Quebec is a fascinating city in the eastern part of Canada. In terms of size, it is the largest province out of ten regions in the country, and its capital Quebec City is the eleventh-largest city in Canada. In addition, after Ontario, Quebec has the maximum population in the country.
Quebec derives its name from the Algonquin word ‘kébec,” meaning a place where a river narrows. Near Quebec City, there is a river named Saint Lawrence that narrows and enters into a cliff-lined gap. More importantly, thanks to the ramparts of Old Quebec, UNESCO declared this place a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Quebec has many landmarks like the Château Frontenac hotel, the Citadelle of Quebec, the National Assembly of Quebec, and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. But, the province is famous because it has stellar industries, hospitals, government offices, sports facilities, educational institutions, natural resources, tourist destinations, and healthcare facilities.
Immigration to Quebec can open many doors for you. This article introduces you to Quebec immigration and informs you about every criterion you need to fulfill before landing in the province.
Why is Quebec a Dream Destination for People Looking for Immigration?
Quebec is a unique province in Canada. It offers a cosmopolitan culture with a tilt towards the European lifestyle. Here are the significant advantages of relocating to Quebec:
1. Excellent Job Opportunities
Quebec, including Canada in general, offers excellent job opportunities for the Canadian skilled and Canada unskilled work visa. In Quebec, you can apply for jobs in various sectors like manufacturing, public administration, commerce, defence, transport, services, and tourism.
The provincial government employs the largest number of people in Quebec. The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) is one of the largest institutional employers in the province, employing over 2600 nurses, 650 specialist doctors, 200 family doctors, 19 dentists, 96 pharmacists, and 1492 technicians and health care professionals.
The city is home to renowned companies like La Maison Simons, Norda Stelo, Industrial Alliance, SSQ Financial Group, Union Canadienne, Gearbox Software, AeternaZentaris, OptoSecurity, Benson & Hedges, etc.
2. World-Class Educational Institutions
The education landscape of Quebec is extraordinary. The education system is administered by Quebec’s Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education. The Ministry of Education looks after the primary and secondary schools, and the Ministry of Higher Education looks after the CEGEP.
The Université Laval, Télé-université, École nationale d’administration publique, and Institut national de la recherche scientifique are some renowned university colleges in Quebec. Some major colleges in the province are Collège François-Xavier-Garneau, Champlain College St. Lawrence, Collège Mérici, Collège O’Sullivan, etc. Immigration to Quebec can make you eligible to seek admission to any educational institution in the province.
3. Rewarding Business Environment
Quebec is a part of trade agreements like the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This makes it accessible to more than 950 million consumers. The operating costs of business in Quebec are much lower than in G7 countries. Canada’s tax rate of 26.6% makes it one of the most lucrative destinations for operating a business.
Also Read: TOP 7 REASONS FOR MOVING TO CANADA WITH FAMILY
Who Can Apply For Quebec Immigration?
If you fall in any of these four categories, you are eligible to apply for Quebec immigration:
- Permanent Workers
- Business People
- Temporary Workers
- Foreign Students
Let us now understand each category in detail.
1. Permanent Workers
If you want to relocate permanently to Quebec, you may apply for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) program through an ICCRC Registered Immigration Consultant. Once you apply for the program, the concerned authority matches your profile with the available options and criteria. If they find your profile suitable, they will invite you to submit an application.
However, you must possess the necessary professional skills and training to get a job in Quebec. They also evaluate your language proficiency, age, spouse’s characteristics, and children status.
2. Business People
To start a business in Quebec, you need to possess exact knowledge about the business environment in the province. As a next step, you need to design a business plan and apply for Quebec business immigration. After approval, you need to register your business with the government and follow a few more formalities before starting the business.
3. Temporary Workers
If you want to apply as a temporary worker, your employer will most likely take care of the application formalities. However, if you want to switch employers during your brief stay, you need to obtain authorisation.
4. Foreign Students
Firstly, you can apply for the Foreign Student Program online or through an ICCRC Registered Immigration Consultant. International students can only study in any designated educational institution recognised by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement l’Enseignement supérieur or any other ministry.
If you choose the best Canada immigration consultants in Bangalore, they will guide you about the application process. Alternatively, you can also find relevant information on the Quebec Immigration website.
The Procedure for Quebec Immigration
The immigration authority under the Ministry of Quebec decides who can enter the province and who cannot. They usually send a Certificate of Selection (CSQ) informing the immigrant that their application has been shortlisted. The CSQ remains valid for 24 months or until the applicant receives a notification from the IRCC board stating permanent residency approval.
If an applicant gets approval from the CSQ, they need to complete all formalities for permanent residency within 24 months. The federal government checks the applicant’s background and health condition.
Why Do You Need an Immigration Consultant and How to Find The Best One?
Applying for Quebec immigration can be document-intensive and time-consuming. Since the official language of Quebec is French, most of the communication and application formalities are in French. An immigration consultant takes care of all application formalities, tracks the application status, and facilitates a smooth transfer from the source country to Quebec.
