Quebec, the largest province in Canada, offers a unique pathway for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to achieve permanent residency through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Unlike other Canadian provinces, Quebec operates its immigration programs independently, providing a distinct set of criteria and application processes.
What is the Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a province-specific immigration program that allows Quebec to select immigrants who can contribute to its economy and integrate into its francophone culture.
Quebec has the authority to establish its own immigration criteria and manage the selection process, which sets it apart from other Canadian PNPs that are linked to the federal Express Entry system.
How Quebec PNP Differs from Other Canadian PNPs
Quebec’s immigration programs are often treated separately from other provinces due to the following reasons:
- Language: Quebec is the only province in Canada where French is the sole official language. Some Quebec PNP streams require French proficiency or give preference to French-speaking applicants.
- Autonomy: The federal government has granted Quebec greater autonomy in immigration policies and procedures compared to other provinces.
- Selection process: Quebec uses a two-step process for immigration applications: selection (by the province) and admission (by the federal government). Other provinces typically nominate candidates, who then apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence.
Benefits of Immigrating through Quebec PNP
Immigrating through the Quebec PNP offers several advantages:
- Faster processing times: Some Quebec PNP streams, such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW), often have shorter processing times compared to other Canadian immigration programs.
- Unique culture: Quebec offers a distinct French-Canadian culture and language, providing immigrants a rich and immersive experience.
- Strong economy: Quebec boasts a stable economy with thriving industries, including information and communications technologies (ICT), distribution biotechnology, and manufacturing.
What are the Different Quebec PNP Immigration Pathways?
Quebec offers several immigration pathways tailored to different candidate profiles:
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is designed for candidates with skilled work experience who wish to settle in Quebec permanently. Key features of the QSW program include:
- Points-based system: Applicants are evaluated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and family connections in Quebec.
- French proficiency: While French proficiency is not mandatory, it can increase an applicant’s score on the points assessment grid.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Eligible candidates must submit an EOI through the online Arrima portal to be considered for this program.
Eligibility Criteria and Points System
To be eligible for the QSW program, applicants must:
- Demonstrate a minimum amount of skilled work experience.
- Meet the minimum score on the points assessment grid, which evaluates the following factors:
| Criterion | Evaluation Factors | Maximum Points |
| Education Levels | – Educational background – Field of study | 14 |
| Training Area | – Relevance of training to Quebec’s labor market – Demand for the training area in Quebec | 12 |
| Job Experience | – Duration of experience in the occupation – Relevance of experience to the job offer (if applicable) | 8 |
| Age Requirements | – Candidate’s age when submitting the application | 16 |
| Proficiency of Language | – French language proficiency level – English language proficiency level | 22 |
| Family Members in Quebec | – Presence of family members in Quebec – Nature of the relationship with the family members | 3 |
| Characteristics of Spouse | – Spouse’s work experience duration and relevance – Spouse’s educational background – Spouse’s language proficiency in French and English | 17 |
| Valid Job Offer | – Geographic location of the job offer within Quebec | 14 |
Application Process and Timeline
The QSW application process involves the following steps:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online Arrima portal.
- If invited, submit a complete application to the Quebec government, including all required documents.
- Attend an interview with Quebec immigration officials, if required.
- If approved, receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), indicating selection by the Quebec government.
- Apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the CSQ.
The processing time for the QSW program varies, but it typically takes 12 to 18 months from the submission of the complete application to the receipt of the CSQ.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The Quebec Experience Program is designed for temporary foreign workers and international students who have gained work experience or completed studies in Quebec. The program offers two streams:
- PEQ – Temporary Foreign Worker Stream:
- Requires at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Quebec in a skilled occupation
- Applicants must demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French
- PEQ – Quebec Graduate Stream:
- Requires the completion of an eligible diploma or degree from a recognized Quebec educational institution
- Applicants must have at least 12 to 18 months of work experience in Quebec, depending on the level of studies completed
To be eligible for the PEQ program, applicants must also:
- Be legally residing in Quebec at the time of application
- Demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French
- Intend to settle and work in Quebec
The PEQ program typically processes applications within 6 months.
Quebec Investor Program
The Quebec Investor Program is designed for high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to Quebec’s economy through a substantial investment. Key requirements include:
- Legally acquired personal net worth of at least C$2 million
- Willingness to invest C$1.2 million with a Quebec financial intermediary for a five-year term
- At least two years of management experience in the five years preceding the application
Please note that the Quebec Investor Program is currently suspended.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program offers two streams for foreign entrepreneurs):
- Stream 1: For entrepreneurs launching a business with support from a business accelerator, incubator, or university entrepreneurship center in Quebec.
- Stream 2: For entrepreneurs who wish to create or acquire an existing business in Quebec with a minimum investment, depending on the location.
Eligibility requirements for both streams include:
- Demonstrate business management experience
- Possess a minimum net worth (Stream 2 only)
- Obtain a service offer from a business accelerator, incubator, or university entrepreneurship center (Stream 1 only)
- Commit to actively managing the business in Quebec
- Demonstrate French language proficiency (Stream 1 only, if applying under the Francophone businessperson category)
The table below summarizes the key requirements for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program streams:
| Requirement | Stream 1 | Stream 2 |
| Net Worth | Not specified | At least C$900,000 |
| Investment | Not specified | C$200,000 to C$300,000, depending on the location |
| Business Ownership | Not specified | At least 25% for a new business or 51% for an acquired business |
| Service Offer | Required from a business accelerator, incubator, or university entrepreneurship center | Not required |
| French Language | Proficiency Required if applying under the Francophone businessperson category | Not specified |
The processing time for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program typically ranges from 12 to 18 months.
Quebec Self-Employed Program
The Quebec Self-Employed Program targets individuals who wish to work independently in Quebec in cultural, athletic, or agricultural occupations. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have a minimum of two years of self-employment experience in the relevant field
- Possess a personal net worth of at least C$100,000
- Make a start-up deposit in a Quebec financial institution, depending on the location
- Commit to working independently in Quebec in the intended occupation
- Obtain an attestation of learning about democratic values and Quebec values
The table below summarizes the start-up deposit requirements for the Quebec Self-Employed Program:
| Location | Start-up Deposit |
| Outside the Montréal Metropolitan Community (MMC) | C$25,000 |
| Within the Montréal Metropolitan Community (MMC) | C$50,000 |
The processing time for the Quebec Self-Employed Program varies but generally takes between 8 to 14 months.
How to Apply for the Quebec Provincial Nominee Program?
The application process for the Quebec PNP varies depending on the stream but generally includes the following steps:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): For some streams, such as the QSW program, candidates must submit an EOI through the online Arrima portal and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Application Submission: Once invited, candidates must submit a complete application to the Quebec government, including all required documents, within the specified timeframe.
- Interview and Review: Quebec immigration officials review the application and may conduct interviews or request additional information.
- Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ): If the application is approved, the candidate receives a CSQ, indicating selection by the Quebec government.
- Federal Application: With the CSQ, the candidate can then apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It is crucial to thoroughly review the requirements and instructions for each Quebec PNP stream before applying and to seek guidance from a qualified immigration professional if needed.
Why Choose Quebec as Your Immigration Destination?
Quebec offers a unique and appealing environment for immigrants, with several advantages:
- Unique French-Canadian Culture: Quebec is renowned for its vibrant French-Canadian culture, offering a rich blend of European heritage and North American modernity.
- Strong Economy and Job Opportunities: Quebec boasts a stable and diversified economy, with thriving industries such as information technology, biotechnology, aerospace, and manufacturing.
- High Quality of Life: Quebec offers an excellent quality of life, with a comprehensive healthcare system, world-class educational institutions, and a safe living environment.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other major Canadian cities, Quebec offers a more affordable cost of living, particularly in terms of housing costs.
The table below compares the cost of living without rent between Montreal, Quebec’s largest city, and Toronto, Ontario’s largest city:
| City | Cost of Living (without rent) |
| Montreal | C$1,254.4 |
| Toronto | C$1,464.2 |
According to numbeo.com, rent prices in Toronto are 70.4% higher than in Montreal.
Canada offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces that provide pathways to permanent residence based on local economic needs. Some of these other PNPs include:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- The Newfoundland and Labrador (PNP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
FAQs related to the Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (QPNP)
How does the Quebec PNP differ from other Canadian Provincial Nominee Programs?
Quebec PNP operates independently from other Canadian PNPs, with its own set of immigration criteria and selection process. Quebec has more autonomy in immigration policies and procedures compared to other provinces.
What are the different immigration pathways under the Quebec PNP?
The Quebec PNP offers several immigration pathways, including the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW), Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), Quebec Investor Program, Quebec Entrepreneur Program, and Quebec Self-Employed Program
Is French proficiency mandatory for all Quebec PNP streams?
French proficiency is not mandatory for all QPNP streams, but it can significantly increase an applicant's chances of selection, particularly in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
Can I include my family members in my Quebec PNP application?
Yes, most Quebec PNP streams allow applicants to include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application
Do I need to have a job offer to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)?
A job offer is not mandatory for the QSW program, but having a valid job offer can significantly increase an applicant's points on the selection grid
Why should I choose Quebec as my immigration destination in Canada?
Quebec offers a unique blend of French-Canadian culture, a strong and diversified economy, excellent job opportunities, a high quality of life, and an affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities