The process of immigrating to the province of Quebec consists of two separate stages: Selection and Admission.
The selection stage is conducted by the provincial government of Quebec, while the admission stage is managed by the federal government of Canada. To immigrate to Quebec, an applicant must meet the requirements of both stages.
Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Individuals who are chosen by the province of Quebec for immigration receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Quebec Selection Certificate).
This certificate indicates that the applicant has been officially approved for immigration by the Quebec government.
Obtaining a CSQ is the result of applying through one of Quebec’s immigration programs and is the essential prerequisite for entering the second stage, the federal admission process.
Federal Admission Stage
After receiving the CSQ, the applicant becomes eligible to submit an official application for permanent residence in Canada to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This application must be submitted in paper form, by mail or courier, to an IRCC processing center.
If the federal authorities approve the application, the applicant and accompanying family members will be granted Canadian permanent resident status.
During the federal stage, the applicant must provide supporting documentation, including proof of education, work experience, and language proficiency.
All adults included in the application must also submit police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived, and all family members (including children) must undergo a medical examination.
Serious criminal or medical issues can result in inadmissibility to Canada.
In addition, this stage involves processing fees and other related costs.
Quebec Immigration Programs
All Quebec immigration programs follow the same two-step process of provincial selection followed by federal admission.
The Quebec government offers several immigration streams designed for different types of applicants, including:
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Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
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Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
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Quebec Investor Program
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Quebec Entrepreneur Program
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Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
After Receiving the CSQ: The Federal Stage
Receiving a CSQ means that the applicant has been officially selected by the province of Quebec; however, it does not guarantee permanent residency in Canada.
The CSQ only allows the applicant to proceed to the next step — the federal application for permanent residence.
At this stage, the applicant must prepare their file according to IRCC’s guidelines and submit all required documents.
Only upon federal approval will the applicant and their family members receive Canadian permanent residence.
Working with a CSQ
A CSQ alone does not authorize a person to work in Quebec.
However, individuals who already hold a valid Quebec work permit, possess a CSQ, and have an official job offer from a Quebec employer may be eligible to extend their work permit.
In this case, they can apply to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIDI) for an extension.
Conclusion
The Quebec immigration process combines both provincial and federal evaluations.
An applicant must first be selected by the province of Quebec (through obtaining the CSQ) and then be approved by the federal government for permanent residence.
Although obtaining the CSQ is a major milestone in the immigration journey, final success depends on the federal approval process and meeting all legal, medical, and financial requirements.