Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec is located in eastern Canada where most commonly spoken and the official language is French. The province has a unique status in Canada, with rich history, culture and offers a unique blend of French and Canadian heritage. The province preserves certain specific provisions and powers to protect and promote its distinct culture and language while being part of the Canadian federal system. The two of the most vigorous and popular cities are Montreal and Quebec City, the capital, is where most people tend to call home when they immigrate to Quebec, Canada.

Quebec has its own immigration process, with its own programs and selection criteria. Quebec does not offer a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The programs that Quebec offers are:

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program
• Quebec Experience Class
• Business Immigration

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a Quebec based immigration program for foreign skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and reside in Quebec. The applicant must apply to the government of Quebec for a certificate of selection. The certificate is proof that Quebec has accepted you as an immigrant. Once the certificate is issued, the applicant can then apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

Quebec Experience Class (PEQ) allows foreign students or skilled temporary workers, with an intermediate skill level in French, to apply for permanent residence in Quebec, Canada.    

To immigrate to Quebec under the PEQ, an applicant can apply using following categories:

• Quebec Graduate – if applicant have qualification from an eligible Quebec institution and have at least 12 to 18 months (depending on your study program) work experience in Quebec.
• Skilled Temporary Worker – if applicant currently have a skilled job in Quebec, Canada for at least 24 months of the last 36 months.

If you are interested in applying for permanent residence in Quebec Canada and would like to invest in, start a new or buy an existing business in the province you can choose among one of the following programs:

• Entrepreneur Program
• Investor Program
• Self-employed Program

Each program has its own application intake process, period and eligibility criteria. Applications are assessed on factors such as age, education, language skills, financial stability, and ties to the province such as previous visits to Quebec or family members already living in the province.

There are two options under this program. First option, is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and run a business in Quebec. Second option is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to purchase and run a business in Quebec. There is a minimum start-up deposit of between 200,000 and $300,000 as well as a minimum of $900,000 net worth.

The investor program is for foreign investors who want to invest in a business in Quebec. The applicant would need to agree to a five-year term investment of at least $1,200 and have at least $2,000,000 in net assets and at least two years of business management experience in the past 5 years.

This program is for professionals or business people who wish to migrate to Quebec in a self-employed position. To qualify the applicant will need to make a deposit of at least $25,000 to $50,000 in start-up capital and have a minimum of $100,000 in net assets along with minimum of two years of experience in a relevant self-employed position.