Each year, Québec welcomes an average of some 45,000 immigrants from over 100 countries who actively participate in its economic, social and cultural development.

It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level. Quebec is Canada's largest province by area and its second-largest administrative division; only the territory of Nunavut is larger. It is bordered to the west by the province of Ontario, James Bay and Hudson Bay, to the north by Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay, to the east by the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. It is bordered on the south by the U.S. states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. It also shares maritime borders with Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

Quebec is Canada's second most populous province, after Ontario. Most inhabitants live in urban areas near the Saint Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City, the capital. English-speaking communities and English-language institutions are concentrated in the west of the island of Montreal.

While the province's substantial natural resources have long been the mainstay of its economy, sectors of the knowledge economy such as aerospace, information and communication technologies, biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry also play leading roles. These many industries have all contributed to helping Quebec become the second most economically influential province, second only to Ontario.

Population:

Those who decide to opt for city living have easy access to the surrounding countryside. Despite Québec’s vast size, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy forests, lakes or mountains.

Québec cities have abundant green spaces where inhabitants can take advantage of a wide range of outdoor activities. In fact, you could say that Quebecers have succeeded in building their cities in the country!

For those who choose rural living and are looking for the beauty and tranquility of a country setting, each and every region of the province offers picturesque sites and a unique quality of life.

Portrait of immigration

A destination for immigrants for several decades already, the Montréal region is cosmopolitan. It is home to the vast majority of people from cultural communities and people who have immigrated here. According to the 2001 census, 70% of individuals born abroad and residing in Québec live in the Montréal region. They account for 28% of the total population of the region.

More than 120 cultural communities are represented in Montréal. The main countries of birth of the immigrant population are: Europe (37%), Asia (29.5%), America (21%) and Africa (12.4%). From 2000 to 2004, immigrants who were granted permanent status and who settled in Montréal in January 2006 came from Asia (31.1%), Africa (28.7%), Europe (22.5%) and America (17.4%).

Learning French in your country of departure

You will find it useful to acquire a good knowledge of French in your country of departure.

To help you do so, several agreements with language schools exist around the world, some with local Alliance française schools.

The lessons given in these schools will also help you better understand Québec society thanks to document collections, a collection of documents especially designed for that purpose. Tuition fees are your responsibility.

However, since April 1, 2009, the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles is reimbursing up to C$1500 to immigrants holding a Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ – Quebec selection certificate) who took French language courses abroad after October 22, 2008.

List of agreements with language schools

The Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (MICC) has signed service agreements with some Alliances françaises and institutes outside Québec. Other agreements are planned with several countries. Through these agreements, the MICC will be able to direct to an Alliance française or institute that has signed an agreement, those individuals interested in immigrating to Québec but who do not qualify due to inadequate knowledge of French. These organizations will provide them with the training they need and evaluate their knowledge. Some Québec content will be integrated into these courses.

Housing

Are you looking for housing or would you like to know more about it? Here is some basic information along with useful links to help you find a place to live or to complete the information you are looking for.

Choosing a location

Before setting out to search for housing, you have to choose the area where you intend to live. Taking more than one area into consideration increases your chances of finding, not only a job, but also housing that suits your needs and budget. Do not hesitate to explore the various regions of Québec and the opportunities they offer!

Finding out about housing in Québec

Housing is a key aspect of your integration process. Do not be afraid to explore the subject even before you move to Québec. That way, you’ll be familiar with housing-related vocabulary, the Québec lease and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord. Being well informed will save you time, energy and money.

Looking for housing

Once you’re well informed, you can start your search. First evaluate your needs and resources. Upon your arrival in Québec, you may wish to choose temporary lodging so that you can take your time to explore the area and find housing that better meets your needs. To ease your task and optimize your efforts, a few techniques are recommended to help you in your search.

Settling into your new home

Now that you’ve found a home, here are a few useful tips to help you settle in.

Education

If you are planning to immigrate to Québec, here is some useful information on education. It will be of particular interest if:

• you have children
• you hope to pursue your own studies in Québec
• you would like to know how the Québec education system compares to the one you know.

Finding out about education in Québec

Before your departure for Québec, discover the Québec education system, from kindergarten to university. Find out about its specific characteristics and what you will be required to do as a student or as a parent of young children, adolescents or young adults.

Registering your child in childcare services (day care)

You have a preschool age child and would like to register him or her in a day care. Before starting this process, find out about the various choices offered by the Québec network of childcare services.

Applying for admission to a school, college or university

To avoid wasting time or having to delay your studies because you did not have the proper documents on hand, it is important that you know when, where and how to apply for admission to a school, college or university.

Acquiring knowledge of French or improving your proficiency

French is the official language of Québec and is the key to opening many doors. Opportunities exist for you to acquire knowledge of French or upgrade your proficiency, before your departure and after you arrive in Québec.

Obtaining a general evaluation of your studies outside Québec

How do the studies you did outside Québec compare with the Québec education system? The Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec (comparative evaluation of studies done outside Québec) issued by the Ministère provides a general comparison that can help you answer this question.

Used information from:

Gouvernement du Québec official website <http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca>
Wikipedia <http://www.wikipedia.org>

Canadian Immigration – Quebec Skilled Worker

• An unconditional Canadian Visa;
• Permanent resident status upon arrival in Canada;
• The possibility of Canadian Citizenship, three years after arrival.

Quebec is the largest Canadian province by area, and the second largest in population. Quebec is a bilingual English and French-speaking society. Population of Quebec is 7,623,870 (est. according to statistic Canada 2007).

Capital City of Quebec is Quebec City. Historic, yet resolutely modern, vibrant, festive and confident, the cities of Montréal, Québec and Gatineau will show you a contrasting facet of urban Québec with their rich architectural heritage, dynamic cultural melting pot and splendid surroundings that respect nature. Average temperatures in Quebec are as follows; in January -17(Celsius) to -8c (middle of winter), May 5c to 16c (middle of spring), July 14c to 24c (middle of summer), October 3c to 11c (middle of fall).

The Government of Quebec is seeking highly skilled individuals with respect to education, language skills and work experience wishing to settle in Quebec.

Quebec Skilled Worker Category

Selection criteria are based on Point System assessed on the basis of:

• Age
• Education
• Area of Training
• Language abilities (French and English)
• Work Experience
• Adaptability
• Spouse’s Characteristics
• Family relationships with a Canadian citizen or a permanent Quebec resident
• No. of children under the age of 22

Applying to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker

Two step process:

• First you must apply to Quebec and meet the province’s skilled worker requirements (refer to the below schedule). If your application is approved, Quebec will give you a Quebec selection certificate (CSQ).
• After your Quebec application is accepted, apply to CIC. CIC will ensure you meet the medical and security requirements to immigrate to Canada and will grant you Canadian Permanent Residency Visa.

Quebec Skilled Worker Point Grid

Factor 1. Training             Maximum = 28

Factor 2. Experience             Maximum = 8

Factor 3. Age             Maximum = 16

Factor 4. Language proficiency             Maximum = 22

Factor 5. Stay and family in Quebec             Maximum = 8

Factor 6. Characteristics of the accompanying spouse or de facto spouse       Maximum = 16

Factor 7. Validated employment offer             Maximum = 10

Factor 8. Children             Maximum = 8

Factor 9. Financial self-sufficiency             Maximum = 1

Factor 10. Adaptability             Maximum = 6

• An unconditional Canadian Visa;
• Permanent resident status upon arrival in Canada;
• The possibility of Canadian Citizenship, three years after arrival;

Quebec is the largest Canadian province by area, and the second largest in population. Quebec is a bilingual English and French-speaking society. Population of Quebec is 7,623,870 (est. according to statistic Canada 2007).

Capital City of Quebec is Quebec City. Historic, yet resolutely modern, vibrant, festive and confident, the cities of Montréal, Québec and Gatineau will show you a contrasting facet of urban Québec with their rich architectural heritage, dynamic cultural melting pot and splendid surroundings that respect nature. Average temperatures in Quebec are as follows; in January -17(Celsius) to -8c (middle of winter), May 5c to 16c (middle of spring), July 14c to 24c (middle of summer), October 3c to 11c (middle of fall).

Government of Quebec provides two programs for people with business skills.

Quebec Investor Program

Eligibility

Business people can apply to the Québec provincial Immigrant Investor Program. To be accepted into the Immigrant Investor Program, obtain permanent residency, and enjoy the same benefits as all Canadians, candidates must satisfy a number of eligibility requirements, which include:

The candidate must have lawfully acquired a minimum net worth of $CAN1,600,000. “Net worth” with respect to an investor, means the fair market value of all assets of the investor and spouse or common law partner, excluding the amounts received by donation less than 6 months before the date on which the application was filed, minus the fair market value of all liabilities. Inheritances can also be included in the calculation of the candidate's net worth.

The candidate must have at least 2 years in the 5 years preceding the application for a selection certificate, assumed duties related to the planning, management and control of financial resources and of human or material resources under the candidate's authority*, acquired through:

• a legal farming, commercial or industrial business; or
• a legal professional business where the staff, excluding the candidate, occupies at least the equivalent of 2 full-time jobs; or
• an international agency or a government or one of its departments or agencies.

*Authority, with respect to a candidate, means someone who has been mandated by his/her employer to exercise his/her functions of planning, developing, controlling, etc.

The candidate must commit to a fully-secured passive investment of $CAN800,000 for a five-year term (60 months) through an authorized Financial Intermediary of the Immigrant Investor Program. Or the candidate may choose to significantly reduce the amount to be disbursed through the exclusive financing opportunity.

Business immigrants may finance their investment through a Canadian bank or Trust company authorized by the Government of Canada to facilitate the Immigrant Investor Program. This opportunity is designed to help applicants meet the Immigrant Investor Program’s investment criteria more easily by financing a substantial amount of the required $CAN800,000 investment. This alone can reduce the cost of joining the Program to as little as a $CAN180,0001 down payment.

The authorized financial intermediary guarantees that the $CAN180,000 down payment will cover the expenses incurred by the loan during its five-year term, regardless of interest rate fluctuations.

Upon maturity, the proceeds from your investment will cover the expenses, capital and even the financing cost of your initial loan. The financing plan doesn’t carry any hidden costs or unforeseen payments!

Simply put, by opting to finance the investment, you are not required to liquidate any long-term fixed assets, nor provide any collateral in order to meet the required $CAN800,000 investment criteria. You remain in control of more of your money and can watch it grow in other, high-return investments!

Investment through financing

* The $ 180,000 down payment will cover the interest, capital and financing cost related to the loan. Therefore at maturity, no interest or capital will be returned. The total cost of this financing option is limited to your initial $CAN180,000 down payment.

Due to the financing options you only provide a fraction of the $CAN800,000 required by the program!

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

• Have net assets of at least $300,000 CDN that have been legally obtained with, where applicable, your married or common-law spouse provided he or she is accompanying you.
• Have at least two years experience in running a business acquired during the five years preceding the date you submitted your application in a lawful and profitable business.
• Experience of full-time assuming of the responsibilities and duties related to the planning, management and control of material, financial and human resources.
• present your application in one of the two following program components:
  • Ability to carry out a business project component: submit a business project with the purpose of creating or acquiring a business (agricultural, industrial or commercial) in Québec that you will manage yourself or that you will participate in as management and operations partner on a daily basis. You must control, alone or with your accompanying spouse or common-law spouse, at least 25% of the capital equity with a value of at least $100,000 CDN.
  • Acquisition of a business in Québec component: have acquired in Québec, alone or with your accompanying spouse or common-law spouse, at least 25% of capital equity in a business (agricultural, commercial or industrial) with a value of at least $100,000CDN. You must manage the business yourself or participate in it as management and operations partner on a daily basis.

Assessment of the application will take into account other factors such as:

• Your age and the age of your spouse, where applicable;
• The nature and duration of your business and your management skills;
• Your language skills and your assets;
• Your personal qualities and your knowledge of Québec;
• Depending on the program component selected, the steps taken to acquire a business in Québec or your ability to carry out a business project will be the key element in your assessment.