10 Misconceptions about Quebec Immigration
Quebec immigration can be very complicated to keep up with as its rules and regulations are constantly changing. When our clients come to see us, we often hear about misconceptions regarding the Quebec immigration application process and we compiled the most common ones for you to take notice!
10 common misconceptions about Quebec Immigration:
1. You need to speak french to immigrate to Quebec
Although it a very big advantage to speak French in Quebec, it is not mandatory in order to immigrate. For some programs, such as the Programme de l'Expérience Québécoise (PEQ), french will be a requirement. However, the regular Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) program does not require to prove the ability to speak french, you simply need to score enough points on the selection grid.
2. The Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) is a work permit in Quebec
Obtaining your CSQ is a big milestone in your Quebec Immigration application as it means that you were per-approved by the province of Quebec. However, it does not necessarily grant you a work permit. You may obtain a work permit if you have a valid CSQ only if you are extending your stay as a worker (which means you previously had temporary status in Canada).
3. A positive validated job offer will grant me a work permit
Having a job offer validated does not grant you a work permit. The advantages of having a validated job offer is to obtain additional bonus points to your QSW application. If you don't have status in Canada, the validated job offer will also allow you to apply for a CSQ which is currently only reserved for those who have a status in Quebec.
4. I cannot submit an Express Entry application if I live Quebec
The requirements for the Express Entry program state that you must plan to live outside the province of Quebec in order to be eligible to apply. This does not mean that Quebec residents are ineligible for Express Entry. It means that if you can show sufficient proof of your plans to establish yourself outside the province of Quebec, you can be eligible for the Express Entry program.
5. I can apply for Express Entry and QSW at the same time
Even though it is nice to keep all of your options open, you legally cannot combine an Express Entry and a QSW application as they are mutually exclusive.
7. After obtaining your Permanent Residency through the Quebec Skilled Workers Program, you can only stay in the province of Quebec
This is false for any province in Canada. If you obtain permanent residence through the province of Quebec, you should definitely attempt to settle in Quebec as this is the province that welcomed you. However, as you are now a Canadian permanent resident with constitutional rights, you are free to move and live anywhere in Canada.
8. There is no proof of funds required for Quebec immigration
Many applicants think about immigrating through Quebec when they do not meet the financial self sufficiency requirements of the federal government. While it is true that the Quebec Immigration requirements are lower than the federal levels, you still need funds in order to immigrate to Quebec. Furthermore, it is important to note that the proof of funds is indeed not required for spousal sponsorships where the sponsor resides in Quebec.
9. I can submit my QSW and Federal applications at the same time
This is not possible as you absolutely need a valid CSQ in order to submit your federal application through the Quebec Skilled Workers Program.
10. Quebec has easier LMIA applications
The LMIA application process has similar requirements across Canada, the procedure is not easier in Quebec. In fact, LMIA applications in Quebec have to be completed in french exclusively as part of a government requirement. However, there is the simplified LMIA application in Quebec, which only reduces some of the requirements if you are in a targeted occupation.
