Montreal, Quebec, is one of the most popular destinations for newcomers moving to Canada. In 2022 alone, Quebec welcomed more than 62,000 new immigrants, with most choosing to settle in Montreal.
The city attracts newcomers because it is affordable and offers a rich blend of multicultural communities. Quebec also has a high job vacancy rate, creating plenty of employment opportunities for skilled workers.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): Working in Quebec
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to permanent residency for individuals who want to live in Montreal permanently. However, PEQ has strict requirements that all applicants must meet.
One of the most important requirements is strong knowledge of French. Applicants who do not speak French are not eligible for the program.
Within PEQ, there are two possible pathways:
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One for skilled workers with Quebec work experience
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One for students who completed education in Quebec
To qualify under the worker category, applicants must be working in Quebec at the time of application. Many candidates qualify through co-op internships, a working holiday visa, or a young professionals program.
Additionally, applicants must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience within the last two years in a managerial, professional, or technical role. Those who meet these criteria can apply for permanent residency through PEQ and settle in Montreal.
The PEQ for Students: Studying in Quebec
The second stream of PEQ is designed for individuals who completed post-secondary education in Quebec. As with the worker stream, a strong command of French is required.
Applicants must prove that they have completed or will complete within six months a qualifying post-secondary program in Quebec. Most two-year programs are eligible.
Students working toward a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) should confirm that their program meets PEQ eligibility requirements.
If you graduated from a Quebec post-secondary institution and meet the language requirements, PEQ can provide a direct route to permanent residency.
Quebec Business Immigration: Moving to Montreal as an Entrepreneur
Quebec also provides immigration pathways for entrepreneurs and investors. These programs require substantial financial resources.
Applicants can explore two main programs:
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The Quebec Entrepreneur Program
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The Quebec Investor Program
The Entrepreneur Program is suitable for individuals with experience running a business. Applicants must either invest at least CAD $200,000 in their business idea or secure support from a recognized Quebec business accelerator or incubator.
The Investor Program is meant for high-net-worth individuals. Applicants must demonstrate at least CAD $2 million in personal net worth and be willing to invest CAD $1.2 million in Quebec to obtain permanent residency.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program has historically been a popular pathway for skilled workers wanting to immigrate to Quebec. However, major changes have affected this program in recent years.
In August 2018, QSW shifted from a first-come, first-served model to a competitive, points-based system. This system is similar to the federal Express Entry selection model but gives significantly higher priority to applicants who speak French and have job offers in Quebec.
After the provincial election in October 2018, the new government reduced Quebec’s immigration quotas. This significantly impacted the QSW program, and since then, the program has been mostly inactive.
Although the program may reopen in the future especially for French-speaking applicants and those with job offers it currently remains paused while the government reassesses its immigration strategy.
In Summary
Montreal continues to be a popular destination for newcomers.
To immigrate through Quebec programs:
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PEQ requires French proficiency and relevant work or study experience in Quebec.
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Students graduating from eligible Quebec programs can apply through PEQ.
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Business immigration options exist for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth investors.
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The QSW program is currently inactive but may resume in the future.
