CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec)
A CSQ, or Certificat de sélection du Québec (Quebec Selection Certificate), is the document Quebec's immigration ministry issues when it selects you as a permanent immigrant to the province. You need it before applying to IRCC for permanent residence.
How it works
Quebec chooses its own economic immigrants under an agreement with Canada. Main routes to a CSQ include:
- PSTQ (skilled worker selection program), with 4 streams and invitations through an online expression of interest. Invitations went out in August 2026.
- PEQ (Quebec Experience Program), reopened for a temporary 2-year window in July 2026; its first intake closes October 31, 2026.
- Business programs.
After you get a CSQ, you apply to IRCC, which checks medical, security, and criminal admissibility. Quebec's immigration levels are capped. Quebec is not part of Express Entry. See our Quebec page and PEQ window status.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CSQ the same as permanent residence?
No. It is Quebec's selection. IRCC must still approve permanent residence.
Do I need to speak French for a CSQ?
French is required or heavily weighted in most Quebec programs.
How long is a CSQ valid?
It has an expiry date; apply to IRCC before it passes.
Official sources
- Quebec: Immigrationquebec.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.