Quebec's immigration system operates independently, a testament to its commitment to preserving its unique cultural and linguistic heritage within Canada. This independence allows Quebec to move away from the federal Express Entry system, prioritizing applicants demonstrating strong French language skills and aligning with the province's specific economic objectives. This distinct approach results in immigration pathways that significantly differ from those other Canadian provinces offer.

Our guide goes into the various Quebec immigration programs, highlighting their differences from other provincial pathways.

The Distinctiveness of Quebec's Immigration System

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Canada's immigration landscape is governed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec can select its economic immigrants. This autonomy allows Quebec to tailor its immigration policies to preserve French-speaking character and address specific labor market demands.

A vital distinction lies in the selection criteria. While most provinces rely heavily on the federal Express Entry system, which uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates based on factors like age, education, and work experience, Quebec's system emphasizes French language proficiency as a requirement. This reflects the province's commitment to maintaining its linguistic heritage.

The Skilled Worker Selection Program

The PSTQ is Quebec's primary pathway for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residency. It replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024, signaling an evolution in the province's immigration strategy.

Arrima Platform

The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) leverages the Arrima platform, a sophisticated online portal designed for prospective immigrants to submit their declarations of interest. These declarations are then systematically organized into a pool, where each candidate's profile is meticulously evaluated and scored according to a predefined set of criteria. This scoring system ensures a transparent and objective selection process, aligning with Quebec's specific labor market needs.

Invitation System

Candidates who demonstrate exceptional qualifications and align with Quebec's stringent selection criteria, as evidenced by their high scores, are invited to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This CSQ, a vital document, signifies that Quebec has selected the candidate and is eligible to proceed with their permanent residence application with the federal government. This invitation system allows Quebec to strategically select immigrants who can contribute effectively to the province's economic and social fabric.

Temporary Suspension

Currently, invitations under the PSTQ are temporarily suspended, with the suspension period extending until June 30, 2025, at the latest. This pause is directly associated with the ongoing development of Quebec's next multi-annual immigration plan, a strategic initiative to refine and update the province's immigration policies. This suspension period reflects a commitment to thorough reassessment and strategic planning, ensuring that future immigration aligns with Quebec's long-term objectives.

French Proficiency

A critical prerequisite for receiving an invitation is demonstrating a minimum level 7 oral proficiency in French, as assessed by the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français. This requirement underscores Quebec's unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the French language and culture within its borders. The emphasis on French proficiency ensures that immigrants can effectively integrate into Quebec's Francophone society and contribute to its cultural vitality.

Updating Declarations

Individuals who submitted their declarations of interest before November 29, 2024, must actively update their profiles within the Arrima system. This update is essential to ensure their continued eligibility for future invitations once the suspension period concludes. Maintaining an up-to-date profile allows candidates to accurately reflect any changes in their qualifications or circumstances, thus maximizing their chances of selection.

PRTQ Legacy

Applications submitted under the PRTQ before November 29, 2024, are still being processed according to the original program requirements. This legacy processing ensures that applicants who followed the previous guidelines are not disadvantaged by implementing new policies. It also demonstrates a commitment to fairness and transparency during the transition period.

The Quebec Experience Program

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The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for foreign students graduating from Quebec institutions and temporary foreign workers with Quebec work experience.

Target Groups

The PEQ is specifically designed to attract and retain two key demographics: individuals who have graduated from eligible Quebec educational institutions and temporary foreign workers with valuable work experience within the Canadian province. This focused approach allows Quebec to address its labor market needs by prioritizing those who have already established a connection with the Canadian province.

CSQ Acquisition

Upon successfully evaluating their application, eligible candidates are granted a CSQ, a vital document confirming their selection by the province. This CSQ then serves as a prerequisite for applicants to proceed with their application for permanent residency through the federal government IRCC.

Recent Modifications

Since October 31, 2024, the PEQ has undergone substantial modifications, including discontinuing accepting new applications under the Quebec graduate stream. The issuance of invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) and the newly introduced Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) has been temporarily suspended until the province's new immigration plan is finalized.

International Mobility Program Plus

To fast-track the integration of skilled workers into Quebec's labor market, the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) enables CSQ holders to secure an open work permit, valid for up to three years. This program, unique to Quebec, aims to bridge the gap between provincial selection and federal permanent residency processing. This initiative is subject to an annual cap of 7,000 permits, ensuring controlled integration within the Canadian province.

Eligibility for IMP+

To be eligible for the IMP+, applicants must hold a valid CSQ, reside outside of Canada or in a province other than Quebec, and have not yet received a decision on their permanent residence application. These eligibility criteria are designed to target individuals who are committed to settling in Quebec and contributing to its economy.

Spousal and Dependent Inclusion

The IMP+ program extends its benefits to the spouses and dependent children of CSQ holders, enhancing the family's integration into Quebec. Spouses can obtain open work permits, allowing them to contribute to the workforce, while dependent children can pursue educational opportunities within Quebec.

Quebec Pilot Programs

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Quebec has implemented pilot programs to address specific labor shortages in key sectors. These programs offer targeted pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Food Processing

This pilot program addresses labor shortages within Quebec's food processing industry by targeting temporary foreign workers already employed in this sector. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in spoken French, ensuring they can integrate effectively into the workplace and community and possess relevant work experience in food processing. This program is set to conclude on January 1, 2026, marking the end of its pilot phase and potentially leading to its integration into broader immigration streams.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies

Focusing on Quebec's healthcare sector, this pilot program aims to attract and retain temporary foreign workers employed as orderlies. Similar to the food processing program, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in spoken French and possess relevant work experience as orderlies. This initiative addresses the critical need for healthcare workers in Quebec. It is also scheduled to close on January 1, 2026, signaling a potential shift in how these essential workers are integrated into the province.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in the Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, and Visual Effects Sectors

Targeting high-demand sectors, this pilot program seeks to attract foreign workers and Quebec graduates with expertise in artificial intelligence, information technologies, and visual effects. Applicants are required to meet specific criteria, including French proficiency for the Francophone profile and relevant job offers or experience in these specialized fields. Like the others, this program is set to close on January 1, 2026, potentially leading to the development of tailored immigration pathways for these critical sectors.

FAQs

How Long Does it Take to Immigrate to Quebec?

The IRCC processing time for Quebec immigration can vary significantly depending on the specific program and the completeness of the application, generally ranging from several months to a few years. Applicants must first obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) from the province, which can take varying amounts of time. Then, they must apply to the federal government for permanent residence, which adds further processing time.

How Does Quebec's Cultural Integration Policy Differ From That of Other Provinces?

Quebec's cultural integration policy strongly emphasizes preserving and promoting the French language and culture, a core component of its identity. Unlike other provinces focusing on multiculturalism, Quebec's approach prioritizes integration into its Francophone society, requiring a certain level of French proficiency for most immigration streams.

Does Quebec Offer Any Programs to Help Immigrants Learn French?

Yes, Quebec offers programs to help immigrants learn and improve their French language skills, recognizing the importance of French proficiency for successful integration. These programs include free or subsidized French courses, language assessments, and integration support services, providing immigrants with the necessary tools to navigate daily life and the workplace.