Can you Immigrate to Quebec Without Knowing French? ⋆ EvaMtalii

Can you immigrate to Quebec province of Canada without knowing French? Is French mandatory for Quebec migration? Is French compulsory for Quebec immigration? What is the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program? Which city in Quebec speaks English? Is there a Canada PR immigration pathway available for non-French speakers who wish to immigrate to Quebec?

These are the questions we will be answering in this article.

A few things to note:

Can someone without French knowledge apply for Quebec immigration? is one of the most frequently asked questions because Quebec happens to be the only province in Canada with French as the only official language.

Hence the reason many are interested in learning more about Quebec’s immigration programs that do not require French proficiency or as well as Canada PR immigration pathways available for non-French speakers who wish to immigrate to Quebec.

What's Covered in This Article

The Quebec-selected skilled worker program (QSWP)

The Canadian province of Quebec has a special arrangement with the Government of Canada on how candidates can immigrate to Canada and settle in the province.

Thus, Quebec has its own rules for selecting immigrants who are looking to immigrate to Canada and settle in Quebec.

The Quebec-selected skilled worker program (QSWP) is the most popular immigration pathway available for non-French speakers who wish to immigrate to Quebec.

QSWP is a points-based immigration program, meaning applicants must meet a minimum score on a points assessment grid in order to be eligible for immigration to Quebec. The minimum cutoff point for participating in the Quebec Canada Immigration Skilled Worker Program is 50 points for single applicants and 59 points for couples.

To be considered, a candidate must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the online Arrima portal to be considered for the QSW program.

The Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) is for those immigrants who wish to permanently immigrate to Canada and to work in Québec.

To immigrate to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you must use the following 2 steps:

Apply to the Government of Quebec for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ]).
- The Province of Quebec will assess you, using a set of selection criteria.For this program, you must declare your interest in immigrating to Québec to work. If your profile matches the criteria set by Québec, you will receive an invitation to submit an application for permanent selection.
  To be among those selected, you must have training and professional skills that will facilitate your job integration in Québec.
  
  Other factors that applicants will be assessed against include:
  - English and/or French language proficiency;
  - Your age;
  - The characteristics of your spouse;
  - Intention to immigrate with or without children.
  These factors and their criteria are assessed using this selection grid. Eligibility for the Quebec Immigration Skilled Worker Program is determined by nine selection factors in total. To qualify for immigration to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, an applicant must score at least 50 points out of the total 103 points if applying alone. If the Quebec-selected skilled worker is applying as an accompanied with a spouse or a common-law partner, then the minimum qualifying score is 59 points out of the total 120 points in order to be eligible for the QSW Program. The points are awarded as follows:

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Scoring System

Training (maximum 26 points)

A maximum of 26 points are awarded under the Training category of the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration Program. These points are given across two sub-categories: Education (up to 14 points), and Areas of Training (up to 12 points).

The Education sub-factor has a minimum cutoff score of 2 points, which means that applicants must have obtained at least a secondary school general diploma in order to be eligible to become a Quebec-selected skilled worker. The level of education must also have been attained in the five years prior to applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Otherwise, the prospective immigrant must have worked in a field directly related to their degree or diploma for a minimum of 12 months in the five years before submitting their application.

Education (maximum 14 points):

General high school diploma – 2 points
Vocational high school diploma – 6 points
General postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 2 years) – 4 points

Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 1 year) – 6 points
Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 2 years) – 6 points
Technical postsecondary school diploma in section A or B training area (full-time for 1 or 2 years) – 10 points

Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 3 years) – 8 points
Technical postsecondary school diploma in section A or B training area (full-time for 3 years) – 10 points
Undergraduate degree (full-time for 1+ years) – 4 points

Undergraduate degree (full-time for 2+ years) – 6 points
Undergraduate degree (full-time for 3+ years) – 10 points
Master’s degree – 12 points

Doctorate – 14 points

The Areas of Training sub-category is intended to identify potential immigrants who are professionally trained in areas with strong job opportunities in Quebec. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program list of Areas of Training helps prospective immigrants determine which section their degree or diploma is classified under and the possible points they are likely to get.

Areas of Training (maximum 12 points):

Section A – 12 points

Section B – 9 points
Section C – 6 points
Section D – 2 points

Section E – 0 points
Section F – 0 points
Section G – 0 points

Work Experience (maximum 8 points)

A maximum of 8 points are available under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program Work Experience category. Eligible work experience must have been gathered in the five years preceding submission of the Skilled Worker Program Quebec application. Eligible work experience includes both paid and unpaid employment. However, unpaid employment and internships must have been undertaken in accordance with a training or educational program.

Work Experience Points Grid:

Less than 6 months – 0 points
6 months to 1 year – 4 points

1 to 2 years – 4 points
2 to 3 years – 6 points
3 to 4 years – 6 points

More than 4 years – 8 points

Age (maximum 16 points)

The economic immigration program is designed to attract potential skilled workers who will have long and prosperous careers in Quebec. Consequently, the Quebec Skilled Worker Programme Age selection factor rewards young prospective immigrants with a maximum of 16 points towards their eligibility score.

Age Points Grid:

18 to 35 years old – 16 points

36 years old – 14 points
37 years old – 12 points
38 years old – 10 points

39 years old – 8 points
40 years old – 6 points
41 years old – 4 points

42 years old – 2 points
43+ years of age – 0 points

Language Proficiency (maximum 22 points)

A maximum of 22 Quebec Skilled Worker Program points for French and English are available under this selection factor. However, French language proficiency is weighted more (up to 16 points) than English language proficiency (maximum of 6 points for English).

Recognized French Knowledge Evaluations for Quebec Skilled Worker Program application:

CIEP: Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
CIEP: Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ)
CIEP: Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)

CIEP: Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
CCIP-IDF: Test d’évaluation du français (TEF)
CCIP-IDF: Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ)

CCIP-IDF: Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)

Recognized English Knowledge Evaluations for Quebec Skilled Worker Program application:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

French Language Proficiency (maximum 16 points):

Reading – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (1 point), C1 Advanced (1 point), C2 Advanced (1 point)

Writing – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (1 point), C1 Advanced (1 point), C2 Advanced (1 point)
Listening – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (5 points), C1 Advanced (6 points), C2 Advanced (7 points)
Speaking – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (5 points), C1 Advanced (6 points), C2 Advanced (7 points)

English Language Proficiency (maximum 6 points):

Reading – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (1 point)
Writing – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (1 point)
Listening – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (2 points)

Speaking – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (2 points)

Quebec Connection (maximum 8 points)

Quebec skilled immigration applicants who have spent time in Quebec or have family in the province can be awarded up to 8 points under this selection factor. Kindly note that family members must reside in Quebec do to count under this category. Points are only awarded for relatives actively residing in Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivieres (Three Rivers), Saguenay, Drummondville, or any other city, town, village, or area in the Province of Quebec.

Family in Quebec (maximum 3 points):

Spouse – 3 points

Sibling – 3 points
Parent – 3 points
Child – 3 points

Grandparent – 3 points
Uncle or aunt – 0 points
Nephew or niece – 0 points

Cousin – 0 points

Visiting Quebec (maximum 5 points):

Worked in Quebec for at least 3 months (includes Working Holiday Visa holders) – 5 points
Worked in Quebec for at least 6 months – 5 points

Studied in Quebec for at least 3 months – 5 points
Studied in Quebec for at least 6 months – 5 points
Stayed in Quebec (not for work or school) for more than 2 weeks – 1 point

Stayed in Quebec (not for work or school) for more than 3 months – 2 points
Visited Quebec for less than 2 weeks – 0 points

Characteristics of Spouse (maximum 17 points)

The Spouse’s characteristics criterion is one of the Quebec skilled immigration selection factors, and up to 17 points are awarded under this category. The level of education of a spouse is worth up to 4 points, their training area up to 4 points, their age as many as 3 points, and their proficiency in French language oral interaction up to 6 points. The minimum score required of an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner is higher than that of a single applicant, so even though unmarried applicants are ineligible to receive points under this category these are certainly not “bonus points.”

Spouse’s Education (maximum 4 points):

General high school diploma – 1 points
Vocational high school diploma – 2 points
General postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 2 years) – 1 points

Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 1 year) – 2 points
Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 2 years) – 2 points
Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for 3 years) – 3 points

Undergraduate degree (full-time for 1+ years) – 1 points
Undergraduate degree (full-time for 2+ years) – 2 points
Undergraduate degree (full-time for 3+ years) – 3 points

Master’s degree – 4 points
Doctorate – 4 points

Spouse’s Area of Training (maximum 4 points):

Section A – 4 points

Section B – 3 points
Section C – 2 points
Section D – 1 points

Section E – 0 points
Section F – 0 points
Section G – 0 points

Spouse’s Age (maximum 3 points):

18 to 35 years old – 3 points
36 years old – 2 points
37 years old – 2 points

38 years old – 2 points
39 years old – 2 points
40 years old – 1 point

41 years old – 1 point
42 years old – 1 point
43+ years of age – 0 points

Spouse’s French Language Proficiency (maximum 6 points):

Reading – All skill levels (0 points)
Writing – All skill levels (0 points)
Listening – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (2 points), C1 Advanced (3 points), C2 Advanced (3 points)

Speaking – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (2 points), C1 Advanced (3 points), C2 Advanced (3 points)

Validated Job Offer (maximum 10 points)

Skilled Worker Program Quebec applicants who have received a validated permanent employment offer can be awarded up to 10 points under this selection factor depending on the location of the job.

Validated Job Offer Points Grid:

Validated employment offer in Montreal area – 8 points

Validated employment offer outside Montreal area – 10 points

Accompanying Children (maximum 8 points)

Candidates for skilled worker immigration to Quebec who will be bringing their children to Canada are eligible for up to 8 points under this selection criterion.

Accompanying Children Points Grid:

Per child under 12 years of age – 4 points

Per child 13 to 21 years old – 2 points

Financial Self-sufficiency (maximum 1 point)

Quebec Canada Skilled Worker Program applicants are eligible to receive one point under this “Financial Autonomy” qualification category should they meet the Quebec immigration minimum settlement funds requirement. The Government of Quebec requires potential immigrants to possess a minimum amount of money that is determined by the number of family members immigrating and their ages. Applicants who sign the Quebec Immigration Skilled Worker Program financial agreement stating that they possess the required funds will receive a point for this selection factor. A score of 1 point in this category is required in order to be eligible for the Skilled Worker Program. Prospective immigrants who do not sign the declaration that they satisfy the Quebec Skilled Worker minimum funds requirement will not be eligible to participate in the program.

Immigration Quebec Minimum Settlement Funds Requirement (in CAD):

1 adult – $3,284
1 adult & 1 child (<18 years of age) – $4,413
1 adult & 2 children (<18 years of age) – $4,981

1 adult & 3 children (<18 years of age) – $5,549
1 adult & 4+ children (<18 years of age), add – $568 per child
2 adults – $4,816

2 adults & 1 child (<18 years of age) – $5,395
2 adults & 2 children (<18 years of age) – $5,822
2 adults & 3 children (<18 years of age) – $6,251

2 adults and more than 3 children under 18 years old, add – $428 per child
2 adults and 1 child (or more) 18 years old or older, add – $1,531 per child

Please note: in order to keep up with cost of living changes, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) periodically updates the required settlement funds for immigrants to Quebec.

Quebec Skilled Worker Processing Fees

There is a mandatory Government processing fee for applying to the 2021 Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration Program.

Quebec Skilled Worker Fees:

From CAD $1,325

What is the Highest Possible Quebec Skilled Worker Score?

Although extremely unlikely, it is possible for an applicant to attain a QSW Canada immigration score of 120 (26 + 8 + 16 + 22 + 8 + 17 + 14 + 8 + 1). To do so, he or she would need to have a PhD in a Section A area of training, have more than 4 years of eligible job experience, be 35 years of age or under, be exceptional at both French and English, have close family living in Quebec, have previously worked or studied in the province, have a validated Quebec job offer, have 2 or more children also moving to Canada, be financially self-sufficient, and have a spouse or partner that is also young and highly educated in an ideal industry.

If the Province of Quebec selects you and gives you a CSQ, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.

Therefore, in response to our questions above at the beginning of this article:

Is it possible to have a decent life in Quebec with no French? Will people do accept me as English speaker? Is it possible to get a job with no French? Can I get a job in Quebec without speaking French? How do I find English speaking jobs in Montreal if I don’t speak French? Is it possible to live in Quebec (Montreal) if you speak English but not French?

Yes. and No.

Well through the Quebec-selected skilled worker program (QSWP), you don’t to need French proficiency to immigrate to Quebec as long as you can meet the minimum threshold.

However, as evidenced by the grid points score system above, French proficiency significantly increases your chances of getting a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ]) as this gives you up to 16 extra points as compared to English which gives you just 6 points maximum.

Secondly, Montreal is a bilingual city and as such most people will be able to communicate in both English and French. Also certain parts of the island such as Dorval, The West Island and Downtown Montreal are English Majority Speaking so if you migrate there, you could very easily get by with just English. However, do also note that an offer of employment within Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) gives you a maximum of 8 points while outside the CMM you could score a maximum of 13 points.

Thirdly, If you are in high-demand sought after fields in Quebec or Canada in general, such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors, your chances of getting a job in Quebec or find English speaking jobs in Montreal even if you don’t speak French.

In fact the Quebec government has a Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors which allow potential immigrant to move to Quebec under either one of the following two profiles:

Francophone –

You must have knowledge of oral French that corresponds to at least Level 7 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes or its equivalent. Knowledge of oral French includes oral comprehension and oral expression.

Francization -When you submit an application for permanent selection under the Francization profile, you must sign a francization agreement.
If you are selected under the Francization profile, you will be automatically registered with the Integration service for immigrants, Accompagnement Québec. The purpose of this measure is to support your learning of French and your integration into Québec society.

Should you choose to and are successful enough to immigrate to Quebec as a non-French speaker, I still highly recommend that you prioritize learning French. There’s lots of free French courses, even some provided by the government itself which is for newcomers to facilitate their integration into society.