^{Last update: November 5, 2024}

There are several Canadian programs that can lead to Permanent Residence status. The majority of international students will be considered economic immigrants (qualified workers), and must complete their studies prior to qualifying for the process.

The immigration process is different if one wants to settle in Québec, versus settling in the rest of Canada. As a result, its very important to reflect on this prior to beginning the immigration process. Once permanent residence has been obtained, individuals may then move where they desire in Canada. Note that the Service aux étudiants does not offer consulting services about permanent residence; the following information is provided as a general guideline.

IMMIGRATING TO QUÉBEC

International students who wish to move permanently to Québec as skilled workers (after completing their studies) must submit an application for a Permanent Selection Certificate from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI), followed by a Permanent Residence request from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Some aspects to consider prior to beginning the process:

• Cost is a factor: immigration processes cost more than $2000 for a single individual. Depending on the immigration program that you’ve selected, processing delays may vary between 2 to 3 years.
• There are two distinct programs for students who wish to immigrate to Québec: Québec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Regular Skilled Worker Program. 
• The PEQ comprises two streams: graduates and qualified workers. The Québec Graduates program is intended for recent graduates from Québec-based institutions.  In both cases, application processing times can reach up to 6 months. 
• If your application is accepted, you will receive a Québec Certificate of Selection (CSQ).  You may then submit an application for Permanent Residence with the IRCC. At the federal application stage, your criminal record as well as your health status will be examined. If you are approved on both counts, at the end of the process, you will receive Permanent Residence status.
• You do not need to hire a lawyer, or an immigration consultant to represent you in this process. 

IMMIGRATING ELSEWHERE IN CANADA

If you wish to move to another Canadian province or territory (other than Québec), you must submit a request with the IRCC. The IRCC has an online system to manage Qualified Worker requests. Please refer to the IRCC website in order to learn more about how to submit an application for Express Entry to Canada.

INFORMATION SESSIONS AND RESOURCES

Online information sessions in French are organized in the fall and winter trimesters by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI).  Registration generally opens a few weeks before the sessions.  For more information and to register.  

If you need further guidance, you can ask for an appointment at any of the community organizations that serve immigrant clients free of charge, such as Promis.  Click here for a complete list of organizations.

If you have retained your ASEQ dental insurance, it also comes with legal protection, which allows you to consult an immigration lawyer free of charge.