Quebec Immigration
Canadian Immigration Lawyer
[NOTE: Quebec Immigration regulations have undergone changes that will only apply from August 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Changes include: 1) new limits on the number of people who will be issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (this varies by program); 2) new areas of training; and 3) changes in the point system with respect the language requirements. The changes are part of an effort to reduce the backlog in the Quebec immigration system and therefore reducing processing times.]
Although some of the procedure is the same, it is important to know that the Quebec Immigration system is not a Provincial Nominee Program. By virtue of the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, the provincial government of Quebec has greater control than other provincial governments with regards to what immigrants will be permitted to immigrate to their province. As such, Quebec has the authority to establish its own immigration laws and regulations for all immigration categories, which has its differences from those programs at the federal level. Quebec seeks to select those who will best adapt to living in Quebec and those who are most likely to become economically established once they arrive. Contact a Canadian immigration lawyer at our firm to discuss your options and help you achieve your immigration-related goals.
Below you will find a list of the different Québec immigration programs available:
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- Quebec Experience Class Program
- Quebec Investor Program
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program
- Quebec Self-Employed Program
- Quebec Family Sponsorship
Process for Quebec Immigration
Immigrating to Quebec is a two-step process.
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Applicants must first apply and be approved under one of the Quebec immigration programs listed above and be issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC). This process is done through the government of Quebec.
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Once the applicant receives their QSC, the applicant must then apply to the federal government for a final review on admissibility and for the issuance of a Canadian permanent resident visa. The QSC is to be submitted with their application for permanent residency.
Each Quebec immigration program has it’s own specific forms and each require certain supporting documents. It is essential that applications are complete, otherwise, applications will be returned to the applicant for completion, resulting in a delay. It is essential that applicants complete both steps in the order described.
Preliminary Evaluation
Prior to being applying under one of the Quebec immigration programs, there will be a preliminary evaluation by the Québec government or the immigration office in the country of the applicant to verify whether all the supporting documents of the applicant have been properly submitted. This helps ensure that the application is complete and that the applicant meets the criteria for the program they are applying for.
Selection Interview
Once a preliminary evaluation is complete and accepted, a selection interview will be conducted. After the interview, the counselor can either:
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issue a QSC, where the applicant may then apply for permanent residency.
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issue a letter of refusal, explaining why and how to apply for a review.
- Issue a letter of intent to refuse the application unless the applicant can provide the necessary information and documentation within the next 60 days.
Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) / Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)
The Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) is a certificate issued by the Quebec immigration authorities. The QSC is necessary for Quebec immigration and demonstrates to the federal government that the Government of Quebec supports your application for immigration to Quebec. This certificate is similar to the certificates issued under the provincial nominee programs, and is not a visa in itself. Acquiring a QSC is a required procedural step to immigrate to Quebec and cannot be used by itself to enter the Quebec or Canada.