Moving to Quebec in Canada is not just a thrilling opportunity but also a life-changing experience. Apart from being ranked continuously as one of the top places in the globe to live, Canada is also a top migrating location on the planet. That’s why it is popular as the land of the immigrants.
You will find different Quebec immigration programs offered for each candidate – be it for business persons, workers or students or a visitor who want to apply for Quebec immigration.
In this blog post, we will present you to the three Quebec immigration programs you can avail. In addition, you may also checkout some immigration programs available through Canada Express Entry Program.
What are the Immigration Programs Offered by Quebec?
Presently, candidates who wish to settle in Quebec could apply for a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ) in one of the following categories:
1. Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The government of Quebec motivates international students finishing a program of post-secondary studies and foreign workers who are working in Quebec to remain within the province permanently. The PEQ program is a streamlined fast-track procedure resulting in stable residence for two classes for applicants.
This program enables temporary foreign workers and international student to apply for a residence in the region after they completed a period of approved studies and qualified work.
PEQ for Students
If you’re a student, you must have studied in the region full time and finished one of the following kinds of diplomas:
- Doctorate
- Master’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Diploma of College Students
- DVS followed by an Attestation of Vocational Specialization
- Diploma of Vocational Studies
The degree should be approved by a university situated in Quebec. It must be documented by the government as well. An international student should have resided in the region for approximately half the time of their study program.
PEQ for Temporary Foreign Workers
You must be living temporarily in Quebec as a temporary foreign worker to qualify in this program:
You should be full-time employed in Quebec in any paid employment for 12 months in the one year, which precede the submission of the application. The 12 months duration should be constant and could be collected with more than one company.
More so, the employment must be at least 30 hours paid job per week. The time consumed as part-time work, business owner or self-employed isn’t qualified under PEQ.
Professions under levels O, A or B according to the National Occupation Classification are qualified for this immigration program.
However, it may interest you to see Top 10 High Paying Professions In Canada.
Processing:
Under this program, the selections are made from the documentary and information proof presented on file. This program is not based on points. Every application must be settled in roughly 20 business days.
Official Quebec.ca page for PEQ
2. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) have announced that admission through this program is paused until April 1, 2023.
The government of Quebec chooses high-net people, entrepreneurs, and business individuals wanting to become Canadian residents permanently and settle in the region.
Investor Program
To qualify, you need to:
- Provide a personal net worth of approximately $2 million legally obtained through conducting business or acquiring a high-level management position in an NGO, government, or private firm.
- Provide having owned and run a business for 2 years in the past 5 years.
- Invest $1.2 million in a passive government ensured for 5 years and get no interest.
Self-Employed Program
To qualify, you must have:
- Register a start-up deposit of approximately $50,000 if you’re based in Montreal and $25,000 if you’re based outside Montreal.
- Acquire a personal net worth of $100,000
- Have two-year experience being self-employed in the employment or occupation you plan to practice in Quebec.
Entrepreneur Program
This program has been revised and is currently running under 2 streams:
- The first stream is composed of doing a business in the region with support from a university entrepreneurship center, a business incubator or a business accelerator.
- The second stream is composed of making or purchasing a present business.
Extra Requirements
Every business candidate is assessed based on different factors. They must acquire a minimum amount of points according to their business plan, language proficiency, age, work experience, education, and ties to Quebec.
3. Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) in Quebec
If you wish to immigrate to Quebec, Canada on on permanent basis through work, then this program is for you.
Foreign people who wanted to settle in the region should undergo a 5-step immigration procedure. They should be chosen by the immigration authority of Quebec. Chosen applicants will get a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Steps for getting a Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
- Expression of Interest
- Invite to complete a permanent selection application
- Apply for permanent selection
- Process your permanent selection application
- Apply for Permanent Residence through the Canadian Government
The Expression of Interest
Interested applicants are now encouraged to show their interest to immigrate to Quebec. They should present an online profile to the Expression of Interest Bank in Quebec.
The Arrima Portal
This is directed to people who are interested in immigrating in the province under the QSWP. It finished the application process efficiently under the standard of first come, first served. This portal is always open throughout the year. Candidates should present an EOI any time without a price.The Mon Project Quebec Portal
Since August 2, 2018, all applicants must go through the Arima portal for RSWP expression of interest application.
Applicants requested to qualify for CSQ will be directed straight in the portal of Mon Project Quebec. They will fill out their application, present it, and pay the needed processing costs in a 90-day deadline. Once the MIDI is set to process the application, they will present a modified checklist of needed paperwork.
Selection Grid
Candidates should ensure they meet the passing score under this grid. For a single applicant, the employability is 43 points. Credentials totaled are work experience, schooling, age, family and visits in Quebec, work offer, and language expertise. These criteria are according to the Quebec Immigration Selection Grid.
You can checkout how to obtain good score in IELTS english language skill in order to increase your points.
Extra points are presented for financial autonomy and existence of kids. A cut-off score is needed to be eligible in this program.
Submission of Requirements
The needed requirements should be presented within 120 days from the time the personalised checklist is obtained.
Processing Period
Processing periods for QSWP is categorized into two period: the time needed to get a CSQ and the time needed to get the permanent residence visa.
Application Costs
The fees for this program as of 2023 are:
- $181 for every accompanying dependent
- $844 for the principal applicant
There you have it! We hope this post provided you a brief overview of the different immigration programs available in Quebec.
Before immigrate to Canada, it is a good thing to have an idea of what cost of living in Canada looks like.