Maple News reports that, effective January 1, 2021, the province of Quebec has increased immigration application fees across a range of categories. This annual fee adjustment is based on changes to the Consumer Price Index, reflecting inflation-related cost updates.
For skilled worker applicants, the main application fee has risen from CAD 812 to CAD 822. Each accompanying family member must now pay CAD 176, up from CAD 174. Employers seeking to have permanent job offers validated or assessed for labor market impact will now pay CAD 205, compared to the former CAD 202.
In the business immigration category, fees have also climbed. Investors now face a charge of CAD 15,962, while entrepreneurs and self-employed workers will pay CAD 1,113, up from CAD 1,099. Temporary foreign workers and international students also saw a modest fee increase to CAD 205. Educational credential assessments from outside Quebec are now priced at CAD 123, up from CAD 121.
It’s important to note that these are processing fees only. Applicants may incur additional costs such as document translation, supporting documentation, or language testing, depending on their application profile.
Additionally, Quebec will require electronic submissions for certain programs starting January 26, 2021. Applications for the Foreign Student Program (PEE) must be submitted through the online Temporary Selection for Studies portal. For the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), all documents — including application forms and payment — must be submitted via the Arrima platform.
This shift to digital processing also applies to three new permanent immigration pilot programs launching in 2021. Electronic document transmission will be mandatory for the following pilot programs: those for orderlies (beneficiary attendants), workers in artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT), and visual effects, as well as staff in the food processing sector.
In terms of immigration targets, Quebec has set its 2021 admission range between 27,500 and 29,300 new permanent residents under its economic immigration programs. Up to 24,200 of these admissions are reserved for skilled workers. The province also intends to admit up to 4,300 individuals under its business immigration streams, including entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.
This update highlights Quebec’s emphasis on modernizing immigration processing through digital transformation, while also fine-tuning its program fees to reflect economic realities.
For those planning to immigrate to Quebec in 2021, Maple News recommends early preparation to meet both the updated cost structure and the new digital submission requirements.