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Canadian Immigration to Quebec

Last updated · Reviewed by Immigration Content Lead · Review cadence 60 days

Quick answer

Quebec selects its own economic immigrants under the Canada–Quebec Accord rather than participating in the federal Provincial Nominee Program. Candidates who meet Quebec's criteria, including under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying to IRCC for Permanent Residence.

Key takeaways

  • Quebec does not use a Provincial Nominee Program; it selects its own economic immigrants under the Canada–Quebec Accord.
  • The Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ) is issued by Quebec before an applicant applies to IRCC for Permanent Residence.
  • The Quebec Skilled Worker Program uses factors such as education, work experience and French-language proficiency in its selection grid.
  • French-language ability is central to most Quebec economic immigration selection criteria.
  • Quebec's economy includes aerospace, information technology, life sciences and a distinct francophone labour market.
  • After receiving a CSQ, applicants still undergo the standard federal Permanent Residence application with IRCC, including background and admissibility checks.

Quebec's selection system

Quebec does not participate in the federal Provincial Nominee Program. Under the Canada–Quebec Accord, Quebec selects its own economic immigrants using its own criteria, primarily through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés), which awards points for factors such as education, work experience, age and French-language proficiency.

Candidates who meet Quebec's selection grid receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ). The CSQ is a provincial selection decision, not a Permanent Residence approval; after receiving one, the applicant still submits a separate application to IRCC, which conducts its own background, security and admissibility checks before issuing Permanent Residence.

Labour market character

Quebec's labour market operates predominantly in French, which shapes both its selection criteria and its settlement expectations for newcomers. The province's economy includes strong aerospace and information technology sectors concentrated around Montreal, along with life sciences and a substantial manufacturing base.

Major industries

  • Aerospace manufacturing and engineering, concentrated in the Montreal area.
  • Information technology and video game development, notably in Montreal.
  • Life sciences and pharmaceuticals.
  • Manufacturing and agri-food processing across other regions of the province.

Settlement in Quebec

Quebec funds its own newcomer integration and francization services, distinct in some respects from the IRCC-funded settlement network used in other provinces, reflecting the province's role in selecting and welcoming its own economic immigrants under the Canada–Quebec Accord. Newcomers to Quebec should consult the province's own immigration ministry for details on available integration supports.

Frequently asked questions

Does Quebec have a Provincial Nominee Program?
No, Quebec does not use the federal Provincial Nominee Program. It selects its own economic immigrants under the Canada–Quebec Accord, primarily through programs like the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
What is a Quebec Selection Certificate?
A Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) is Quebec's own selection decision for economic immigration candidates. It is required before applying to IRCC for Permanent Residence through the Quebec route.
Do I need French to immigrate to Quebec?
French proficiency is heavily weighted in Quebec's selection grid and strongly affects most applicants' scores, though the exact importance depends on the specific program and an applicant's overall profile.
After getting a CSQ, is Permanent Residence automatic?
No, after receiving a CSQ the applicant must still apply to IRCC, which conducts its own background, security and admissibility review before deciding on Permanent Residence.

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Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.