Questions and answers
Immigration Rules and Procedures in effect since August 1, 2013
Immigrating or staying in Québec to work
Staying in Québec to study
Sponsorship program
Immigrating to Québec for business
Practical advice before your departure
Practical advice upon your arrival
Job search assistance
Integration services
Full-time and part-time French Courses
Services to businesses
Immigration Rules and Procedures in effect since August 1, 2013
1. I submitted an immigration application under the Regular Skilled Worker Program. How do I know if the new measures apply to me?
The new measures apply to you if, by August 1, 2013, you received one of the following documents from the Ministère:
an acknowledgement confirming that your file has been opened and the fees received;
an acknowledgement as well as a letter asking you to provide missing documents or conforming documents in order to process your application.
If, on August 1, 2013, you were in one of the situations described below, it means that your file has already being processed. Therefore, the new measures do not apply to you.
You were convened to a selection interview that will take place in the next few weeks or months;
You received a letter entitled “Demande en attente d’entrevue de selection” (application pending a selection interview) informing you that the initial evaluation of your application is complete and that you will soon be convened to an interview;
You received a letter entitled “Demande en attente de decision” (application pending a decision) informing you that we will contact you once a decision has been made;
You received a letter entitled “Intention de refus” (intent to refuse the application), informing you that you must submit other documents or information that will allow us to continue to review your file;
You have already had a selection interview and your file has not been finalized.
For more information about the rules and procedures effective August 1, 2013, consult the page Immigration Rules and Procedures.
2. Are there transitional measures for candidates who presented an application before August 1, 2013?
No. However, the Ministère will grant additional time to candidates who have not attained an advanced intermediate level of French so that they can improve their knowledge of French.
3. I submitted an immigration application under the Regular Skilled Worker Program and I would like to withdraw my application. What do I have to do?
It is possible to request the withdrawal of your application if the Ministère received it between July 8 and August 16, 2013.
You must submit the electronic form Withdrawal of Immigration Application duly completed, no later than September 16, 2013.
Note: Your immigration application will be returned within two to three months, without the required fees having been processed.
4. I submitted my immigration application under the Regular Skilled Worker Program before August 1, 2013. Will it be countedwithin the maximum number of applications the Ministère receives between August 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014?
No. Applications received before August 1, 2013 will not be counted within the maximum number of applications established by the Ministère for the period between August 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014.
Moreover, the rules regarding the maximum number of applications for a selection certificate that will be reviewed by the Ministère do not change Québec’s immigration objectives (in French, 219 Kb). By limiting the number of applications received, the Ministère will be able to process a greater number of pending applications thereby reducing processing times.
5. I submitted my immigration application before August 1, 2013 and now I would like to add my spouse to my application. Will the evaluation of the information pertaining to my spouse’s file be based on the new rules in effect?
If the review of the file began before August 1, 2013 or if a decision was already made, the rules effective at the time the principal applicant submitted the file will apply when your spouse’s application is added. Otherwise, the application will be processed according to the new rules.
6. Will the Ministère inform all candidates who have already submitted their file and who are affected by the changes effective August 1, 2013?
No. The Ministère will contact candidates if they are missing any information required for the review of their file or as soon as a decision has been made.
All of the information pertaining to the changes to immigration rules and procedures has been available on the Ministère’s website since July 8, 2013.
7. Will the new rules and procedures effective August 1, 2013 result in longer processing times?
No. The new rules and procedures will not cause any delay in the processing of immigration applications.
8. The new form to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec has been available online since August 1, 2013. Will the Ministère still accept applications submitted on the old form?
Applications submitted on the old form will be accepted up to December 1, 2013. After this date, new applications must be submitted on the new form.
However, it is recommended that applicants use the more recent version of the immigration application, available on the Ministère’s website.
Language knowledge
9. I submitted my immigration application before August 1, 2013. Does the increased level required to obtain points for the Language knowledge factor apply to my application?
All of the applications are processed according to the new rules, with the exception of those for which processing began before August 1, 2013. To find out if the review of your application has begun, refer to the answer to Question 1.
The increased level required to obtain points for the Language knowledge factor applies to all applications submitted under the Regular Skilled Worker Program, the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (Québec experience program), as well as under the Investor, Self-employed Worker and Entrepreneur programs, effective August 1, 2013.
10. I submitted my immigration application without providing an attestation of the results of a written language knowledge test. Is it too late for this attestation to be added to my file?
No. It is still possible for a candidate to update a file. Consult the page Knowledge of French and English for more information on the tests recognized by the Ministère.
11. When I submitted my immigration application, I had beginner or intermediate knowledge of French. What do you advise me to do?
Since August 1, 2013, the advanced intermediate level has become the minimum threshold for which points are attributed for knowledge of oral and written French.
You can update your file by taking, for example, one or more refresher courses and then submitting the results obtained on a standardized language knowledge test.
Consult the page Knowledge of French and English to obtain more information about the tests recognized by the Ministère.
If you wish to contact us, make sure to indicate in your correspondence the file number assigned to you by the Ministère. You will find this number on the acknowledgment that was sent to you following receipt of your application.
12. What will happen to my file if I am missing two points to qualify and these two points could have been obtained by submitting the results of a standardized test for written French?
If it is clearly demonstrated that the two missing points could have been obtained by points attributed for knowledge of written French, a letter of intent to refuse the application will be sent to you, granting you a timeframe to present the results of a standardized test or proof of registration for a standardized test recognized by the Ministère.
13. How do the new regulatory requirements affect the evaluation of language knowledge for applications submitted under the Regular Skilled Worker Program?
Points for knowledge of French are attributed to candidates with an advanced intermediate level of French. These points are allocated as follows: a maximum of 14 points for oral and a maximum of 2 points for written. For English knowledge, points are only attributed as of the intermediate level: a maximum of 4 points for oral and a maximum of 2 points for written.
14. Do I have to submit the results of a written English test when I submit my application?
Any candidate who submits an application under the Regular Skilled Worker Program can obtain points for knowledge of written English. To do so, the candidate must submit the results of a standardized test.
Consult the page Knowledge of French and English to obtain more information about the tests recognized by the Ministère.
15. Can I submit the results of French test offered by professional order in Québec?
No. You must submit the results of a standardized test recognized by the Ministère. For more information on the tests recognized by the Ministère, consult the page Knowledge of French and English.
2013 List of areas of training
16. I submitted my immigration application before August 1, 2013. Will it be reviewed according to the 2013 List of areas of training?
All applications are reviewed according to the 2013 List of areas of training, with the exception of those for which review began before August 1, 2013. To find out if the review of your application has begun, refer to the answer to Question 1.
17. How can I evaluate my chances of being selected by Québec?
You can complete the Preliminary Evaluation for Immigration. This online tool allows you to evaluate your changes of being selected by Québec.
18. Can I submit an application under the Regular Skilled Worker Program even if no points are attributed to my area of training?
Yes. You can submit an application under the Regular Skilled Worker Program. However, please be advised that your application will not be eligible for priority processing.
Businesspeople
19. I submitted an application under the Investor Program and I have dual nationality. According to which nationality will my application be processed?
Your application will be processed according to your current country of residence.
20. Is the list of essential documents that must be provided by candidates submitting an application under the Investor Program the same as the one for candidates submitting an application under the Entrepreneur Program or the Self-employed Worker Program?
No. The lists for these three programs are different.
21. Can candidates who wish to submit an application under the Entrepreneur Program or the Self-employed Worker Program still do so?
Yes. As long as the maximum threshold has not been attained (500 files for both programs), applications can be submitted.
Immigrating or staying in Québec to work
1. Can I find out what my chances are of qualifying to immigrate to Québec?
Evaluation online your chances of being selected by Québec.
In addition, go to the Permanent workers section for a typical procedure that presents information as well as the steps you must follow to successfully immigrate.
2. Why do I have to complete different procedures with the gouvernement du Québec and the Government of Canada?
For the answer to this question, go to Permanent workers – The difference between the selection and admission of workers.
3. What steps do I need to follow to immigrate to Québec to work?
The Permanent workers section provides a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow to immigrate.
4. What is the purpose of the list of areas of training?
The List of areas of training is intended to identify candidates who have earned diplomas or degrees in areas with good medium-term job prospects. It is compiled with particular regard to Québec job market requirements. The diploma or degree must have been obtained in the five years previous to applying for a Québec Selection Certificate (QSC). If this is not the case, the applicant must have worked for at least one year out of the five years in question in a field directly related to the diploma or degree obtained and for which assessment is being made.
List of areas of training.
5. What are the prerequisites for immigrating to Québec as a worker?
The Permanent workers section provides information on the prerequisites for immigrating to Québec as well as a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow to to carry out your immigration plan.
6. What are the timeframes and costs related to immigrating?
The Permanent workers section provides information on the fees and processing times for an application for a Québec selection certificate.
This section also provides a list of all of the costs involved in immigrating.
7. Can I obtain information on the Québec job market?
The Employment section provides firsthand information on employment in Québec and a series of useful links to visit.
8. Can I obtain information on how to search for a job in Québec?
Go to Employment – Looking for and finding a job for basic information on job search techniques and useful links to visit.
9. Can I obtain information on professional orders?
Go to Employment – Finding out about regulated professions or trades for detailed information on professions regulated by professional orders and useful links to visit.
10. Can I obtain information on regulated trades within the construction industry and outside the construction industry?
Go to Employment – Finding out about regulated professions or trades for detailed information on trades regulated by a regulatory body and useful links to visit.
11. Is it possible to evaluate my studies completed abroad before immigrating?
The section Education – Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec explains if the Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec conducted by the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles applies in your case and when to request the evaluation.
12. What conditions must be met to work temporarily in Québec?
Go to Temporary workers – Obtaining the authorizations to work temporarily in Québec for information on the conditions for working temporarily in Québec. Note that your future employer must complete most of the steps.
13. I received a job offer from Québec for a contract of a few months. What procedures must I follow?
The section Temporary workers provides a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow to work temporarily in Québec. You will find that it is your future employer’s responsibility to initiate most of the steps.
14. What form do I have to complete to apply to stay in Québec and where can I obtain it?
Go to Temporary workers – Obtaining the authorizations to work temporarily in Québec for the steps you must follow to obtain authorization from Québec and the Canadian government to come work temporarily in Québec. You will find that it is your future employer’s responsibility to initiate most of the steps.
Read the entire Temporary workers section. It provides a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow.
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Staying in Québec to study
1. What do I need to do to study in Québec?
Go to Foreign students for a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow to come study in Québec.
Important! You must be admitted into a Québec educational institution before submitting applications for authorization to study in Québec (Québec certificate of acceptance for studies, study permit and entry visa).
The Education section also provides important information on the Québec school system.
2. Who do I have to contact to submit an application to stay in Québec?
Go to Foreign students – Obtaining the necessary authorizations to study in Québec for an explanation of the steps you must follow to obtain authorizations from Québec and the Canadian government to come study in Québec.
Read the entire Foreign students section. It provides a typical procedure with all of the steps you must follow.
3. What form do I have to complete to submit an application to stay in Québec and where can I obtain it?
Go to Foreign students – Obtaining the necessary authorizations to study in Québec for an explanation of the steps you must follow to obtain authorizations from Québec and the Canadian government to come study in Québec.
Read the entire Foreign students section. It provides a typical procedure with all of the steps you must follow.
4. I will soon be completing my studies in Québec and I have found a job in Québec.
Go to Foreign students – Holding temporary employment after you graduate for an explanation of the conditions for being permitted to work in Québec once you have completed your studies.
5. Can foreign students obtain loans and bursaries?
The Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (MICC) does not provide scholarships. For more information on this subject and for useful links, go to Foreign students – Financial assistance.
6. How much does it cost to obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ – Québec Acceptance Certificate)?
Go to Foreign students – Required fees.
7. I studied abroad and would like to know if my studies will be recognized in Québec. What do I need to do?
Go to Education – Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec.
8. I hold various diplomas awarded outside Québec. How do I find out their equivalency in Québec?
The Education – Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec explains if the Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec conducted by the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles, applies in your case and how to request one.
9. Can I obtain information on the Québec education system and educational institutions?
The Education section provides important information on the Québec school system and useful links to visit.
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Sponsorship program
1. What do I need to do to sponsor a member of my family?
The Sponsors and sponsored persons section provides a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow to sponsor a member of your family.
Note that you must first start the sponsorship process with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Immigrating to Québec for business
1. Why do I have to follow different steps with the Government of Québec and the Government of Canada?
For the answer to this question, go to Businesspeople – Distinguishing between the selection and the admission of businesspeople.
2. I have business and management experience. What procedure must I follow to immigrate?
The Businesspeople section provides a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow carry out your immigration plan.
3. What are the prerequisites for immigrating as a businessperson?
Go to Businesspeople – 3 immigration programs for businesspeople for the prerequisites for submitting an application as an entrepreneur, self-employed worker or investor.
The Businesspeople section provides a typical procedure that explains all of the steps you must follow to carry out your immigration plan.
4. What are the costs and timeframes for immigrating?
The Businesspeople section provides information on the costs and processing times for an application for a Québec selection certificate.
5. Who do I need to contact to submit an immigration application if I am already in Québec?
The immigration application must be sent to the office serving your usual country of residence. The Businesspeople section provides a typical procedure with all of the steps you must follow to carry out your immigration plan.
6. What forms do I need to complete to submit an immigration application and where can I obtain them?
If you are submitting an application as a self-employed worker (immigration programs for businesspeople), you must first evaluate online your chances of being selected by Québec. If the answer is positive, you can then submit an application for a Québec selection certificate.
To find out about all of the steps you must follow to successfully immigrate, go to Businesspeople.
7. Can I obtain assistance to open a business in Québec?
Go to Businesspeople – Developing your business project and Businesspeople – Going into business to obtain information on business plans and business start-up as well as useful links.
8. Can I obtain documentation on starting a business in Québec, taxation, etc.?
Go to Businesspeople – Finding out about Québec and the business environment for basic information on these subjects and useful links to visit.
9. Can I get information on the Québec economy?
Go to Businesspeople – Finding out about Québec and the business environment for basic information on the Québec economy and useful links to visit.
10. Why is an exploratory trip to Québec recommended before immigrating?
The Businesspeople –Making an exploratory trip to Québec section provides reasons for travelling to Québec to learn about its business environment and explains how to prepare for it.
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Practical advice before your departure
1. What is important for me to know before my departure for Québec?
We recommend that you properly prepare before your departure to help ease your integration into Québec society. Review all of the information for your procedure:
if you are immigrating as a permanent worker: see Step 4
if you are immigrating in the businesspeople category: see Step 5
if you are staying in Québec as a temporary worker: see Step 3
if you are staying in Québec as a foreign student: see Step 4
if you are being sponsored by a Québec resident: see Step 3
if you are a refugee who was selected abroad: see Step 2.
It is also important to consult Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration before and after your arrival in Québec.
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Practical advice upon your arrival
1. What do I have to do as soon as I arrive in Québec?
If you are arriving at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, proceed directly to the Immigration-Québec office. Review all of the information in your procedure:
if you are immigrating as a permanent worker: see Step 5
if you are immigrating in the businesspeople category: see Step 6
if you are staying in Québec as a temporary worker: see Step 4
if you are staying in Québec as a foreign student: see Step 5
if you are being sponsored by a Québec resident: see Step 4
if you are a refugee who was selected abroad: see Step 3.
It is also important to consult Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration before and after your arrival in Québec.
2. What are the first steps I should follow as soon as I arrive in Québec?
Some steps must be taken in the first days following your arrival. Review all of the information in your procedure:
if you are immigrating as a permanent worker: see Step 6
if you are immigrating in the businesspeople category: see Step 7
if you are staying in Québec as a temporary worker: see Step 4
if you are staying in Québec as a foreign student: see Step 5
if you are being sponsored by a Québec resident: see Step 5
if you are a refugee who was selected abroad: see Step 4.
It is also important to consult Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration before and after your arrival in Québec.
3. I would like to obtain information on public services (telephone, electricity, etc.), housing, public transit, main businesses, etc.
For this information, go to Housing and Daily life.
To learn more
If you have arrived in Québec, you can participate in a free information session.
It is also important to consult Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration before and after your arrival in Québec.
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Job search assistance
1. What job search services are offered?
Many services are offered to ease your job search. See Employment.
Half of Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration is devoted to employment and the job market. Be sure to add it to your list of Favourites!
You can also participate in a free information session.
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Integration services
1. Once I arrive in Québec, how can I obtain information on daily life, the integration of newcomers and Québec culture?
We recommend that you read the entire section Why choose Québec and consul Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration before your departure in order to properly prepare for your arrival and facilitate your integration.
Once you have arrived in Québec, you can also participate in a free information session.
2. Once I arrive in Québec, how can I obtain information on the job market and how to look for a job?
We recommend that you read the Employment section and consult Learning about Québec – Your Guide to Successful Integration before your departure in order to properly prepare for your arrival and facilitate your entry into the job market.
If you plan to practise a regulated profession or trade in Québec, we recommend that you find out about the requirements as soon as possible.
Once you are in Québec, you can also participate in a free information session. You will be referred to relevant resources to help you in your job search.
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Full-time and part-time French Courses
1. How much does a French course cost? Is it free?
A French course offered by the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles or one of its partners is free.
2. Is it possible to obtain financial aid during the course? How much can I receive? Why do some people receive more?
Financial aid is granted according to each person’s particular situation (immigration status, number of children, etc.). See Admission criteria.
3. Are day care costs paid for?
In some situations, it is possible to obtain benefits to cover day care costs. See Admission criteria.
4. Do I have to bring supplies (books, etc.) to class?
An exercise book will be given to you free of charge. However, you should bring a dictionary and a verb conjugation guide. Teachers can also give you advice about useful books. You must also bring the supplies you will need to take notes.
5. I will not have an income during the course. Does an assistance program exist?
Various forms of financial aid exist, and one of them may apply to your situation. See Admission criteria.
6. When does the course start?
You will receive an admission notice no later than 20 days after you have completed your admission application. Your course should start no later than 65 days after receiving this notice. See Schedule.
7. How do I find out when the course starts? Will I get a phone call? Will I be contacted by email?
You will receive a letter or a phone call (last-minute registration). See Schedule.
8. How long does the course last?
Much depends on your current competency in French. Other factors may also affect the duration of your training. See Schedule.
9. How come some people who arrived in Québec after me were registered before me?
Everything depends on the availability of courses corresponding to your level of French competency, in teaching establishments within a reasonable distance of your home.
10. How can I learn French before the course begins?
You can learn French in your country of departure by taking courses. Many language schools have agreements with the Ministère. See List of agreements with language schools.
You can also perfect your knowledge of French online. See Learning French online.
Once you arrive in Québec, you can watch television and listen to the radio in French in order to become familiar with the language. Reading French-language newspapers will help you improve your written comprehension.
11. Is it possible to take a part-time course? Where are these courses given?
Yes, the Ministère also offers part-time courses in various class locations. See Part-time course.
12. Are part-time courses different from full-time courses?
The full-time course program is divided into three main sections. These sections are the same for the part-time program, but they take into account the time devoted to the course, that is, 4, 6, 9 or 12 hours a week. See Part-time course and Intensive full-time course.
13. Where will I take my French course? Will I be able to study near my home?
For full-time courses, the Ministère will refer you to the course location most appropriate to your current knowledge of French. If possible, it will take your home address into account. See Course locations.
For part-time courses, you can consult the directory of partners offering part-time courses. See Course locations.
14. Can I choose my school?
For full-time courses, the Ministère chooses the course location based on certain criteria. See Course locations.
For part-time courses, you must register directly with the organizations offering the courses. For CEGEPs and universities, the Ministère registers students in the establishment of their choice. See Course locations.
15. Can I take my course at a university? Are these courses better?
The Ministère chooses the candidates who can study at a university based on specific criteria. The program is virtually the same.
16. Can I study with my spouse, another family member or a friend?
The Ministère tries to make it possible for families to take courses at the same institution, but there is no guarantee. For pedagogical reasons, family members are not encouraged to be in the same class. Moreover, the course location largely depends on each person’s competency level in French, level of schooling and course availability.
17. What is my competency level in French? Can I choose the course level?
Your level is generally determined during the evaluation interview. Only your teacher can ask for a change in level, in collaboration with those in charge of the teaching institution and the Ministère. However, if you find the course too easy or too difficult, you can mention it to the teacher during the first week of the course.
18. Are day cares available at course locations?
Generally not.
19. How do I find a day care?
You can consult the directory of childcare centres and other day care services as well as the useful links in the section Education – Registering your child in childcare services.
20. What happens if I cannot find a day care?
You must wait until a spot becomes available in a day care before you register for a French course.
21. What happens if I find a job while I am taking a course?
You have several options:
You can start working full time and submit a new admission application at a later date to complete your training.
You can pursue your training part time.
You can also work part time, which will allow you to pursue full-time training, and respect your course schedule.
22. Can I interrupt my training and resume it the following session?
No. If you interrupt your training, you must submit a new admission application when you are ready to resume your training.
23. What is the course schedule?
For full-time courses, the schedule usually consists of 6 hours of courses a day, 5 days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See Duration, hours and schedule.
The schedule for part-time courses varies. Depending on the location, the courses can be given in the morning, in the afternoon or on weekends. See Duration, hours and schedule.
24. Can I leave my class earlier (for family, work-related, religious obligations, etc.)?
If you register for a full-time course, you must respect the schedule of the teaching establishment, otherwise you may be excluded from the program. If it is not possible for you to respect the full-time schedule, it would be best that you register for a part-time course.
25. Will I be doing grammar and writing during the course?
Yes, grammar is integrated into the various communicative activities that are part of the approach used. See Teaching approach.
26. At the end of the training, will I receive an attestation, a certificate or credits?
Credits are not usually attributed for these courses. A report card with your results is given at the end of course 330-3.
27. I lived in another Canadian province for five years and I have been in Québec for two months. Can I take full-time courses?
No. To be eligible for the Ministère’s courses, you must have been permanent resident in Canada for less than five years.
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Services to businesses
1. I am having trouble recruiting workers in my region. Can the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles help me in my efforts to hire immigrant workers, here or abroad?
The MICC offers various information and referral services for recruiting immigrant workers in the Montréal area in order to meet the needs of employers in the regions.
It also provides consulting services, assistance and support services for foreign recruitment as well as information and support on immigration procedures. See Services aux employeurs.
2. What services are available to facilitate the integration of immigrant workers or workers from cultural communities within my business?
The MICC provides various information and referral services regarding welcome and social integration services that can help these workers. It also offers information and referral services on intercultural relations and managing diversity in businesses.
To access programs and support services available to businesses for hiring and integrating employees, please visit the website of our partner Emploi-Québec. See Services aux employeurs - Recrutement au Québec et gestion de la diversité.
3. I would like my immigrant employees to learn French or perfect their knowledge of French. Does the MICC offer francization services to businesses?
Yes, the MICC offers francization services in the workplace to meet the needs of immigrant workers. It can also recommend other organizations that offer francization services and financial assistance for these services. See French courses in the workplace.
