Quebec’s immigration process involves two stages:

1. Selection: Applicants are selected by Quebec and receive a CSQ through one of the province’s immigration programs.
2. Admission: With a CSQ, applicants can then apply for permanent residence at the federal level. This involves submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for approval, which, if granted, leads to Canadian permanent resident status.

Quebec offers several immigration programs, including:

• Quebec-selected skilled workers (previously “Quebec Skilled Worker Program”)
• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Quebec Investor Program
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

After obtaining a CSQ, the applicant proceeds to the federal stage of the immigration process. They must submit an application for permanent residence to IRCC. This application includes substantial documentation to verify education, work experience, and language skills. All adult applicants must also provide police clearance and undergo medical exams.

The federal application requires detailed documentation, police clearance for all adults, and medical exams for all family members. There are also significant costs related to the federal processing fees.

A CSQ by itself does not authorize employment in Quebec. However, individuals with a CSQ who already hold a valid work permit, have a job offer from a Quebec employer, and possess a CSQ can apply to extend their work permit. For those with a valid Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) who are currently residing outside Quebec or abroad, there may be an option to apply under the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+). This program could allow for a faster entry into Quebec and facilitate integration into the local job market with an open work permit.

The Quebec Graduates Category of the PEQ is designed for international graduates from Quebec educational institutions. It provides an accelerated pathway to permanent residence for those who have obtained an eligible diploma and meet certain conditions, such as demonstrating oral French proficiency equivalent to level 7 or higher on the Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels, having written French proficiency at level 5 or higher, and intending to reside permanently in Quebec.

Since November 23, 2023, eligible students under the Quebec Graduates Category of the PEQ no longer need to demonstrate Quebec work experience to apply, allowing them to expedite their permanent residence application upon completing their studies.

Starting from November 2024, graduates must also have studied in French in Quebec (a program where 75% of courses or credits were conducted in French) or have completed at least three (3) years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French to be eligible for this category of the PEQ.

Our Montreal immigration lawyers specialize in assisting individuals from around the world who wish to immigrate to Quebec through its specific immigration programs, such as the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) (formerly the Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). While the application process might seem straightforward, the legal details and potential challenges can be quite intricate. We often step in to resolve issues that have arisen, usually after errors have occurred. Mistakes made by those who apply independently can result in costly delays or unfavorable outcomes, which our experienced Quebec immigration lawyers can prevent.

We offer high-quality Canadian immigration services, delivered by some of the top immigration lawyers in Canada. With a meticulous, detail-driven approach, we ensure that every case is handled with precision, leaving nothing to chance. This commitment to excellence is the key to our success and our proven track record of successful outcomes for clients. Our services are accessible online from anywhere, at competitive rates, with no hidden fees. We proudly serve clients across Canada and around the world, including in: