The path to permanent residency in Quebec

Did you come to study or work in Canada and fell in love with the country? It’s possible to continue your journey and more by becoming a permanent resident. Discover how to access permanent residency in the province of Quebec and the benefits associated with it!

WHAT IS PERMANENT RESIDENCY STATUS?

Midway between temporary residency and citizenship, permanent residency offers an enticing path to continue your activities in Canada indefinitely.

Once obtained, permanent resident status is valid for life! To enter and exit Canada freely, you’ll need to possess a permanent resident card. This card is renewed every five years, subject to presence conditions: a minimum of two years within a five-year period.

As the status is granted for life, failure to meet the two-year presence requirement could lead to its revocation.

Holding permanent resident status is also a prerequisite for applying for citizenship. For many immigrants, permanent residency serves as a stepping stone to Canadian citizenship, while others aspire to be permanent residents without aiming to become citizens.

CANADA, A LAND OF IMMIGRATION

Canada is known for attracting people from all around the world. With its high quality of life, low unemployment rate, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities, Canada has almost become synonymous with solace for many individuals. This is evident from the fact that many temporary workers end up settling there permanently: in 2022 alone, Canada welcomed 431,645 new permanent residents.

And what if you could be one of the next ones?

A GIVE-AND-TAKE: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS

BEING A PERMANENT RESIDENT IN CANADA MEANS…

Permanent residents retain the citizenship of their home country and are not Canadian citizens. However, they enjoy many benefits similar to those of Canadian citizens:

• The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada;
• Access to most Canadian benefits, including healthcare coverage;
• Protection under Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
• The right to leave Canada for a period and return by presenting a valid permanent resident card.

BUT IT ALSO MEANS…

To maintain your permanent resident status or renew your permanent resident card, you must adhere to certain conditions and obligations. Failure to do so could result in the refusal of status renewal:

• Abiding by Canadian federal and provincial laws;
• Paying taxes;
• Having resided in Canada for at least 730 days in the last five years, with these days not necessarily being consecutive.

AND PRACTICALLY, HOW DO YOU DO IT?

There are several programs to apply for permanent residency in Canada through Quebec. We’ve summarized the key steps of your journey towards permanent residency for you!

If you wish to settle in another province or territory, you might consider the Express Entry pathway.

OBTAINING PERMANENT RESIDENCY THROUGH THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC

While permanent resident status is federal, the application is generally tied to a specific province. Applying for permanent residency in Quebec is a specific process. The province benefits from an agreement with Canada that grants it significant autonomy in selecting immigrants who settle there.

Applying for permanent residency in Quebec includes an intermediate step of obtaining a CSQ – Quebec Selection Certificate. Obtaining the CSQ indicates that Quebec has authorized your integration as a permanent resident. Once obtained, your CSQ is usually valid for two years to submit your application for permanent residency.

There are two main programs to apply for permanent residency in Quebec, depending on your profile.

For comprehensive information on the process of permanent residency in Quebec, join our webinar on September 12th on Facebook!

PEQ – QUEBEC EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

The Quebec Experience Program is aimed at temporary foreign workers. These individuals must have worked in Quebec for 24 months in a NOC 0, A, B, or C occupation. It also applies to certain international graduates from Quebec, under specific conditions (including the duration of their study program).

Obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is necessary to apply for permanent residency through the PEQ. In practical terms, your application for permanent residency must be approved at the provincial level before being submitted at the federal level.

If you fall into one of these categories, you can apply for a CSQ. This application is usually processed within an average of 3 to 6 months. Once you have your CSQ, you can submit an application for permanent residency, which has a processing time of approximately 20 months.

PRTQ – REGULAR SKILLED WORKERS PROGRAM

The Regular Skilled Workers Program is open to anyone seeking Canadian permanent residency in Quebec. The application can be made from another country or another Canadian province.

Mainly eligible are:

• Individuals working in another country or Canadian province;
• Temporary workers in Quebec whose job is not classified as NOC 0, A, B, or C;
• Skilled workers in Quebec who have temporary status and want to apply for permanent residency despite not having worked for 24 months.

The PRTQ operates on an invitation basis, starting from your registration in a candidate pool. You must complete an online declaration of interest for Quebec, and you may be invited at any time to apply for a CSQ. Once you receive the invitation to apply for a CSQ, you have two months to submit your application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection is based on several criteria, with key factors including age, education, work experience, and knowledge of French and English. Once you obtain a CSQ, the process is similar to the Quebec Experience Program.

Note that the processing fee for a Quebec Selection Certificate is $869 for the primary applicant in 2023.

Quebec recently announced significant immigration changes, including a reform of the PRTQ, shifting towards a new program focused more on French proficiency and the applicants’ professions.

Canada offers numerous permanent residency programs. Applying for permanent residency requires thorough knowledge of your options based on your profile. Since processing times are generally quite long, it’s important to be responsive and meticulous in assembling your application. Don’t hesitate to consult an immigration professional for assistance with your process and to answer all your questions.

The use of the masculine form is intended to lighten the text. This article pertains to recent news, subject to change at any time. Its last update was on August 14, 2023.