Your Comprehensive Guide to Quebec Immigration

Ranked amongst the most liveable places in Canada, Quebec has become a hotspot for immigrants. For migrants seeking a high quality of life, Quebec immigration is an immensely popular and affordable option today. This French-speaking, central Canadian province is known for its premium educational institutions, bustling industries, diverse culture, and lucrative employment opportunities. There are different Quebec Immigration Programs, some of which mandate the French language while others don’t.

Know about Quebec Immigration Programs

Unlike the Provincial Nominee Program applicable for other Canadian provinces, Quebec has its own autonomous set of immigration guidelines. The three major Quebec Immigration Programs are as follows:-

1. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)

Under this program, you can immigrate to Quebec based on your professional skills, qualifications, and experience. The salient features of the QSW are as follows:-

• Under this Quebec Immigration Program, being well-versed with the French language is not compulsory. But it is definitely a ranking factor. As a non-French speaker, you can qualify if you score high on other parameters,
• There are several ranking factors on the basis of which your eligibility score is computed. These include your age, educational qualifications, professional experience, languages known (proficiency in French and English), health status, and background verification.
• While you must attain the minimum eligibility score, there is no comparison amongst candidates for acceptance under QSW.
• If you are currently residing outside Quebec, you need to have a valid job offer in Quebec to apply for this program.
• If you are already residing in Quebec, you can apply without an immediate job offer.

2. Quebec Experience Class (QEC)

For graduates and working professionals who are already residing in Quebec, the QEC program helps you in applying for permanent citizenship. Do take note of the following aspects before you put in your application for this Quebec Immigration Program:-

• QEC applicants can apply only from inside Quebec.
• As a student applicant, you need to have spent at least 50% of your course duration studying in Quebec.
• As a temporary skilled worker in Quebec, you need to have had a minimum of 1 year work experience to be eligible for QEC.
• You need to be proficient in the French Language. The assessment is done on the basis of Advanced Intermediate French Language Proficiency.
• Most overseas students, who have completed their post-secondary studies in Quebec, apply for this program to become permanent residents.

3. Quebec Business Immigration (QBI)

For businesspersons or entrepreneurs interested in becoming permanent residents, this Quebec Immigration Program is highly coveted. There are three sub-programs within the QEC.

• Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) - Particularly meant for wealthy businesspersons with the financial means to invest in Quebec’s economy, the QIIP has some mandates. Your personal net worth has to be at least 2 million Canadian Dollars. Your business investment in Quebec needs to be a minimum of 1.2 million Canadian Dollars.
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP) - In the QEP Program, a minimum investment of 2 million Canadian Dollars is required. It could either be from you, or from an approved business investor.
• Quebec Self-Employed Worker’s Program- The Quebec Self-Employed Worker’s Program has been temporarily paused. It is no longer accepting new applications at the moment.

Conclusion

Once you have identified the right Quebec Immigration Program, you need to approach the Quebec Ministry for Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion. Upon assessing your application, the Ministry will send you a Quebec Selection Certificate. The final step would be to apply to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If you seek assistance from an Immigration Consultant, make sure affiliated with the Immigration Consultant of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).