With a distinct culture and proud regional identity, the French-speaking province of Quebec is Canada’s largest. It is home to Canada’s second-largest city, Montreal, as well the bustling provincial capital, Quebec City.
Quebec’s growing economy makes up almost one-fifth of Canadian GDP and benefits from a diverse range of successful industries, from the urban-based services sectors and a major international aerospace presence to mining, agriculture and one of the world’s most developed hydroelectricity generation networks.
Immigrating to Quebec as a foreign worker works differently to moving to other Canadian provinces and territories. As the province has its own distinct regional migration programs, federally-coordinated programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program do not allow for applicants to seek a visa or work permit that will allow them to live and work in Quebec.
If your goal is to move to Quebec from abroad, you should ensure that you have an understanding of the specific migration programs offered directly by the province rather than the Canadian federal government.
Quebec Temporary Worker Programs
Quebec currently has two main immigration programs for foreign workers looking to live and work in Quebec on a temporary basis: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program enables employers in Quebec to recruit someone from outside Canada and sponsor them to live and work in Quebec on a temporary basis. There are several streams within this program, including:
- Global Talent Stream
- Agricultural sector
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
- Home Health Care Providers
- High-wage positions
- Low-wage positions
In order to sponsor a foreign worker for a vacant position, the employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian government, as well as the provincial equivalent from the Government of Quebec.
Once you have received your offer of employment, you can apply directly to the Government of Quebec for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). You will then be able to use this as a basis for any work permit application you may need in order to enter or remain in Canada to work.
The International Mobility Program is one of the few federal immigration programs that can be used by employers in Quebec to hire expertise from abroad. It also allows the hiring of foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
If you have received an offer of employment from an employer in Quebec under the International Mobility Program, you can then use this to secure your work permit or, alternatively, a letter of introduction enabling you to receive a work permit from a Border Services Officer when entering Canada.
Quebec Permanent Residence Programs
Although it does not participate in the Provincial Nominee Program or utilise the Express Entry system like most other Canadian provinces and territories, Quebec does have its own programs aimed at attracting in-demand workers looking for permanent residence.
The PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés), or Skilled Worker Selection Program, entered into effect from 29 November 2024, and replaces the PRTQ (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés), or Regular Skilled Worker Program. It is intended as the main route for skilled workers from outside Quebec to gain permanent residence within the province.
New applications for the PRTQ are suspended. Applications for the PSTQ will not be possible until after the publication of the guidelines for Quebec’s upcoming multi-annual immigration plan.
The Quebec Experience Program (QEP) is a permanent residence pathway intended for temporary foreign workers with work experience in Quebec, as well as foreign students who have graduated from a post-secondary education institution in Quebec.
Applications for the QEP’s foreign graduate pathway are suspended pending publication of Quebec’s next multi-annual immigration plan. Applications for the foreign workers pathway remain open.
In order to be eligible to apply for the Quebec Experience Program as a foreign worker, you should:
- be already legally resident in Quebec as a temporary foreign worker or youth exchange program participant, or be in possession of a Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship permit
- have at least two years’ work experience within the last three years which:
- is in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 role (management roles or those typically requiring at least a college diploma, apprenticeship or six months’ on-the-job training)
- was full-time (at least 30 hours a week)
- was in paid roles
- was undertaken in Quebec
- was not in your own company
- have a job which fulfils the above criteria at the time you submit your application
- be able to demonstrate NCLC Level 7 French speaking ability
If you are succesful in your application to the Government of Quebec, you will be issued with a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). You can then use this to apply for permanent residence from the Canadian federal government.