Quebec has a special arrangement with the Government of Canada on matters concerning immigration. The province has its own criteria and rules for selecting immigrants who will integrate well into Quebec Society.
Quebec Immigration Programs
Immigration to Quebec always involves a 2-stage process. First, an application must be made to Immigration Quebec under one of its existing programs. If you are qualified and selected, a Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ) is issued to you. With the CSQ, you may then apply to the federal CIC for Canadian permanent residency.
The Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
The Quebec Skilled Workers Program objective is to secure immigration candidates who possess certain skills and who are planning to settle in Quebec. Unlike the Federal Express Entry Program whereby your application will be measured and ranked against other applicants in a pool, the QSWP works on a first come first serve basis.
Quebec Experience Class Program (PEQ)
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is the provincial equivalent to the federal Canadian Experience Class program. The PEQ is designed specifically for foreign workers and students currently living in Quebec. It should be noted that the PEQ is not a point-based system such as the QSW program. As long as you met the specific requirements you would be qualified. As such, the processing time for a PEQ application is significantly shorter as compared to other Immigration Quebec programs.
Quebec Investor & Entrepreneur Program
Quebec Investor Class category is the most vigorous program in Canada. With its limited number of spots available each year, this program fill-up so fast.
Why Quebec?
Being the largest province in Canada, Quebec has plenty to offer newcomers. The provincial government invests significantly in programs to ensure newcomers have the tools and resources to help them integrate. With free language training, employment counseling/training, free healthcare, and heavily subsidized tuition for post-secondary educational institutions, Quebec presents an attractive options to newcomers.
