Quebec Immigration: How the Quebec Selection Process Works
TL;DR — Quebec is the only Canadian province with full constitutional authority over economic immigration. Under the 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec independently selects immigrants who intend to settle in the province through the Ministere de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Integration (MIFI). Selected applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de selection du Quebec, CSQ), then apply to IRCC for permanent residence under the Quebec-selected categories. French-language ability is heavily weighted in selection.
How Quebec immigration is different
Quebec's immigration system is constitutionally distinct from the rest of Canada. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec:
Sets its own annual immigration targets (independent of the federal Levels Plan).
Selects all economic immigrants destined for the province.
Manages all settlement and integration services for newcomers.
Can negotiate sub-agreements with foreign countries for immigration cooperation.
IRCC retains authority over admissibility (security, criminality, medical) and final permanent-residence approval.
Main Quebec economic programs
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Programme regulier des travailleurs qualifies, PRTQ)
The main skilled-worker program. Applicants must:
Demonstrate a profile of factors including age, education, work experience, French language ability, employment in Quebec, area of training, spouse's profile, financial autonomy, and adaptability.
Pass through Arrima — Quebec's online Expression of Interest pool.
Receive an Invitation to Apply through periodic invitation rounds (similar to Express Entry but operated by MIFI).
Submit a full CSQ application within the deadline.
Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l'experience quebecoise, PEQ)
For applicants already in Quebec as graduates or workers:
PEQ Diploma stream: Quebec graduates from a recognized institution who completed a degree, technical diploma, or vocational diploma in Quebec, with intermediate French (B2 oral).
PEQ Worker stream: Foreign workers with at least 24 months of full-time skilled work experience in Quebec in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations and intermediate French (B2 oral).
PEQ has fast processing — historically 6 months or less.
Investor and Entrepreneur Programs
Quebec runs separate streams for business immigration:
Quebec Investor Program (suspended since early 2024 pending redesign).
Quebec Entrepreneur Program.
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program.
All three were paused in 2024 with announcements about a future redesigned framework.
How to apply
Step 1: Create an Arrima profile (PRTQ stream)
Applicants register on the Arrima platform — Quebec's online Expression of Interest pool. The profile is scored on a points grid weighted heavily toward French ability, age, employment in Quebec, area of training, and adaptability.
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply
MIFI conducts periodic invitation rounds. Selected profiles are invited to submit a complete CSQ application. The invitation is valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Apply for the CSQ
A full CSQ application includes:
Identity documents.
Education credentials (with Quebec's Comparative Evaluation of Studies, the Evaluation comparative des etudes effectuees hors du Quebec).
Work experience evidence.
French language test results (TEF Canada, TCF Quebec, or DELF/DALF).
Settlement intention.
Provincial fees (CAD $895 for principal applicant; CAD $192 for spouse and each dependent child).
MIFI reviews and either grants the CSQ or refuses.
Step 4: Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
With a CSQ in hand, the applicant submits a federal PR application to IRCC. The federal application includes:
Application forms.
Medical exam.
Police certificates.
Biometrics (CAD $85).
Federal application fees: approximately CAD $950 (principal applicant) + CAD $575 RPRF + CAD $260 per dependent child.
IRCC processing service standard: approximately 12 months.
Total processing time
The combined Quebec + federal process for PRTQ stream typically takes 24 to 36 months total. PEQ is faster — total 6 to 18 months.
French-language requirement
French is the dominant evaluation criterion in Quebec selection. Most economic streams require:
Intermediate or advanced oral French (B2 or higher) for the PEQ.
B2 oral and intermediate written French for many PRTQ candidates.
Applicants take an approved French test: TEF Canada, TCF Quebec, DELF, or DALF. Results must be less than 2 years old.
Quebec settlement services
MIFI funds settlement services in Quebec — separate from the IRCC-funded Settlement Program in the rest of Canada. Services include:
French-language courses (Francisation).
Employment counselling.
Newcomer orientation.
Cultural integration programs.
Recognition of foreign credentials through the relevant provincial regulatory body.
Recent changes
2024: Quebec Investor Program suspended pending redesign.
2024: PEQ rules tightened to require higher French language proficiency.
Bill 96 (Quebec language law): Strengthens French as the language of workplace, education, and public services. Newcomers have 6 months to interact with the Quebec government in French only.
Pathway from study or work to PR (Quebec)
A common pathway:
Foreign student arrives in Quebec on a study permit (with CAQ for studies).
Graduates from a recognized Quebec DLI.
Applies for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), federal program.
Works in Quebec for 12 to 24 months, accumulating skilled experience.
Applies under PEQ Worker stream with intermediate French.
Receives CSQ in 6 months.
Applies for federal PR; receives in another 12 months.
Total time from study completion to PR: typically 2 to 3 years.
Key facts at a glance
Authority: Canada-Quebec Accord (1991).
Quebec selection body: MIFI.
Required step: Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before federal PR application.
Main streams: PRTQ (regular skilled worker), PEQ (experience-based for graduates and workers), business programs.
Online pool: Arrima.
Provincial fees: ~CAD $895 (principal applicant) + ~CAD $192 per family member.
French requirement: Heavily weighted; B2 oral required for PEQ.
Total processing: 24 to 36 months (PRTQ); 6 to 18 months (PEQ).
Quebec settlement services: Funded by MIFI, separate from federal IRCC Settlement Program.
IRCC.com is an independent news and information aggregator. We are not affiliated with the Government of Canada and do not provide immigration services or advice. For personalized help, contact a CICC-licensed RCIC or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
Source: canada.ca · IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.
