On July 27, 2022, the government of Canada published updated instructions for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holders currently residing outside Quebec on how to process applications received over the intake cap. The government also added an “Eligibility Requirements” guidance for applicants who are in Canada in a province or territory other than Quebec. Ottawa also removed instructions regarding the requirement, demanding to have authorization to work at the time of submission.
Quebec Selection Certificate
The Quebec Selection Certificate, also known as Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), is an official document issued by the province of Quebec that allows applicants to immigrate to Quebec. The certificate is issued by the Quebec government and is based on the applicant's skills, education, and work experience. The QSC allows foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence in Quebec. It is a key document in the Quebec immigration process and can significantly improve an applicant's chances of being selected for permanent residency.
Once an immigrant has a CSQ, they can then apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker program. The process of applying for a CSQ and then permanent residence can take several months to complete, but it is a common path for immigrants to take to become permanent residents of Canada. The CSQ is valid for six months from the date of issue and allows the holder to apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a permanent resident visa and will be able to move to Quebec and live there permanently.
There are many benefits to holding a QSC, including the following:
It allows you to live and work permanently in Quebec
It allows you to apply for Canadian citizenship
It allows you to sponsor relatives who wish to immigrate to Canada
It gives you access to free healthcare and education in Quebec
To be eligible for the Quebec Selection Certificate, an applicant must:
be at least 18 years of age
have a valid passport
have completed at least secondary school
have proficient knowledge of French
have been employed in Quebec for at least 12 months in the 24 months preceding the application
have a valid job offer from a Quebec employer
It is important to know that applicants who are interested in immigrating to Quebec must first obtain a CSQ before they can apply for a permanent resident visa through the government of Canada.
Also, foreign nationals selected by Quebec who are currently residing outside of the province but intend to live and work in Quebec may be eligible for an open work permit. The agreement between IRCC and Quebec would enable CSQ holders outside Quebec to apply for an open work permit under R204(c). Work permit applications from CSQ holders outside Quebec will be assessed under R205(a) until the agreement is signed.
The Quebec government has announced a new update for holders of the Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC). If you are interested in applying for permanent residence, please contact us at Mesidor Canadian Immigration Services. Our team of professionals will assist you with every step of the process.
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