The two immigration programs that attract significant attention in Quebec are the "Quebec Immigrant Investor Program" and the "Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)". The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program primarily targets investors, while the Quebec Experience Program assists international students in Quebec in obtaining permanent residency more easily.
Quebec has the authority to independently select immigrants, and the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is currently a relatively straightforward pathway to immigrate to Canada. Additionally, the Canadian government allows financial institutions in Quebec to provide partial loans to applicants, along with government guarantees for the funds invested by applicants, which are favorable policies for investors.
Requirements for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program:
1. A net worth of over CAD 1.6 million; assets must be obtained through legal business endeavors;
2. At least 2 years of management experience in a business within the last 5 years, including recognized experience as a department manager;
3. An investment of CAD 800,000 (refunded by the government after 5 years, without interest) or an investment of CAD 220,000 (one-time payment, non-refundable), with either option available;
4. The applicant's entire family must meet health examination requirements;
5. The applicant's entire family must meet security background check requirements;
6. The applicant's entire family must have no criminal record.
Application Process for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program:
1. The applicant prepares and submits the required documents;
2. Receives a Quebec file number;
3. Supplementary documents are requested;
4. Exemption from interview or participation in an interview;
5. Makes the investment and receives the selection certificate (CSQ) issued by the Quebec immigration office, with documents submitted for federal immigration processing;
6. Receives a federal file number;
7. The federal immigration office conducts a security check on the applicant and notifies the entire family for a health examination;
8. The entire family obtains Canadian visas;
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The target group for the PEQ is international students in Canada. Due to the serious aging population in Canada, the Canadian government has implemented many favorable immigration policies to stimulate population growth and increase the labor force, with the PEQ being one of them. It primarily helps international students in Canada obtain permanent residency more easily and become Canadian citizens.
Requirements for Applying for PEQ:
1. Must be at least 18 years old and intend to settle and work in Quebec;
2. Must be a graduate of a Quebec institution;
3. The residency of the applicant as a foreign student must be legal;
4. Must hold a Quebec diploma that qualifies for PEQ or be about to complete studies within six months from the date of application;
5. Must have a B2 level in spoken French;
6. Must ensure sufficient funds to support living expenses for at least 3 months while obtaining permanent residency;
7. If the applicant is an exchange student or starts a new course after graduation, they will not be eligible to apply for the PEQ program.
Diplomas Eligible for PEQ Application:
1. Hold a vocational diploma (DEP-DVS) with a duration of 1800 hours or more;
2. Hold a DEP diploma followed by an ASP diploma (AVS, i.e., specialized vocational certificate), with a total of at least 1800 hours of study;
3. Hold a college diploma (DEC-DCS, technical college category);
4. Hold a bachelor's degree from a university;
5. Hold a master's degree, MBA;
6. Hold a doctoral degree.
Recognized B2 Level French Proficiency:
1. Course certificates issued by French training institutions recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education;
2. TEF, TEFAQ;
3. TCF, TCFAQ;
4. DELF;
5. DALF.
Overview of the PEQ Process:
1. Choose a PEQ program and apply for a program offer;
2. Apply for a Canadian study permit;
3. Apply for a Quebec study permit (CAQ);
4. If converting from a tourist visa to a study permit, first apply for a Canadian tourist visa, then study an English course for three months before converting to a study permit and applying for Quebec CAQ;
5. Study the PEQ program and attend evening French training classes;
6. Submit the Quebec immigration application six months before graduation;
7. Submit the PEQ program completion certificate and B2 level French proficiency upon graduation;
8. Apply for a three-year work permit upon graduation;
9. Quebec processes the application and issues a provincial nomination invitation (CSQ);
10. Submit the application to the federal immigration office, await health examination and final permanent resident card;
11. After obtaining permanent residency, the work permit is canceled.
