Interested to migrate to Canada? Well, Quebec might be just the place for you. This subnational state speaks French and boasts a rich heritage, attractive employment opportunities and a high standard of living. But how does one go about the move? Let’s break it down.
This guide is a step-by-step approach that will explain everything that you need to know in order to successfully relocate to la belle province. It includes the various immigration programs, general information of the immigration process, and details of requirements and documents. Well then let’s pick up a cup of coffee, or should we say café? And let the tour of your possible new lifestyle in Quebec begin!
How To Migrate To Quebec, Canada
There are many opportunities to immigrate to Quebec depending on the following factors: your education, working experience, age, and gender. Here are the main programs.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
This program is intended for people with the pertinent skills and experience that Quebec requires. It works on a points system. You earn such things as education level, work experience, age, and fluency in the French language among others. If you have scored high enough, you may receive an invitation to apply for a green card.
The best thing about QSWP is that you do not actually have to have a job offer in order to apply. However, before you can even stroll into one, let alone get a meeting with the administrators, having one can surely help.
The Québec Experience Program (PEQ)
Already in Quebec? Perhaps the PEQ is your golden key to landing the coveted stay. It is for foreign students who have attended a school in Quebec or temporary foreign workers who have been in the province for some time.
So the big plus of PEQ is that it is quite fast. If you fulfill the requirements, you might be able to obtain your Quebec Selection Certificate in as little as 20 days. That is the first toward gaining full residence or becoming a permanent resident.
Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs
Quebec has a few programs for occupations or certain areas. They can tie one bag to the food processing workers, another one to the orderlies and the third one to the AI, IT and VFX workers.
These programs are designed to provide labour demands in some fields. If you fit the bill, they could be a fast track to continuing settling in Quebec.
Quebec Business Immigration Programs
Do you have an entrepreneurial disposition? No doubt; Quebec also has programs for business people. There is the Entrepreneur Program, which is the program for people with the intention of starting or buying a business in Quebec. There is also the Self-Employed Worker Program for those working independently such as freelancers and independent contractors.
These programs take slightly more resources to fund and a little more planning in terms of the business. Still, for the right candidate, they could be a great way of creating a new life in Quebec, if nothing else.
Requirements to Apply for Quebec Immigration
So, what must you have in order to apply? It is difficult to specify the exact demands, but the following is what different programs have in common.
- Language skills: French is required for almost all of the programs. Some also require English.
- Education: Many programs require at least, a secondary school diploma. It also means that higher education can get you more points.
- Work experience: This is important for many of the programmes. As much as possible, the more related experience you have the optimum choice for the job.
- Age: Age doesn’t really matter with a preference of people between the ages of 18 and 35 years as this gives one the most points.
- Proof of funds: You will then be expected to prove that you have adequate funds that will enable you to feed and take care of yourself on arrival and if you are coming with a family, then the family too.
- Clean criminal record: Criminal records check is part of any immigration application process regardless of the category.
- Medical exam: You will be required to demonstrate that you are in good health.
How to Apply for Quebec Immigration
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s a general roadmap.
- Choose your program: According to your case, select the most appropriate program.
- Check your eligibility: Every program has its own calculator or questionnaire. Use it to see if you qualify.
- Gather documents: Such documents might include passports, education certificates, work reference letters, language test reports among others.
- Submit your application: That is, depending upon the program’s nature, it might be completed electronically or with the use of standard mail.
- Wait for processing: This process may typically take between weeks, to a few months or even more in some extreme cases.
- Get your Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ): When your application is processed and accepted, you will be issued with a CSQ.
- Apply for permanent residence: This means that with your CSQ you will be able to apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
Bear in mind that immigration laws can be different for different countries and can be constantly changing, as well as the process of immigration could also be rather complicated.
However, it is always advisable to make sure you check the Quebec immigration website for updated information. You don’t need to struggle alone if you find it hard; you can always seek help from someone. But oh yes, there are plenty of immigration consultants and lawyers who can help you along the way.
It is always very challenging and scary to have to relocate to another country. The following tips can be of great help in the process of getting there and after you decide that Quebec is the place you want to live in – you will be.
Bonne chance!
