Quebec Provincial Nominee Program

For Immigrants With Job Offers In Quebec

This Quebec Immigration PNP pathway is designed to attract and retain highly skilled international immigrant workers who want to apply for permanent residence in Canada. To fulfill Quebec PNP eligibility criteria, eligible highly skilled immigrants must also have work experience and a job offer categorized into Quebec’s in-demand jobs list.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is designed for immigrants with a job offer in Quebec. This program aims to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the province’s economy and integrate into Quebecois society.

The processing time for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program varies, but it takes approximately 12 to 18 months to receive a decision. Applicants selected for this program will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), an essential step toward obtaining permanent residency in Quebec. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

The Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers

The Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers is a Quebec PNP stream for immigrants with job offers in Quebec’s food industry. This aims to address labor shortages in the food processing industry and contribute to the growth of the provincial economy. The processing time for this program can vary, but it generally takes around 6 to 12 months to receive a decision. To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Be presently employed in an eligible occupation in Quebec’s food processing sector
• Hold a job full-time job in Quebec for a minimum of 24 months in an eligible sector during the 36 months before the submission of the application
• Have intermediate oral knowledge of the French language equal to Level 7 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes
• Be 18 years or older
• Have intentions to settle and actively work in Quebec
• Respect the conditions of their stay in Quebec

The occupations eligible for this program include:

The Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies

The Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies is for immigrants with job offers as orderlies in Quebec. This Quebec Immigration PNP stream aims to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the province by attracting and retaining foreign workers to the province.

The processing time for the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies varies, but it takes approximately 6 to 12 months to receive a decision on average. Applicants selected for this program will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), an important step toward obtaining permanent residency in Quebec. To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Be temporary foreign workers in Quebec and work as an orderly, patient service assistant, or nurse aide
• Speak French fluently
• Have experience in Quebec working as an orderly
• Currently have an orderly job in Quebec when they applied
• Have intentions to settle and actively work in Quebec
• Respect the conditions of their stay in Quebec

Occupations eligible for this program include:

• Process control and machine operator, food and beverage processing: NOC 33102

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in the Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, and Visual Effects Sectors

The Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in the Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, and Visual Effects Sectors is for individuals working in these industries.

This Quebec PNP program aims to attract skilled workers in these high-demand sectors to contribute to the province’s innovation and economic growth. The processing time for this program can vary, but it generally takes around 6 to 12 months to receive a decision. To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Be foreign workers, artificial intelligence graduates in Quebec, or foreign workers in IT and Visual Effects
• Speak French proficiently if they apply using the Francophone profile
• Be accepted for a job in Quebec’s Artificial Intelligence(AI), Information technologies (IT), or Visual Effects sectors
• Satisfy Quebec’s immigration PNPs’ general requirements such as work experience in an eligible sector and job

For Immigrants Who Worked or Studied in Quebec

If you have prior experience working or studying in Canada, you can use the following Quebec PNP program to apply for permanent residency there.

Quebec Experience Class

The Quebec Experience Class is a program designed for immigrants with work experience or who completed their studies in Quebec. This program aims to retain talented individuals already integrated into Quebecois society and has established connections in the province. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

• Quebec Graduate – if you qualified from an eligible Quebec institution and have a minimum of 12 to 18 months (depending on your study program) of experience working in Quebec;
• Skilled Temporary Worker – if you have had a skilled job in the province for a minimum of 24 months to 36 months

To be eligible for the Programme de l’Expérience Québécoise (PEQ – Quebec experience program), you must:

• Be a Quebec graduate who is an international or a temporary foreign worker
• Work in an occupation at Temporary Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Satisfy the general requirements of the program and the specific conditions of the stream you apply to
• Submit, pay your fees, and upload your application (with the required documents)via the Arrima portal

Please note you must apply for this program on the Arrima platform. Arrima is an electronic information management system that functions as an administrative depository for immigration application submissions to Quebec.

For Immigrants That Want to Start a Business in Quebec

If you want to apply for permanent residence in Quebec and want to invest in, start a new, or buy an existing business in the province, here are some business-oriented PNPs in Quebec you can choose from to apply:

• Entrepreneur Program
• Investor Program
• Self-Employed Program
• Entrepreneur

Self-Employed Worker Program

The Self-Employed Worker Program is designed for immigrants who want to start their businesses in Quebec. This program aims to attract individuals with experience in cultural or athletic activities and can contribute to the development of Quebec’s cultural or athletic scene.

The processing time for the Self-Employed Worker Program can vary, but it takes approximately 8 to 14 months to receive a decision on average. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Net worth of minimum of 100,000 CAD
• Deposit of a minimum of 25,000 to 50,000 CAD in start-up capital
• Minimum two years of work experience in a relevant self-employed occupation
• Score sufficient selection grid points
• Legally work as a self-employed professional in a regulated profession

Entrepreneur Program

The Entrepreneur Program is another pathway for immigrants who want to start a business in Quebec. This program aims to attract individuals who have the intention and ability to create or acquire a business in Quebec and actively participate in its management.

There are two streams under this program. Stream 1 is for foreign entrepreneurs intending to start and run a business in the province, and Stream 2 is for foreign entrepreneurs interested in purchasing and running a business there.

The processing time for the Entrepreneur Program can vary, but it takes approximately 12 to 18 months to receive a decision. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Minimum start-up deposit between 200,000 and 300,000 CAD, including a minimum of 900,000 CAD net worth
• Ownership and control of a minimum of 25% equity in the business if you intend to start your own
• Own and control at least 51% equity in the enterprise If you choose to buy an existing business
• Actively manage the business
• Score sufficient selection grid points
• Receive an attestation of learning about Quebec and democratic values

Investor Program

The Investor Program is designed for individuals wanting to invest in the Quebec economy. This program aims to attract experienced investors who can contribute to the province’s economic development.

The processing time for the Investor Program can vary, but it takes approximately 12 to 18 months to receive a decision. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Entry into an investment agreement with a financial intermediary such as an investment broker or a trusted company that has an agreement with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration and IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
• Agreement to a five-year term investment of a minimum of 1,200,000 CAD
• Have a minimum of 2,000,000 CAD in net assets
• Have a minimum of two years of business management experience obtained in the past five years
• Score sufficient selection grid points
• Receive an attestation of learning about Quebec and democratic values

For Immigrants With Family in Quebec

If you have any family in Quebec, you can use the following immigration visa pathway to apply to move to the province.

The Family Reunification Program

The Family Reunification Program is designed for immigrants with close family members residing in Quebec. This program aims to facilitate the reunification of families and strengthen the province’s social fabric.

The processing time for the Family Reunification Program can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 12 to 18 months to receive a decision.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Spouse/Partner
  • The spouse or conjugal partner must be at least 16 years old when applying.
• Dependent Child
  • If the sponsor sponsors a dependent child, they have to demonstrate their financial capacity.
• Parents/Grandparents
  • The sponsor must demonstrate their support for their parents financially.

How to Apply for Quebec Immigration PNP

To apply for the Quebec Immigration PNP, applicants must follow a series of steps, which include:

Step 1: Ensure Your Eligibility

Appplicants must determine the most suitable program based on their eligibility and objectives. One of the best ways to do this is to work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to determine which program you’re most eligible for among the RSWP, PEQ, Pilot, or business immigration programs.

Step 2: Create Your Online Profiles and Fill out Your Forms

Applicants must create, complete and register an account on the Quebec Immigration website and submit an online application form.

• For RSWP, submit an expression of interest through Arrima. Only applicants who the minister invites can submit an application for permanent selection via this program
• For PEQ, use the Demande de sélection permanente Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) – Diplômé du Quebec form
• For the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program, apply using the Arrima platform

Step 3: Gather Your Documentation

Once they have chosen a program, they need to gather all the required documents, such as:

• Identification documents
• Educational certificates
• Work experience letters
• Language test results
• Proof of funds

Each program has its list of documents, so you must pay close attention to the instruction manual you receive when you apply on the Quebec provincial government website.

Step 4: Pay Your Fees and Submit Your Application

Once the online application is submitted, applicants must pay the required fees. The processing fees for the Quebec Immigration PNP can vary depending on the program chosen. After submitting the application and paying the fees, applicants will need to wait for the Quebec government to review their application and make a decision.

The processing time for most applications for permanent selection using the PEQ is within six months. You will be issued a Certificat de sélection du Quebec (CSQ) if selected, confirming you have been set for immigration to Quebec.

Why Quebec is the Place to be in Canada!

The province of Quebec provides a unique and rich alternative experience to living in Canada. Among the many reasons Quebec has endured as a primal destination for immigration within Canada include:

Beautiful Natural Environment

The province’s natural beauty, including stunning landscapes, national parks, and outdoor recreation activities, also adds to the overall appeal of living in Quebec. Quebec has scenic beauty with prominent national parks such as Forillon, Mingan Archipelago, and La Mauricie. It also has a humid continental climate where citizens and permanent residents can enjoy four seasons yearly.

Affordable Living Costs

The province’s strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education institutions further contribute to its appeal. According to numbeo.com, the cost of living without rent in Montreal, Quebec’s largest city, is 1,254.4 CAD, while in Toronto, Ontario’s largest city is 1,464.2 CAD. Furthermore, according to numbeo.com, rent prices in Toronto are 70.4% higher than in Montreal.

Safe and Secure Communities

Quebec has a safe living environment, excellent education facilities, and options, a low unemployment rate of 4%, according to Canada Job Bank, and an active social scene.

Unique French Canadian Culture

Quebec has its own distinct culture and language, which adds to its charm and allows immigrants to experience a different way of life while still enjoying the benefits of living in Canada.

Quebec is famous for its French Canadian culture and is known as North America’s birthplace of French civilization. Quebec City offers the perfect setting to learn to speak French at your own pace. Quebec City is a UNESCO City of Literature, making it the first francophone city to be bestowed with this honor.

The Quebec PNP Program offers various pathways for immigrants to obtain permanent residency in Quebec. Whether individuals have job offers in Quebec, have studied or worked in the province, want to start a business, or have family members residing in Quebec, programs are available to suit their specific circumstances.

With its unique blend of cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and high quality of life, Quebec is undoubtedly an ideal place to settle in Canada. To immigrate to Quebec in as quick and problem-free a manner as possible, we recommend you enlist the services of an RCIC.

An RCIC is a licensed immigration consultant authorized and certified to represent and guide individuals through their application for permanent residence in Canada. They can examine visa or immigration applications and submit them on behalf of the applicant to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Ready to Start Your Journey?

FAQs

Can I Immigrate Through the Quebec PNP if I Don’t Have a Job Offer?

Several streams within the Quebec PNP program do not require a job offer. These include the Quebec Experience Class, the Self-Employed Worker Program, the Entrepreneur Program, and the Investor Program. Each of these streams has its eligibility criteria and requirements, so it is important to review the specific program guidelines to determine your eligibility.

Which City in Quebec Has the Highest Chances for Employment?

While employment opportunities can vary depending on the industry and sector, Montreal is often considered the economic hub of Quebec and offers a wide range of job opportunities. The city is home to a thriving technology sector and numerous multinational companies and startups.

Other cities in Quebec, such as Quebec City and Sherbrooke, also offer employment opportunities in various industries. Researching the job market and industry trends in specific cities is advisable to determine where your skills and qualifications may be in high demand.