Quebec Immigration Programs: Québec manages its own economic immigration to meet its labour needs and promote the use of French.
In 2023, the province continued selecting permanent skilled workers mainly through the Québec Skilled Worker selection system. This was supported by the Arrima Expression of Interest (EOI) platform and several updated rules and new streams introduced that year.
Below is a clear guide to the main pathways, how selection worked in 2023, and what applicants needed to know.
Main Pathways Open for Quebec Immigration Programs in 2023
1. Québec Skilled Worker Selection Program (Regular / Arrima EOI)
This is the primary pathway for individuals who want to settle permanently in Québec.
Applicants first created an Arrima profile, which served as an Expression of Interest. This profile was scored based on Québec’s selection factors, including education, experience, age, language ability, and job offers.
High-scoring candidates were periodically invited to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Once the CSQ was issued, candidates had to submit a separate permanent residence application to the federal government.
2. Québec Experience Program (PEQ) — Students and Temporary Workers
In 2023, the PEQ remained a fast-track pathway for Québec graduates and temporary workers who met the required language and Québec experience criteria.
It is important to note that the PEQ underwent changes during 2022–2023, affecting timelines and administrative conditions. Applicants needed to verify the exact requirements through official sources before applying.
3. Other Economic and Employment-Based Streams
While Arrima and PEQ were the main routes for skilled workers, Québec also offered employer-driven programs.
These included temporary foreign worker supports, labour market schemes, and business or investor programs. These pathways were used less frequently but remained important for specific economic needs.
Key Things Applicants Needed to Know (2023)
Expression of Interest and Invitation-Based Selection
Instead of applying directly, skilled workers entered the Arrima EOI pool.
Invitations were issued based on Québec’s labour priorities and annual quotas. To remain competitive, applicants needed to provide accurate details on education, experience, and especially French language skills.
Factors That Influenced Your Score
Québec used a points-based selection grid covering education, work experience, age, and languages.
French played a major role in 2023, reflecting the province’s plan to strengthen the use of French and improve labour integration. In some cases, spouses’ French skills also affected the score.
Even if you met minimum requirements, you still had to compete with others in the Arrima pool.
Changes to Rules and Administration in 2023
Late 2023 brought several important updates. Québec increased the use of electronic filing and simplified processes for some streams.
In certain cases, graduates could apply for a CSQ based on completed programs without needing work experience first.
New regulatory measures also introduced updated French-language thresholds and criteria for specific occupations. Because these rules changed frequently, applicants had to stay alert to new deadlines and guidelines.
Useful Advice for 2023 Applicants
1. Make Your Arrima Profile Detailed
Provide exact dates, job titles, and qualifications. Missing or unclear details could lower your score or trigger requests for more information.
2. Prioritize French
Official test results significantly improved your chances. If applicable, your spouse’s spoken French could also affect your eligibility.
3. Document Education and Work Experience Carefully
Having transcripts, credential assessments, and employer references ready made processing smoother and more reliable.
4. Monitor Draw Trends
Arrima invitations were unpredictable. Understanding which occupations and profiles were in demand helped applicants optimize their chances.
5. Remember: CSQ Is Only Step One
After receiving a CSQ, applicants still needed to pass federal medical, security, and admissibility checks before becoming permanent residents.
Final Thoughts and Where to Get Official Updates
Québec’s immigration system changes regularly to respond to labour needs and strengthen the French language.
Before applying, always check official information from Québec’s Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) and the federal IRCC website.
If your case is complex such as working in a regulated profession or having weaker French skills it may be wise to consult a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant.
