Immigration programs in Quebec differ from those of the federal government primarily due to the autonomy granted to the province. The Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration allows Quebec to design and manage its own immigration policies and programs for those who wish to immigrate to Quebec, tailored to its specific labor market and cultural needs. This results in distinct criteria for selecting immigrants, including specific requirements related to language, education, and professional experience.
No, the CSQ simply allows you to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada. However, if someone holds a CSQ, they may be eligible to apply for an extension of an existing work permit in Quebec.
The Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program is an immigration pathway for individuals who intend to live and work in Quebec and obtain permanent residence. If you wish to live and work anywhere in Canada, excluding Quebec, you should consider federal immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Applicants must have skilled work experience and achieve a minimum score on a points-based evaluation grid. While French proficiency is not mandatory, it can enhance the score. Candidates must submit a Declaration of Interest (DI) through the Arrima online portal to be eligible.
However, starting from November 29, 2024, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) will come into effect and replace the RSWP. Unlike the RSWP, the QSWP will require proficiency in French. Language requirements vary depending on the occupational category and include specific French levels for applicants’ spouses.
The Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) will no longer use the RSWP selection grid. The QSWP consists of four streams to select skilled workers based on their level of expertise, field of activity, regulated profession, or exceptional talent:
The Temporary Foreign Workers Category of the PEQ is an immigration option in Quebec designed for temporary foreign workers seeking permanent residence. This category allows temporary foreign workers who have legally acquired work experience in Quebec and meet certain conditions, such as oral French proficiency equivalent to level 7 on the Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels, to apply for permanent residence.
Since November 23, 2023, the Temporary Foreign Workers Stream requires level 7 or higher in oral French according to the Quebec Scale of French Proficiency Levels, without a mandatory minimum written competence.
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 Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) 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.
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