable housing: The housing and rental market in Quebec’s urban centers is more affordable than in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
- Natural beauty: Quebec is home to a variety of natural attractions, including lakes, mountains, forests, and parks.
Quebec’s Economic Immigration Programs
As the only province in Canada with French as its official language, Quebec prioritizes French language skills when selecting immigrants to preserve its unique identity. While fluency in French is not required, it does increase your chances of being accepted into the province.
Quebec selects skilled workers based on its population and economic needs, as well as the number of immigrants it wants to accept each year.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a points-based immigration program that allows skilled workers to immigrate to Quebec, Canada. French language proficiency is not required to apply, but it can increase your score on the points assessment grid.
- What is the QSWP?
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- A points-based immigration program for skilled workers
- Designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Quebec’s economy
- Candidates can apply from anywhere in the world, with or without any Quebec experience
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- Eligibility requirements
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- Minimum amount of skilled work experience
- Ability to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Arrima portal
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- Points system
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- Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and connections to Quebec
- French language proficiency and connections to Quebec are highly valued
Read more: Work Visa Options
Quebec Experience Program
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is an immigration program for experienced Quebec residents who want to immigrate to the province permanently. To be eligible, applicants must have either worked or studied in Quebec. Applicants must also demonstrate advanced intermediate spoken French.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the PEQ, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have either worked or studied in Quebec
- Demonstrate advanced intermediate spoken French
- Be legally residing in Quebec at the time the application is submitted and processed
Quebec Investor Program
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is an immigration program for wealthy investors who wish to immigrate to Quebec, Canada. The program requires candidates to have a minimum net worth of $2 million CAD and make a minimum investment of $1.2 million CAD in a passive investment vehicle approved by the Quebec government.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the QIIIP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum net worth of $2 million CAD
- Make a minimum investment of $1.2 million CAD in a passive investment vehicle approved by the Quebec government
- Meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in French or English
- Be of good character and have no criminal record
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP) is an immigration program for experienced business people who want to launch a new business or purchase an existing business in Quebec, Canada. The program requires candidates to have proven experience in business ownership and/or management, as well as the financial resources to support their business venture in Quebec.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the QEP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have proven experience in business ownership and/or management
- Have the financial resources to support a business venture in Quebec
- Meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in French or English
- Be of good character and have no criminal record
- Intend to manage a business project in Quebec or acquire a business in Quebec
Quebec Self-Employed Program
The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program (QSEWP) is an immigration program for self-employed workers who want to immigrate to Quebec and create their job. The program requires candidates to have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker and net assets of at least $100,000 CAD.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the QSEWP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker
- Have net assets of at least $100,000 CAD
- Meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in French or English
- Be of good character and have no criminal record
- Intend to create a viable self-employed business in Quebec
Process for Quebec’s Economic Immigration Programs
Step 1: Selection
To submit an EOI, applicants must create a profile on the Arrima portal. Once the profile is created, applicants can submit their EOI. The EOI will include information about the applicant’s work experience, education, language skills, and connections to Quebec.
Applicants will be ranked based on their EOI and the highest-ranked applicants will be invited to apply for a CSQ. The CSQ is a document issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) that proves to IRCC that an applicant has been selected for immigration to Quebec.
Step 2: Admission
Once an applicant has received a CSQ, they can then apply for permanent residence to IRCC. The IRCC will assess the applicant’s eligibility and make a decision on their application.
To apply for permanent residence, applicants must submit an application form and supporting documents. The supporting documents will include things like a copy of the applicant’s passport, medical exam results, and police clearance certificates.
The IRCC will assess the applicant’s eligibility based on the requirements of the economic immigration program that they are applying under. If the applicant is eligible, the IRCC will issue them a visa. Once the applicant has received their visa, they can then travel to Quebec and become a permanent resident.
