Quebec’s unique Francophone identity has given it greater control over immigration compared to other regions in Canada. The Canadian constitution assigns the federal government the primary responsibility for immigration, with provincial governments sharing some responsibilities. Quebec established a unique immigration ministry in 1968. Further emphasizing its immigration authority. With a focus on Quebec’s immigration plan, it is clear that the province holds a distinct and influential position in shaping Canada’s immigration policies.
According to Quebec’s rules and procedures, it is now able to define its own immigration goals. Among the provinces that follow the path for economic admissions, it is the only one with total control over admissions. In terms of the remainder of the country, it is up to the federal government to choose candidates through economic channels based on its own selection criteria and ranking system. No matter which immigration method is used, the federal government ultimately determines who gets into the country.
Quebec requires prospective immigrants to submit an application before they can become citizens. According to the province’s standards and criteria, the candidate will be evaluated. A CSQ – (Certificat de selection du Quebec) will be provided by Quebec’s migration Ministry if the candidate is selected. Also, the candidate can only apply to IRCC for permanent residency after receiving a CSQ.
Quebec’s immigration plan – Its target
The Department of IFI – (Immigration, Francization, and Integration) has published Quebec’s Immigration Plan for 2023. It outlines the province’s immigration goals. Approximately 49,500 to 52,500 new residents are expected in 2023, according to the proposal.
However, over 65% of newcomers will be from the economic category, with 33,900 people targeted. Among the business immigrants coming to Quebec are 29,500 qualified employees and 4,300 entrepreneurs, investors, and independent contractors.
A total of 6,900-7,500 refugees and people in similar circumstances will be accepted into Quebec in 2023, as well as 10,200-10,600 family reunifications.
French-speaking immigrants
The French language’s preservation is a top priority for the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ), which now governs Quebec. Quebec intends to accomplish this through its programs for economic immigration and by selecting immigrants who speak French fluently.
In a November 2022 speech to the National Assembly of Quebec, Quebec Premier Francois Legault emphasized the value of immigrants to the area. As of 2026, he wants all economic immigrants in Quebec to speak French.
Ways to migrate to Quebec
In Quebec, businessmen and their families can sponsor them, and skilled workers have several ways to immigrate.
Despite Quebec’s focus on French fluency when choosing skilled worker immigrants, there are still ways to qualify for the province’s immigration programs without learning it.
The Quebec Skilled Workers Program – (QSWP) and PEQ – (Quebec Experience Program) are the two major economic migration programs in the province. In order to reside permanently in Quebec, skilled foreign workers need to apply for the QSWP. As an alternative, the PEQ is ideal for graduates of Quebec post-secondary institutions or those with relevant work experience. Correspondingly, Québec’s economy will benefit from both of these programs, which aim to attract skilled workers.
As a digital platform, Arrima is used by the Quebec government to process applications from skilled workers. Developed in 2018, the platform aims to improve the speed of immigration application processing and match immigrants with Quebec’s labor market needs. Moreover, a score is generated based on certain criteria if a prospective immigrant creates a profile on Arrima. In the selection process, candidates are ranked based on their scores. As well as Expressions of Interest (EOI) are used to identify those who would be interested in the position.
Moreover, if one’s spouse or common-law partner lives in Quebec, or if one’s child or grandchild lives there, one can immigrate there through family sponsorship. It may be necessary for the sponsor to sign an undertaking and demonstrate sufficient income to support the sponsored family member. Also, Quebec has different requirements for the duration of the undertaking and income required for sponsorship.
Ways to obtain Student and work permit in Quebec
Canadian work permit can be obtained in two ways:
1. Temporary Foreign Workers Program – (TFWP) – To obtain a work permit, a foreign worker must complete a LMIA – (Labor Market Impact Assessment).
2. International Mobility Program – (IMP) – Work permits for foreign workers are not required to have LMIAs.
By using an LMIA, employers can demonstrate that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact Canada’s labor market. Numerous work licenses are exempt from the LMIA procedure.
Quebec’s rules govern work permits. Québec offers accelerated LMIAs for several vocations. As well as a work permit requires both an LMIA and a CAQ from the foreign worker.
CAQs are similar to work visas, and prospective students must apply for one in order to study in Quebec. Furthermore, after obtaining the CAQ, foreign workers or students can apply for work or study permits with the IRCC.
