Quebec is Canada’s second-most populous province and its largest city, Montreal, is one of the most diverse and fascinating cities in the country. Montreal is a business and industrial centre and a hub for Canada’s burgeoning IT and AI sectors. World-renowned companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Ubisoft, CGI, Air Canada and Element AI are headquartered in Montreal.
Under the 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord, the Government of Quebec is responsible for selecting economic immigrants to the province such as skilled workers and entrepreneurs. That selection process is managed by Quebec’s Immigration Ministry, the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
The Quebec Selection Certificate or Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) is a document issued by MIFI that confirms an applicant has been selected for immigration to Quebec. Immigration candidates who are issued a CSQ can then apply for permanent resident status with Canada’s federal government.
What are Quebec’s Economic Immigration Programs?
Foreign nationals who are interested in settling in Quebec may be invited to apply for a CSQ through one of the following economic immigration categories.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Also known as the Regular Skilled Worker Program, the QSWP is Quebec’s main immigration category for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and reside in Quebec.
Quebec Experience Program – Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ)
The PEQ is a popular immigration option for international students who have obtained an eligible diploma from a Quebec post-secondary institution and skilled workers with eligible work experience in the province.
Quebec Business Immigration
Foreign nationals who can prove they have the resources can apply for immigration to Quebec under a wide range of business immigration programs for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals.
Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs
There are currently three permanent immigration pilot programs in Quebec, targeting workers in the food industry, orderlies and the artificial intelligence, information technology and visual effects sectors. These immigration pilots are designed to help Quebec meet the high demand for skilled workers in these fields.
