Questions and answers

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 meet an MICC officer and 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.

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 meet an MICC officer and participate in a free information session.

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 meet an MICC officer and 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 meet an MICC officer and participate in a free information session. You will be referred to relevant resources to help you in your job search.

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.

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.