Quebec’s distinct system.
Quebec selects its own economic immigrants under the Canada–Québec Accord. Cohen Immigration Law files Quebec selection certificates, Certificats d’acceptation du Québec, and the federal permanent residence applications that follow.
The practice
Quebec maintains a separate immigration system from the rest of Canada. Most economic candidates require a Quebec selection certificate before IRCC will issue permanent residence. The selection stage is governed by Quebec law and processed through the Arrima portal; the federal stage remains IRCC’s responsibility.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program for new Arrima registrations. The Quebec Experience Program remains available in a transitional window for certain graduates and temporary workers through July 2028, subject to the conditions in force at the time of filing.
Engagements include stream assessment, Arrima profile strategy, CAQ applications for temporary stays, and permanent residence preparation once Quebec issues a selection certificate.
Instruments
- Canada–Québec Accord
- Quebec Immigration Act
- Arrima
- MIFI
- IRCC (federal stage)
Pathways we file
- Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Points-tested selection for skilled workers invited through Arrima based on Quebec’s current selection factors and occupation priorities.
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Stream for Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers meeting French-language and work-experience requirements during the transitional period.
- Arrima and CSQ
Expression-of-interest registration, invitation strategy, and compilation of the Quebec selection certificate application.
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
Quebec authorization for temporary study or work where required before a federal permit is issued.
- Federal stage after selection
Permanent residence applications filed with IRCC once Quebec issues a selection certificate, including medical, criminal, and background stages.
Related practice areas
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