Quebec’s immigration process involves separate programs and selection criteria. Moreover, it is the only Canadian province that practices complete authority over the selection of candidates due to its Francophone status. Also, the Canadian constitution provides the power to both federal and provincial governments for immigration. However, it is the federal government that exercises more control over immigration. In 1968, Quebec introduced its own immigration ministry.
Quebec is fortunate enough to fix its separate immigration targets and choose candidates based on its own selection criteria and processes. This is Canada’s only province with a hundred percent authority in welcoming candidates under the economic pathways. However, the overall decision will depend on the federal government, irrespective of the immigration pathway.
Quebec immigration requires a candidate to apply to the provincial government. Furthermore, the province will evaluate the candidates through its different requirements and parameters. If the candidates get selected, they will also obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate from the Quebec Ministry of Immigration.
After the candidate receives a CSQ, they will have the chance to apply to IRCC for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Quebec’s immigration process and targets
The MIFI recently revealed the immigration targets for 2023 fixed under the Quebec Immigration Plan. According to this plan, the province will admit immigrants between 49,500 and 52,500 in 2023. Interestingly, the newcomers under the economic category will contribute immensely to the population. The target of around 33,900 individuals will form at least 65 percent of the newcomers. Also, under the economic category, this province is set to welcome at least 29,500 skilled workers and 4,300 business immigrants. These figures will also include entrepreneurs, self-employed people, and investors.
Quebec will also receive between 10,200 and 10,600 new immigrants under the family reunification category. Additionally, it will also welcome refugees and other people stuck in similar situations, between 6,900 and 7,500 in 2023.
Francophone immigrants
The Coalition Avenir Quebec (governing party) works to protect the French language in Quebec. Hence, the province tends to focus on selecting candidates under the economic immigration programs with French as the dominating language.
Francois Legault also reiterated the significance of Francophone immigration within the province. He spoke about this at Quebec’s National Assembly in November last year. Furthermore, he claimed that he expects Quebec’s economic immigrants to become French speakers by 2026.
Quebec’s immigration process- the pathways
Quebec’s immigration involves a variety of immigration pathways, such as Skilled Workers, Family Sponsorship, and options for business individuals.
The province’s economic immigration programs include Quebec Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program. The QSWP applies to foreign skilled workers who seek Canadian permanent residency and stay in Quebec. On the other hand, PEQ is a prominent alternative for skilled workers having valid work experience in Quebec. Also, international students will require an eligible diploma from a post-secondary institution in Quebec.
The Quebec government uses the Arrima online portal to handle skilled worker applications. The online platform came into existence in 2018 to expedite the application processing and also merge immigration candidates with Quebec’s labor market requirements. Besides this, candidates seeking Quebec immigration will require to develop a profile. In the case of their eligibility, they will receive a score against other competing applicants. The province selects candidates through the system of Express of Interest.
Also, an individual might hold eligibility for Quebec’s immigration under Family Class Sponsorship. For instance, an individual may reside in Quebec through sponsorship if he has a spouse or common-law partner in Quebec. In another instance, he may be a grandparent or dependent child of the one living in Quebec, making him eligible for sponsorship.
However, the sponsor will be liable to sign an undertaking, making them officially responsible for the sponsored party. Furthermore, they must demonstrate their financial capacity to assist the family members. Also, Quebec has its own separate income requirements, and the undertaking duration differs from other places in Canada.
Quebec’s work and student permit- the complete process
Canada comprises two types of work permit programs:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program– If a foreign worker needs a work permit, he will have to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- International Mobility Program– A foreign worker won’t require an LMIA to obtain a work permit under this program.
The main objective of an LMIA is to prove that recruiting a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. The LMIA process is mainly required for work permits; however, there are several work permits that don’t require an LMIA.
The Quebec province has separate work permit requirements. Besides this, it also consists of a list of occupations permitting a faster LMIA process. Moreover, to acquire a work permit, foreign workers will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, along with the LMIA.
The same condition of obtaining a CAQ applies to those seeking a Student Permit.
