Is it more difficult to immigrate to Quebec?

Question

I would like to immigrate to Montreal/Quebec. Is it more diffficult than the rest of Canada to be accepted for Quebec? If so why?

Answer 1

No one wants to go to Quebec anyway....

Answer 2

It is actually much easier to get into Quebec as an immigrant than say, Ontario or BC, though you should be able to speak some French to get by outside of Montreal. If you have been raised in an english environment (e.g. England, USA, or have learned English as a first language) you will NOT be subject to Quebec's language laws (e.g. the requirements for your children to be educated in French will NOT apply).

Quebec operates a "selection" programme where they can also nominate / judge immigrants who wish to move to the province.

That said, they're currently pressing for more immigration to places such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and PEI to balance things out a bit.

In other words, you shouldn't have a particularly more difficult time getting into Quebec, but it may be easier if you go to a province with less immigration activity.

Answer 3

Canada Immigration handles any requests for immigrant status in Canada, but Quebec does have its own immgration office and department to handle immigrants who wish to settle in Quebec.

Both the Canadian federal government and Quebec provincial government are looking for immigrants to help with the declining birthrate.

The catch with coming to Quebec is that you will be expected to eventually be able to speak French, and as a landed immigrant your children will have to go to French schools. It is not an option, but an actual law to protect the French Language in Quebec.

If you are comfortable with that requirement, then Quebec may be the place for you. If not, you may want to try a city like Calgary, which is experiencing a great boom in growth and always looking for skilled workers for both the northern alberta resources or the housing and construction market.

Answer 4

yes. Quebec has greater say over immigration than other provinces. If you don't speak French, you should plan to immigrate to another province first, and later remigrate to Quebec if you still want to.

Answer 5

as long as canada accepts you you can live anywere in canada.