Canada's provinces
Residence in Quebec
Quebec selects its own immigrants through a separate system. See Quebec's routes to permanent residence, who they suit and the general steps.
- CapitalQuebec City
- Largest cityMontreal
- Immigration programQuebec's own selection system (not part of the PNP)
About Quebec
Quebec is Canada's largest province by area and the only one whose sole official language is French. Quebec chooses its own economic immigrants and issues them a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ); IRCC then decides the permanent residence application.
The Quebec route has two stages: first a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the Government of Quebec, then a permanent residence application to IRCC. French plays an important part in most Quebec programs.
Government of Quebec (official site)Why Quebec?
French language and culture
Daily life, work and public education in Quebec are in French.
Leading industries
Montreal is known for aerospace, artificial intelligence, video games and visual effects.
More affordable housing
Renting or buying in Montreal usually costs less than in Toronto or Vancouver.
A distinct legal system
Quebec uses civil law for private matters and runs its own immigration rules.
Main routes
- Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for people who have worked or studied in Quebec; it has been paused or changed several times in recent years
- Pilot programs for food-processing workers, orderlies, and workers in AI, IT and visual effects
- Business programs
Who it suits
- People who speak French or are ready to learn it
- Workers and graduates in Quebec
- People who want to live in Montreal or elsewhere in Quebec
Good to know
- Quebec is not part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Check whether programs, especially the PEQ, are open before you apply.
- A genuine intention to live in that province or territory matters.
- This information was checked against the official sites in October 2026.
General steps
- 1
Choose a program
Based on your work, your French and your time in Quebec.
- 2
Submit an expression of interest or application
Through the Government of Quebec's Arrima portal or as the program's guide says.
- 3
Receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
If Quebec selects you.
- 4
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
With your CSQ, plus medical exams and police certificates.
This page is general information, not immigration advice for your situation. Rules and streams change; check the official site for current details.
What we look at in a consultation
This page gives the overall picture. The details of each route depend on your situation and are assessed properly in a consultation.
The right route for you
Which of the province's routes really fits your work, studies and language.
Your chances and ranking
An estimate of where you stand in the provincial and Express Entry draws.
Job offer and employer
Whether your job offer meets the requirements and what the employer must do.
Timing, costs and risks
The right order of steps, the official fees and the common reasons files are refused.
Frequently asked questions
Is Quebec part of the Provincial Nominee Program?
No. Quebec has its own selection system and issues a CSQ to the people it selects. IRCC makes the final permanent residence decision.
Do these routes need a job offer?
It depends on the program. A job offer and work or study in Quebec improve your chances in some programs.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Some routes are open to applicants abroad and some only to people working or studying in the province. Which are open to you depends on your background and situation, and is assessed in a consultation.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Processing times and official fees change with the route and the number of applications. In a consultation you get a current estimate for your file.
How current is this information?
This page was checked against the official sites in October 2026. Routes change often, so check the official site before you act, or talk to us.