Maple News reports that Quebec has officially raised its immigration processing fees as of January 1, 2021. The fee adjustments are part of an annual review linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that inflation and operational changes are reflected in the cost of application processing.
For skilled workers applying as principal applicants, the fee now stands at CAD $822, up from $812. Accompanying family members will also see a minor increase, from $174 to $176 per person. Business immigration applicants are facing a more substantial hike, with fees for the Quebec Investor category now at $15,962, while entrepreneurs and self-employed workers will pay $1,113, up slightly from $1,099.
Applicants seeking temporary work permits or student status in Quebec will now pay $205, an increase from the previous $202. Fees for validating permanent job offers or assessing their impact on the Quebec labor market also rose slightly to $205. Furthermore, educational credential comparisons for studies completed outside Quebec now cost $123, compared to $121 last year.
These increases apply to application processing costs within Quebec’s distinct immigration framework. Applicants might still need to cover additional fees for documents, language testing, and other requirements tied to eligibility and file processing.
In a significant digital shift, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration announced that as of January 26, 2021, applications under the Foreign Student Program (FSP) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) must be submitted exclusively online. Paper submissions will no longer be accepted. FSP applications will be handled through the government’s online CAQ portal, while PEQ submissions will be processed through the Arrima platform, which is expected to support full online integration by mid-January.
The digital transition also extends to three new permanent immigration pilot programs being rolled out in 2021: one for orderlies, another for AI, IT, and visual effects professionals, and a third for workers in food processing. All applications and supporting documents for these pilots must also be submitted electronically.
As for immigration targets, Quebec plans to welcome between 27,500 and 29,300 new permanent residents in 2021 through its economic immigration streams. Of that total, up to 24,200 spots are reserved for skilled workers. The province also aims to admit up to 4,300 newcomers under its business immigration pathways, including entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals.
Quebec’s policy updates underscore the province’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration system while maintaining an economically responsive intake strategy.