Working in Quebec with a CSQ

Immigration to Quebec follows a two-stage process: selection, which takes place at the provincial level, and admission, which takes place at the federal level. To immigrate to Quebec, a candidate must meet both provincial selection and federal admission criteria.

Quebec immigration process

Provincial selection:

The process begins with the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), a document certifying that a candidate has been selected by the province to immigrate. The CSQ is issued through various immigration programs, each with its own specific criteria. Obtaining a CSQ means that a candidate has met the provincial requirements to live and work in Quebec.

Federal admission:

Once the CSQ has been obtained, the candidate can move on to the federal immigration stage, where he or she submits a formal application for permanent residence in Canada. This application is reviewed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If the application is accepted, the applicant and his or her family are granted permanent resident status. However, before beginning this process, applicants must

Quebec immigration programs

Quebec offers a variety of programs to attract qualified candidates, each with different criteria. All these programs follow the same two-step process: provincial selection followed by federal admission. Here are a few examples of the programs available:

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Quebec Investors Program
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed Workers Program

After obtaining a CSQ: the federal stage

Working with a CSQ

A CSQ alone does not allow you to work in Quebec. However, it can help to obtain an extension of an existing work permit. To do so, the applicant must already hold a valid work permit, a CSQ, and a formal job offer from a Quebec employer. If these conditions are met, it is possible to apply to the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) for an extension of your work permit.