The complete guide to Québec immigration. Québec selects its own immigrants — French is the number one asset — then the federal government issues permanent residence.
5
Visas covered
2 stages
CSQ, then federal
Jul. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
Québec — selective immigration, in French.
Québec has its own programs, run by the MIFI. Selection goes through the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ); permanent residence is then issued by the federal government.
CSQ
Selection certificate
MIFI + IRCC
Two administrations
French
Factor #1
The PSTQ (skilled workers) works by expression of interest on the Arrima platform, with monthly invitation rounds — and French carries the highest weight in the grid. A distinctive asset: Québec's business programs (entrepreneurs, self-employed workers) remain open while the equivalent federal routes are suspended.
Which visa for your situation in Québec?
Free assessment · Results in 3 minutes · No commitment
Québec or Canada?
Two immigration systems, distinct from each other.
Québec is the only province that selects its own immigrants. Depending on your destination in Canada, the procedure is not the same.
Québec
Two-stage selection: the MIFI reviews your profile (Arrima, selection grids) and issues the CSQ; the federal government (IRCC) then issues permanent residence. French weighs heavily at every stage. That's what this page covers.
A single stage: the federal Express Entry system (IRCC) selects directly on the CRS score. No prior provincial certificate — but a provincial nomination adds +600 points.
Exception: the Working Holiday permit (IEC) is a federal program that applies across Canada, including Québec.
Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
PSTQ
PSTQ — Skilled worker
Permanent selection via Arrima · all nationalities
All nationalitiesSelective
›
Timeline
Selection (CSQ) then federal PR — several months to ~2–3 years in total
Cost
CAD 940 (selection, single applicant) + federal PR fees
Platform
Arrima — expression of interest, score, monthly rounds
After invitation
90 days to file the complete selection application
French carries the highest weight in the PSTQ grid — aim for B2 / NCLC 7 or higher before filing your expression of interest.
The CSQ alone does not let you live in Canada: federal permanent residence remains essential.
CAQ
Study permit in Québec (CAQ)
Acceptance certificate + federal permit · all nationalities
Ages 18–30 or 35 and 1–2 years — depending on your country's agreement
Type
Open permit — work for almost any employer
A program run by IRCC at the federal level: it is not specific to Québec but applies there fully — you can settle in Québec on a Working Holiday permit.
This list presents the main permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific routes exist with the official authorities of Québec and Canada.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
Immigration to Québec involves two levels of government.
Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI)
Issues permanent residence after the CSQ, study permits (after the CAQ), and manages the Working Holiday / IEC.
Regulatory news
Recent changes to Québec's immigration rules.
Oct 2026
Québec — October 5 elections: Parti Québécois minority government (59 seats). Current programs (PSTQ, PEQ) remain in force; the PEQ window closes on October 31. Any change to thresholds or targets will be flagged here.
Info
Jul 2026
Québec — The PEQ has reopened: filing window in Arrima from July 2 to October 31, 2026, with no cap, reserved for profiles eligible as of November 19, 2025.
Info
By project
Your situation, your visa.
Select your profile to access the detailed guides.
5 visas and permits are covered for Québec, including PSTQ — Skilled worker · Study permit in Québec (CAQ) · Québec Entrepreneur Program. The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for Québec?
From 4 weeks to about 18 months depending on the visa. For example, PSTQ — Skilled worker: Quebec selection (CSQ), then federal permanent residence — several months to ~2-3 years in total.
How much does a visa for Québec cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, PSTQ — Skilled worker: CAD $940 (permanent selection, single applicant) + federal permanent residence fees.
Is the information on Québec up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (MIFI — Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), MIFI — PSTQ requirements, MIFI — 2026 immigration plan (the end of the PEQ)) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
