Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

For individuals and families wishing to immigrate to Quebec through an economic programme, the first step is to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

Overview

The Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is a document issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) confirming that the holder has been selected to settle in Quebec. With this document, candidates may submit a Canadian permanent residence application to the federal immigration authority.

Quebec may select its own immigrants under its own criteria, but cannot issue a permanent residence visa to a candidate. The CSQ is therefore neither a permanent residence visa nor a document that can be used to enter Canada.

Quebec’s immigration programmes

Candidates wishing to immigrate to Quebec through an economic programme may apply for a CSQ through one of the following programmes:

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (SWSP)
• The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Quebec Investor Program
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

Each programme has specific eligibility criteria that prospective candidates must meet in order to receive a CSQ. These criteria rest on factors that may include civil status, work history, education history, language knowledge, family details, experience in Quebec and financial assets.

Once prospective candidates believe they are eligible for a particular programme, they may apply to MIFI for a CSQ. Quebec accepts applications for some programmes only during designated intake periods. Depending on the programme, prospective candidates may have to wait until an intake period opens before applying.

After receiving the CSQ

Having received the CSQ, candidates may submit a separate permanent residence application to Canada’s federal immigration authority.

At this stage, because the candidate has already been selected for immigration by Quebec, the federal immigration authority focuses on criminal record and medical checks.A criminal record checkand the results of amedical examinationare mandatory requirements at the federal application stage.

The federal immigration authority also reviews the candidate’s travel history and may request further documents to verify any information declared in the Quebec selection certificate application. In some cases, candidates may be invited to an interview.

Working in Quebec

Individuals holding a valid CSQ may work in Quebec without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for the position. For more on work permits based on this document. Find out more aboutworking in Quebec with a CSQ.

Residing in Quebec without a CSQ

This is the first step in the process of immigrating permanently to Quebec. For those wishing to reside in Quebec as temporary workers or international students, a CSQ is not required. In these cases, prospective candidates may need aQuebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Find out more about the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) on the Government of Canada website athere.