How to obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ): step by step

The Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) is a necessary document for people wishing to immigrate to Quebec. It certifies that the person has been selected by the Quebec government to immigrate to the province. This document must be requested from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration.

Skilled workers can choose between the Programme de l'Expérience Québécoise (PEQ) and the Regular Skilled Worker Program to apply for their CSQ. Please note that applications to immigrate to Quebec are approved through two distinct processes: selection and admission.

In this article, we'll describe in detail what a Certificat de Sélection du Québec is and how to obtain it. We'll also cover the various documents required to apply for a CSQ, as well as the steps involved in applying to the Ministry.

Visit our other articles on the subject for more information: Immigration Canada, Guide 2023 -How to find a job in Canada for foreigners - Studying and living in Quebec - All our articles on immigration to Canada

What is a CSQ Québec?

Visit Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) is a document issued by the Quebec government certifying that the person holding it has been selected to immigrate to the province. It is a prerequisite for obtaining permanent resident status in Canada. The CSQ is issued to people who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Quebec government for immigration programs, including the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Regular skilled worker program. This certificate is required for further steps in the immigration process.

Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (MIDI) has signed an immigration agreement with the Government of Canada. This agreement sets out specific criteria for the selection of foreign nationals who have the skills and ability to integrate into Quebec society. Quebec's French-speaking society. Foreign nationals must first obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker.

MIDI offers an expression of interest system for people wishing to immigrate to Quebec under the skilled worker program. Applicants are selected on the basis of their performance and current labor market needs. The system takes into account factors such as knowledge of French, age, education, work experience, nationality and language skills of the spouse.

Those selected to immigrate to Quebec will receive a Certificat de Sélection du Québec from the Quebec immigration authorities. This document proves that Quebec has selected the candidate to apply for permanent residence.

The CSQ is not a visa and does not permit entry into Canada. It is valid for 24 months, or until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on an overseas application for a permanent resident visa.

Difference between CAQ and CSQ

The CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec) and the CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec) are two types of document related to immigration to Quebec, a province of Canada. However, they have different purposes and are used in different contexts.

1. CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec) This is a mandatory document for international students who wish to pursue their studies in Quebec. Before applying for a study permit from the Canadian federal government, an international student must first obtain a CAQ from Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). The CAQ confirms that the Quebec government accepts the student as an international student in the province.
2. CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec) The CSQ is a step in the immigration process for those wishing to settle permanently in Quebec. The CSQ is issued by the MIFI to individuals and families who wish to immigrate to Quebec as permanent residents. Once you have obtained a CSQ, you can then apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency. The CSQ is not a permanent resident card, but it is a necessary step in obtaining this status if you wish to live in Quebec.

So, in short, the CAQ is for international students who want to study in Quebec, while the CSQ is for people who want to settle permanently in Quebec.

Who can obtain a CSQ - Québec?

To obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), candidates must meet the eligibility criteria established by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (MIDI) du Québec. Several immigration programs allow interested parties to apply for a CSQ, including the following

The Québec Experience Program (PEQ) for graduates of the Quebec This program is intended for graduates of a Quebec institution of higher education who wish to apply to immigrate to Quebec and have a permanent residence in Canada.

The Québec Experience Program (PEQ) for temporary foreign workers This program is designed for temporary foreign workers who have held a skilled job in Quebec for at least 12 months.

The Regular Skilled Worker Program This program is aimed at qualified foreign workers who have been offered a job in Quebec and who meet certain criteria in terms of experience, training, French language and professional qualifications.

Regular program - Foreign students in Québec This program is intended for foreign students enrolled in a higher education institution in Quebec.

When should I apply for a CSQ?

Applications for the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) can be submitted at any time while immigration programs are open. However, to optimize the chances of success, the ideal time to apply for a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) depends on a number of factors. First of all, you need to think about the demands of the Quebec job market. When labor needs are high, the chances of a successful CSQ application are greater. As a result, it's advisable to apply when labor market conditions are more advantageous.

The time needed to gather the documents required for the CSQ application must also be taken into account. You need to make sure that everything is in order, and check the documentation requirements to avoid common mistakes during submission. For this reason, you need to plan ahead for the time needed to gather the required documents.

It is also advisable to check the current processing times for each immigration program in order to properly plan your CSQ application. Processing times may vary depending on the time of year and the application for each immigration program. So, before sending in your application, it's best to be aware of current processing times.

List of documents required for a CSQ application

To apply for the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), candidates must prepare a list of required documents and fill out the necessary forms. Depending on the program chosenThe documents required include the application for permanent selection, and may include documents such as: a photocopy of the passport, a photocopy of the PVT, original transcripts of three years of certified secondary education, the French language test, employment certificates from Quebec employers for the last 24 months and corresponding pay slips.

More information on the official website in this link : quebec.ca/immigration

The applicant must also complete the form provided by " ImmigrationThis form contains all the documents to be submitted in support of the CSQ application. This form sets out the conditions relating to the nature, format and translation of the documents required, and must be attached to the application for a Québec selection certificate. Only the principal applicant is required to complete this form.

The applicant must make the required payment, either by credit card or using form A-0591-F0, dated and signed. It is important to ensure that all documents are complete, up to date and in compliance with MIDI du Québec requirements, in order to maximize the chances of a successful CSQ application.

To ensure that the documents submitted for the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) are complete and comply with the requirements, the candidate must carefully read the instructions and requirements of the MIDI du Québec, check the list of required documents, prepare the documents in a professional manner and consult an immigration expert if necessary.

How do I apply for a CSQ online?

To apply for a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) online, please follow these steps

• Create an account on the ARRMA website You will need to create an online account to submit your CSQ application. To do so, go to the following website address: arrima.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/.
• Fill in the online form Once you have created your account, you will need to complete the CSQ application form. Be sure to fill out the form completely and accurately, following the instructions and requirements of the Quebec MIFI.
• Download the required documents Once you have completed the online form, you will need to upload the required documents, as described by the Quebec MIFI, in digital format. It is important to check the list of required documents before starting the application process.
• Pay the application fee Once you have uploaded the required documents, you will be asked to pay the online application fee by credit card.
• Submit request Once you have completed the form, uploaded the required documents and paid the application fee, you can submit your CSQ application online. Be sure to check that all information is correct and complete before submitting your application.

Follow the instructions and requirements of the Quebec MIFI to ensure that your application is complete and compliant. If in doubt, consult an immigration expert for advice.

How do I use the CSQ to immigrate to Quebec?

Once you have obtained your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), you can begin the process of immigrating to Quebec by taking the following steps:

• Submit an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): You can submit an application for permanent residence online or by mail to IRCC. Be sure to include all required documents, including your CSQ, to complete your application.
• Check your file online: You can check the status of your application for permanent residence online on the IRCC website.
• Come in for an interview: If IRCC needs more information or clarification on your application, we may invite you to an interview.
• Waiting for a decision: Once your application for permanent residence has been submitted, you must wait for IRCC's decision. The time required to receive a decision depends on the number of pending applications and current processing times.
• Obtaining a work permit: If your application for permanent residence is approved, you can obtain a work permit that allows you to work in Quebec.
• Settling in Quebec: Finally, you can move to Quebec and start your new life as a permanent resident of Canada.

By following these steps, you can use your CSQ to immigrate to Quebec and become a permanent resident of Canada.

Visit our other articles on the subject for more information: Immigration Canada, Guide 2023 -How to find a job in Canada for foreigners - Studying and living in Quebec - All our articles on immigration to Canada