Quebec: Canada's Special Corner for Special Immigrants

In this article, we'll cover the following topics:

• what makes Quebec different from other provinces;
• climate;
• where to live;
• crime rates;
• education;
• jobs and salaries;
• prices and taxes;
• healthcare;
• population;
• immigration programs.

"Quebec is not Canada!"

This popular saying is the best way to start talking about the province. Of course, it's just a joke, but it highlights how unique the region is. Life in Quebec is often very different from life in any other part of the country. This is evident in the laws, rules, and various social norms.

But for immigrants looking to move to Quebec, are these differences good or bad? There's no simple answer: it depends on your outlook on life, habits, knowledge and skills, goals, and ability and willingness to adapt to new conditions.

In any case, before applying to immigrate to Quebec, it's worth getting to know the province better. You'll definitely find many interesting, unexpected, and useful things.

Fun fact about the province! Quebec is the largest Canadian province and stretches far from north to south. Because of this, Quebec has regions with different climates. But in any case, all four seasons are present.

Quebec immigration rules: pros and cons

You'll notice Quebec's unique features at the very beginning of your immigration journey: this province has its own immigration programs and doesn't participate in the federal Express Entry program. This detail is strictly specified in the rules. It means that Express Entry participants agree in advance that after moving to Canada, they will NOT live in Quebec.

On the other hand, Quebec's immigration policy has major advantages that make the province stand out from the rest of the country.

First, Quebec has developed so many immigration programs that almost every candidate can find a suitable option. There are programs for skilled workers and students, entrepreneurs, those who have previously studied or worked in the province, and more.

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Second, the points system here is more favorable. If you're somewhat familiar with Canada's immigration system, you know that the country selects candidates based on a list of criteria. Candidates earn points for each of these items, and the more points they accumulate, the higher their chances of being selected. Here are a few examples.

1. Age

A person's age is one of the most important selection criteria. While the rest of Canada under the Express Entry program gives maximum points only to those 29 and under, in Quebec this age is 35 (inclusive). This means that even at 30, your chances of moving to Quebec don't decrease.

2. Children

Quebec is interested in families with children moving to the province. If you have at least two children under 12, you'll receive additional points.

3. French language

Quebec is the only Canadian province where French is the only official language. Consequently, knowledge of this language is considered a big advantage for immigrants: French is worth almost three times more points than English.

Quebec is ideal for large families

We've already mentioned one reason above — additional immigration points for those with two or more children. But after moving to Quebec, families with children also feel substantial support from local authorities. There are various social programs in place. We'll list just a few of them now.

1. Child benefits

The federal government of Canada provides this type of financial assistance to all parents with dependent children under 18. However, in addition to federal payments, Quebec residents are entitled to provincial assistance. The amount of these benefits depends on many factors (number of children, their age, overall family situation, etc.).

In any case, the sum of these two payments, federal and provincial, is quite substantial. Especially considering that these benefits are tax-free.

2. School supply allowance

Quebec provides this assistance annually to families with children aged 4 to 16. The help is given once at the beginning of the school year.

3. Supplement for children with disabilities

Note that Canada checks the health status of all immigration candidates, including children. So if a child has a serious condition, the chances of moving to this country decrease.

But if immigration is still possible, the government will continue to support families raising a child with disabilities.

Safety

Compared to other Canadian provinces, Quebec has a low crime rate. There are about 3,500 crimes per 100,000 people here. The crime severity index is 62.22, which is also below the Canadian average.

Fun fact about the province! Quebec borders four U.S. states. So if you have a visa and the borders are open, you'll have the opportunity to reach America in just a few hours and compare life in the two countries. You'll quickly realize that Canada is much calmer and cozier.

Life in Quebec: which city to choose

About 80% of the province's population lives in its southern part. The northern areas are much less populated.

Montreal

Montreal, named after Mount Royal, is a bustling French-speaking city and the fourth-largest Francophone city in the world. This fact undoubtedly contributes to the city's European style and atmosphere.

Although Montreal is a French-speaking city, about 20% of its residents consider English their native language, and more than half speak both languages. So it's possible to live here without knowing French, although it can be challenging.

Half of Quebec's population lives in Montreal and its suburbs. This is not surprising, as Montreal often ranks among the most livable cities not only in Canada but worldwide. Moreover, Montreal is an important business, industrial, and cultural center of Canada. The most developed industries include aerospace, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, tourism, film industry, and video game industry.

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Montreal has a relatively mild climate. Summers are warm but can be humid and muggy, with temperatures often rising above 30°C (86°F). Winters are usually cool and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from -6°C to -10°C (21°F to 14°F), although some days can drop below -20°C (-4°F).

Montreal is an excellent place for families. It's one of the safest cities with a very low crime rate. There are many public playgrounds, schools, and colleges, including six major universities. In fact, Montreal has the highest concentration of students in North America. Education is available in both English and French.

Housing prices in Montreal are relatively low compared to other major Canadian cities. However, due to higher taxes, such as income tax, the cost of living in the city is still considered high.

Quebec City

Although Quebec City is significantly smaller than Montreal in size and population, it's considered one of Canada's most prosperous cities. The population in the city and its surroundings is over 851,000. Unlike Montreal, French is much more dominant in Quebec City. Less than 1% of the population considers English their native language, and only 15% speak it well.

The most developed economic sectors are biotechnology, industry, tourism, healthcare, food, insurance, and applied technologies. The provincial government is the largest employer in the city. Many jobs are also concentrated in defense, services, trade, transportation, and manufacturing.

Quebec City has a moderate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, with average temperatures of 23-25°C (73-77°F), although it can heat up to 35°C (95°F). Thunderstorms are common. Winters, on the other hand, are cold and snowy, with average temperatures from -11°C to -17°C (12°F to 1°F), occasionally dropping to -30°C (-22°F). Spring and fall in Quebec City are characterized by frequent rain.

Quebec City is also a good place to live with family. It's one of the safest cities in Canada and has many schools, colleges, and a university.

Westmount

This small municipality is considered one of the best places to live in Quebec. Located on the island of Montreal, it has about 20,000 residents and covers only 4 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it has schools, including English-language ones, colleges, a sports arena, a swimming pool, a library, and several parks.

Once considered one of Canada's wealthiest cities, Westmount is now primarily home to middle— and upper-middle-class families.

Another unique feature of the city is that 75% of the population speaks English, with more than half considering it their native language.

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