Immigrating to Quebec after gaining all the essential details will make it easier for newcomers to reside and settle in the province. Let us first know about Quebec as a province. Quebec is a Canadian province with the highest population of more than 8.7 million. The three major metropolitan areas include Quebec, Montreal, and Sherbrooke. It holds a special status in contrast with the other provinces and territories, as it has the maximum number of French speakers.
Therefore, it is the only province that dominates with its massive number of Francophone communities. Hence, this special province can prove advantageous for those, especially those from French countries and those who would like to learn the language.
As a newcomer, if immigrating to Quebec is on the cards, you must learn more about the province, such as its housing, healthcare, etc.
Immigrating to Quebec after gaining all the essential details – Housing
Quebec comprises one of the greatest housing markets in Canada. The housing costs and types of properties will differ on the basis of the region you choose to reside in, your family size, and the property type you seek for yourself.
The National Rent Rankings of August 2023 stated that Montreal’s average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,752 CAD. This is in contrast with Quebec City’s one-bedroom apartment of $1,234.
The rental cost for Quebec’s one-bedroom is under the national average of $1,860.
Commuting
Approximately 76 percent of individuals residing in Quebec’s three chief metropolitan areas reside within 500 meters of some public transit form. Public transport comprises buses and subways. The city of Montreal is covered by the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM), a system of buses and subways. Buses are essential in the transportation systems of Sherbrooke and Quebec City.
Although public transport is quite accessible, more than 75 percent of Montreal’s residents and those in Quebec and Sherbrooke commute through a personal vehicle. Therefore, buying and leasing a car or immigrating to a province might prove to be an excellent option.
Additionally, for the initial six months of being a Quebec resident, you might run a motor vehicle through a driver’s license you acquired in your home country. Toward the latter part of the six-month period, Quebec’s new immigrants must obtain a provincial driver’s license from Quebec’s government if they seek to run a motor vehicle in Canada.
Employment
The greatest employment industries in Quebec are trade occupations, manufacturing, social assistance, and healthcare. The trade occupation employees also consist of wholesale and retail trader workers from a significant number of industries, such as electronics and grocery. The healthcare and social assistance industry offers employment to nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Lastly, the manufacturing industry includes occupations including appliance technicians and mechanical engineers.
Healthcare
Canada’s public healthcare receives funds from the universal healthcare model with joint funds from resident taxes. Quebec’s majority of new immigrants more than 18 years must extend up to three months before being eligible to attain public health coverage from Quebec. Toward the closure of the waiting period, any new immigrant in Quebec will qualify for free healthcare and a valid health card.
As a newcomer, you must access the Quebec government’s website to apply for a health card. Individuals in the province who seek to settle permanently will access a set of varied rules and guidance. These set of rules apply to Quebec’s seasonal workers and those accompanying newcomers on a study or work visa. The eligibility for Quebec’s health insurance also relies on the status you possess within the province.
Typically, a provincial health card provides access to free public health services. However, specific treatments and medications will require the person to pay independently.
Immigration to Quebec after gaining all the essential details on its education system
Quebec children are admitted into its education system when they’re five years old, and most children begin kindergarten. Quebec’s residents can send their children to free educational institutions until they finish high school through Quebec’s public education system. Parents also have the choice to send their kids to private or boarding schools. However, they must pay their tuition fees on their own.
Regarding post-secondary education, Quebec has accomplished the second-greatest number of Designated Learning Institutions in Canada. This accounts for 430 DLIs in Quebec. A majority of these institutions provide access to Canadian new immigrants, making them qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation.
The PGWP is essential for graduates seeking Canadian permanent residence, as the permit enables holders to acquire work experience in Canada. This Canadian experience is advantageous for PR immigration pathways.
Taxation
In Quebec, the provincial government offers a Sales Tax fee of 14.975 percent, combining a standard Goods and Services Tax of 5 percent, along with a Quebec Sales Tax of 9.975 percent. Quebec residents have to pay taxes on their income, and similar to the rest of Canada, it will differ as it will rely primarily on the amount of money you earn in one year.
Immigrating to Quebec after knowing all the essential details of Quebec’s newcomer services
Lastly, Quebec comprises ample resources that can help newcomers to Quebec settle into their new house. A few services include:
- The Government of Quebec website offers a platform for newcomers to look for a local service provider based on their needs.
- Accompagnement Quebec is a free program that assists immigrants with activities ranging from settling to learning French.
- AIDE Inc. is a francophone service provider in Sherbrooke that helps immigrants settle in.
If you have any questions related to the Canadian immigration process, you can access all relevant details through Make Home Canada’s immigration consultants. Write to us at [email protected]
