Quebec PNP – Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec is one of the most preferred locations in Canada for international students. Located in eastern Canada, French is the most commonly spoken language in Quebec. The city is steeped in European history and culture.

On top of that, Quebec also has an outstanding education system and a stable economy. Hence, the city is excelling in pharmaceutics, biotechnology, information and communications technologies, and aerospace sectors.

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So, if you wish to migrate to Quebec, you must be familiar with the fact that Quebec does not have any Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Why? Let’s find out in this article.

Accordingly, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a way for skilled workers to quicken their Permanent Residency (PR) applications. It refers to a set of Canadian immigration programs that the government of Canada operates along with individual provinces.

Each province has its own needs, requirements and streams (target groups). In a program stream, territories and provinces could target semi-skilled workers, skilled workers, students, or business people.

Why does Quebec not have a Provincial Nominee Program?

For the uninformed ones, there is no Quebec PNP. Instead of that, the province has its own requirements for immigrants who wish to work and live in Quebec city. Rather than participating in a PNP program, Quebec has a unique program, known as de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ – Québec experience program).

Everything to Know About PEQ

The PEQ is one out of many immigration programs that the Quebec province is operating. PEQ is adequate for those candidates who are proficient in French language and have acquired work experience in Quebec legally. Also, this is one of the priority immigration programs. Hence, the applications get processed faster than other programs.

This specific program leads to PR for two varying categories of applicants. The program lets temporary foreign workers as well as international students apply for PR from inside Quebec, once they have completed their post-secondary studies or the qualified work period.

With this program, applicants can apply for a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec selection certificate). Upon getting the CSQ, an applicant can submit the application for PR. However, to do so, applicants should meet the basic requirements, such as:

• Settle down in Quebec to get a job
• Have lived in Quebec temporarily with the primary objective of studying or working
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of spoken French – both the applicant and the spouse (if coming along)
• Have a valid passport and be at least 18 years of age

Processing Time and Cost

As far as the processing time is concerned for this Quebec program, it will majorly be dependent on a variety of factors, such as the demand of the labour market in the region and the abilities that the candidate possesses. If every document has turned out to be authentic and the requirements have been met, it can take up to 13 months to get the PR.

On the other hand, in terms of the cost, here is what you would have to pay:

• If you are a primary candidate, you will be charged CAD 825
• If you are a secondary candidate, you will be charged CAD 225
• If it is a dependent child, you will have to pay CAD 225 (for each one of them)

Also, you must keep in mind that to apply for this program, you must have a minimum of 50 points. In case you are applying with a spouse, you would need a minimum of 59 points.

Other Quebec Immigration Programs

One thing to be noted here is that PEQ is not the only program that Quebec has. There are many others that you can apply for, if the requirements match. The first one is the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). This one is for those immigrants who wish to work permanently in Quebec. Another one is the Quebec Investor Program. To apply to this program, you would require net assets totalling $2 million CAD at the minimum. Apart from this, you must have the capacity to invest a minimum of $1.2 million CAD with a Quebec financial intermediary.

Another on the list is the Quebec Entrepreneur Program. Under this one, you must have financial capacity, experience and the intention to handle a business project. Furthermore, the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program enables immigration for people intending to create job opportunities for others.