Quebec has a distinct immigration system that operates independently from Canada’s federal immigration programs. This autonomy allows Quebec to establish its own criteria and policies for selecting immigrants based on its unique cultural, linguistic, and economic needs.
Managed by the Government of Quebec, the province prioritizes the integration of immigrants into its predominantly French-speaking society. Below is a detailed overview of Quebec’s immigration programs and processes.
Quebec Immigration Autonomy
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, signed in 1991, Quebec has exclusive control over the selection of immigrants to its territory. While the federal government manages admission procedures such as medical, criminal, and security checks, Quebec selects most of its immigrants based on criteria that reflect its priorities, including language skills and adaptability to the province’s culture.
Economic Immigration Programs
Quebec’s immigration programs focus heavily on addressing the province’s labor market needs and fostering economic growth.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The QSWP is designed for skilled workers who intend to settle in Quebec and contribute to its economy. Applicants are assessed based on a points-based system considering factors like education, work experience, age, language proficiency in French and English, and the potential for economic integration.
Successful applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec – CSQ), allowing them to apply for permanent residence through the federal government.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The PEQ is a fast-track immigration program for foreign workers and international students already in Quebec. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate advanced French proficiency and have work or study experience in the province. This program is tailored for individuals with strong ties to Quebec.
Entrepreneur and Investor Programs
Quebec offers programs for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to establish or invest in businesses in the province:
- Entrepreneur Program: Targets individuals looking to create or acquire businesses in Quebec, with a focus on job creation.
- Investor Program: Requires a substantial financial investment in Quebec’s economy. (Note: This program has been temporarily suspended since 2019 but may reopen with updated criteria.)
- Self-Employed Program: For skilled individuals who can establish their own employment by practicing a profession or trade in Quebec.
Family Sponsorship
Quebec participates in Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship program, allowing residents to sponsor relatives, including spouses, children, parents, or grandparents, to live in the province. Quebec’s role in the sponsorship process involves assessing the financial ability of sponsors to support the sponsored individuals. Sponsored family members must also meet federal admissibility criteria.
Refugees and Humanitarian Immigration
Quebec accepts refugees through both government-assisted and privately sponsored streams. The province works in coordination with the federal government to settle refugees while ensuring their integration into Quebec’s society. Community groups, non-profits, and individuals can also sponsor refugees under Quebec’s private sponsorship programs.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in French is central to Quebec’s immigration programs. While not mandatory for all streams, applicants with strong French skills generally have an advantage. For programs like the PEQ, advanced French proficiency is a prerequisite. The government offers various resources and financial incentives to help newcomers learn French after arrival.
Expression of Interest: Arrima Portal
Quebec used its Arrima portal to manage applications under the QSWP. Similar to Canada’s Express Entry system, Arrima allows individuals to create a profile and submit an expression of interest. Quebec uses this system to invite candidates who meet the province’s economic and labor market needs.
How it works:
- Candidates complete an online profile in the Arrima system.
- Quebec evaluates profiles and issues invitations based on factors like skills, experience, and regional labor demands.
- Selected candidates can apply for a CSQ.
Immigration Levels and Priorities
Quebec sets annual immigration targets based on its demographic and economic goals. It generally aims to admit around 50,000 immigrants, with the majority coming through economic programs. The province also focuses on regional immigration to address labor shortages in smaller cities and rural areas.
Integration Services
To ensure successful integration, Quebec provides extensive support for newcomers, including:
- Francization programs: Free French language courses for immigrants.
- Employment assistance: Services to help newcomers find jobs and adapt to the workplace.
- Cultural orientation: Workshops and resources to familiarize immigrants with Quebec’s social norms and values.
In recent years, the government has introduced reforms to prioritize economic immigrants who can quickly integrate into Quebec’s society. For example, changes to the PEQ in 2020 tightened eligibility criteria to ensure long-term retention of immigrants.
Federal-Provincial Collaboration
While Quebec controls immigrant selection, it must collaborate with the federal government on matters like visa issuance, security screening, and citizenship. This dual responsibility ensures that immigrants meet both Quebec’s and Canada’s broader immigration goals.
Quebec’s immigration system is distinct yet dynamic, tailored to address the province’s unique linguistic, cultural, and economic needs. By prioritizing French-speaking candidates, fostering regional immigration, and adapting to labor market demands, Quebec continues to attract newcomers while preserving its cultural heritage and strengthening its economy.
FAQ: Quebec's Immigration System
Quebec operates an independent immigration system under the Canada-Quebec Accord. The province selects most immigrants based on its priorities, such as French proficiency and labor market needs. However, the federal government manages admission, including security, medical checks, and issuing visas.
The CSQ is a document issued by Quebec that confirms an applicant’s eligibility to immigrate to the province. It’s required for most immigration streams, including skilled workers and entrepreneurs, before applying for permanent residence through Canada’s federal immigration authorities.
The Arrima portal is Quebec’s online system for managing expressions of interest under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Candidates create profiles, and the government invites those who meet labor market and economic priorities to apply for a CSQ.
The QSWP is an immigration program for skilled workers who can contribute to Quebec’s economy. Applicants are evaluated using a points-based system considering factors like education, work experience, and French proficiency. Selected candidates receive a CSQ.
The PEQ is a fast-track immigration stream for international students and temporary workers with experience in Quebec. Advanced French proficiency is mandatory, and applicants must demonstrate strong ties to the province through work or study.
French proficiency is not mandatory for all programs but is highly valued. For some streams, like the PEQ, advanced French skills are required. Quebec also offers free French language courses to help newcomers integrate after arrival.
Yes, most immigrants to Quebec apply for permanent residence after receiving a CSQ. The CSQ confirms the province’s selection, but applicants must still meet federal admission requirements like health, security, and criminal background checks.
Quebec offers several economic programs, including the QSWP, PEQ, Entrepreneur Program, and Investor Program. Each targets different profiles, from skilled workers and graduates to businesspeople and investors looking to contribute to the province’s economy.
Yes, Quebec accepts refugees through government-assisted and privately sponsored programs. The province collaborates with the federal government to resettle and integrate refugees while ensuring support services and cultural orientation are provided.
Quebec provides extensive integration services, including free French courses, employment assistance, and cultural orientation workshops. These programs help newcomers adapt to the province’s language, job market, and society, fostering successful long-term integration.
