A true picture of the career prospects in Quebec

[FromINDIA2674]

Dear all,

Thousands of applicants from all across the globe are trying to reach Canada for a better life, but I feel it is also important to know the real picture of the job prospects for various streams; marketing, finance, advertising, construction, engineering, IT, entrepreneurship and so on. Some members in some forums have painted a very gloomy picture of the job scenario and hence I am creating this group so that those who have already reached Quebec can guide us about the reality on the career front. Are the prospects better than India or worse? What are the average salaries in each sector? Do these salaries help us invest properly for a better future? In reality how important is French for a good career? There are many questions and there could be many opinions on the same. I invite everyone and especially those who have reached Canada to participate and help each other understand the reality of career prospects in Quebec. Thank you!

 

[cherti]

Immigrants Agents will say anything to get your money. Do not buy into their marketing.
So if you are an agent and you don't like me telling the truth, well boohoo bad luck. So here goes.

My NOC is 2173, I have previously worked in US for 4 years on H1B. I moved to Canada because I am pretty sure I will have to wait 10 years to get a green card. I have 11 years of experience as a programmer in Java. A Canadian employer in Montreal contacted me when I was in the US and the employer processed my temporary work visa and we both (I and my wife) landed in Quebec last November 2016. My spouse is an MBA. We both do not know a word of French. I had a job in hand when I landed so its not about me or my stream.

My wife couldn't work in US because of her H4 visa. That is one of the reason why we moved to Canada. So in Quebec, things are slightly different, you have to know a bit about the history of Quebec, The language police, Parti Québécois ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parti_Québécois ) and Bill 101 to understand why things are different in Quebec.

In a nutshell for non software people, your chances of finding a high paying job are very less. I mean very less, but not zero. I will explain anecdotes from helping my wife to find a job.

Here are the reasons listed in no order of importance -

1. Quebec do not consider most foreign education degrees except Computer Science (thats what I understand)
2. In Quebec all customer facing jobs requires fluent Bilingualism. I stress fluent because your B2 French certification is worthless. (the employers are required by law to have this statement in their job postings)
3. There is a general disregard for the immigrants (stereotyping), because Quebec was a place of refugee immigrants, a sanctuary city. So when skilled immigrants apply for the jobs, they stereotype you.
4. For Nurses, you are required to pass an exam in French if you want to work in Quebec.
5. If your name is not a French sounding name, you get filtered out in the first resume picking phase itself.
( I ran an experiment and applied for jobs with a fake resume with a French name and education in Quebec college, and many responded)

So my wife is currently working as an office assistant to a financial advisor who is serving only English speaking clients getting paid minimum wages of 11/hour and that too part time. But hey its at least good, she couldn't work in US. We have a good life here only because I get highly paid. I am sure over the years, my wife will also get highly paid with her experience. She is currently not working in her domain of study at all.

Don't you ever think that you can pay rent for a good apartment and have a good life in Quebec with the minimum wages that is 11/hr. Maybe you can, if you both work and that too, you should live in a ghetto/refugee or low skilled immigrant places like Parc Extension/Plamondon/Mountain Sights or out of the Montreal Island. Did I tell you that the income taxes are highest in Quebec and the sales tax for everything is 15% except raw food items. You might be earning good in your country in a white collar job and you have this lure of going to Canada because every Tom Dick & Harry is doing so. Well yes, rest of Canada might be favourable for you, not Quebec. You can get cheap apartments for 500$/month which have gypsum walls separating your neighbours. They may not be very comfortable and won't be sound proof and will be drafty in cold months. I pay 1400$ for a 2 bedroom concrete walled comfortable apartment in a relatively good neighbourhood. The rental laws are very strict, so you can be assured that your rent can only increase a max of 3%/year. (perks of being a socialist society I guess)

So whats the bright side for non software candidates (not so bright though) ?

1. Westmount in Montreal has some companies which serves US clients, you can try those companies.
2. Dollars Des Omeux has some US based companies.
3. St Laurent has some companies.
4. Now if you can't find high paying white collar jobs, you can do odd jobs like in the kitchen or a factory etc.
5. You can do baby sitting/cleaning work in an immigrant founded restaurant/grocery store/salon/snack/meal making business which only caters to immigrants from your country.
6. Drive truck / Uber. Uber may get banned in Quebec soon.
7. Parc extension has Indian community and stores.

All these English only companies have very limited openings and there are bilingual candidates competing against you. Remember the stereotyping and all ? So I would say it would very hard to get a well paying job if you are not a software person.

You will have to swallow your pride and work in a low paying job if you managed to find something. You will have lots of odds to fight against. Most candidates move away from the province after they try their prospects.

We have only discussed your job prospects. What about your kid's education ?

If you have grown kids, your kids will have a nightmare going to school. Because in Quebec, kids who have immigrant parents are only allowed to go to French school. If you want your kids to go to English schools, there is private English schools, so you have to pay an arm and leg for private English school.

If your kids are small, they will learn French slowly by immersion and it will be ok for them, but you won't be able to help much for their homework.

How about healthcare system in Quebec ? Is finding a family doctor easy ?

You will get the healthcare cards within 3 months, its difficult to navigate the system here as an immigrant. It's new to me, and additionally there seem to be some issues with the health care system in Quebec clubbed with the disadvantage of not speaking French, not the least of which is a shortage of doctors. My experience so far has been that it is easy to book appointments with doctors whose services are not covered by the public insurance, but it is otherwise much more difficult to get a doctor to agree to take you on as a regular patient. There is an acute shortage of doctors because many of them are moving away from Quebec in search of greener pastures. They get paid more elsewhere.

Your only option if you don't get a family doctor is to go to a CLSC clinic. You won't see the same doctor the next time though. Be prepared to wait for hours if your condition is not life threatening. If you have an emergency condition, any hospitals in Quebec will admit & treat you free of charge covered by the public system. I am still researching on ways to find a family doctor. Will post a new thread if I find any success.

 

[FromINDIA2674]

C

Immigrants Agents will say anything to get your money. Do not buy into their marketing.
So if you are an agent and you don't like me telling the truth, well boohoo bad luck. So here goes.

My NOC is 2173, I have previously worked in US for 4 years on H1B. I moved to Canada because I am pretty sure I will have to wait 10 years to get a green card. I have 11 years of experience as a programmer in Java. A Canadian employer in Montreal contacted me when I was in the US and the employer processed my temporary work visa and we both (I and my wife) landed in Quebec last November 2016. My spouse is an MBA. We both do not know a word of French. I had a job in hand when I landed so its not about me or my stream.

My wife couldn't work in US because of her H4 visa. That is one of the reason why we moved to Canada. So in Quebec, things are slightly different, you have to know a bit about the history of Quebec, The language police, Parti Québécois ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parti_Québécois ) and Bill 101 to understand why things are different in Quebec.

In a nutshell for non software people, your chances of finding a high paying job are very less. I mean very less, but not zero. I will explain anecdotes from helping my wife to find a job.

Here are the reasons listed in no order of importance -

1. Quebec do not consider most foreign education degrees except Computer Science (thats what I understand)
2. In Quebec all customer facing jobs requires fluent Bilingualism. I stress fluent because your B2 French certification is worthless. (the employers are required by law to have this statement in their job postings)
3. There is a general disregard for the immigrants (stereotyping), because Quebec was a place of refugee immigrants, a sanctuary city. So when skilled immigrants apply for the jobs, they stereotype you.
4. For Nurses, you are required to pass an exam in French if you want to work in Quebec.
5. If your name is not a French sounding name, you get filtered out in the first resume picking phase itself.
( I ran an experiment and applied for jobs with a fake resume with a French name and education in Quebec college, and many responded)

So my wife is currently working as an office assistant to a financial advisor who is serving only English speaking clients getting paid minimum wages of 11/hour and that too part time. But hey its at least good, she couldn't work in US. We have a good life here only because I get highly paid. I am sure over the years, my wife will also get highly paid with her experience. She is currently not working in her domain of study at all.

Don't you ever think that you can pay rent for a good apartment and have a good life in Quebec with the minimum wages that is 11/hr. Maybe you can, if you both work and that too, you should live in a ghetto/refugee or low skilled immigrant places like Parc Extension/Plamondon/Mountain Sights or out of the Montreal Island. Did I tell you that the income taxes are highest in Quebec and the sales tax for everything is 15% except raw food items. You might be earning good in your country in a white collar job and you have this lure of going to Canada because every Tom Dick & Harry is doing so. Well yes, rest of Canada might be favourable for you, not Quebec. You can get cheap apartments for 500$/month which have gypsum walls separating your neighbours. They may not be very comfortable and won't be sound proof and will be drafty in cold months. I pay 1400$ for a 2 bedroom concrete walled comfortable apartment in a relatively good neighbourhood. The rental laws are very strict, so you can be assured that your rent can only increase a max of 3%/year. (perks of being a socialist society I guess)

So whats the bright side for non software candidates (not so bright though) ?

1. Westmount in Montreal has some companies which serves US clients, you can try those companies.
2. Dollars Des Omeux has some US based companies.
3. St Laurent has some companies.
4. Now if you can't find high paying white collar jobs, you can do odd jobs like in the kitchen or a factory etc.
5. You can do baby sitting/cleaning work in an immigrant founded restaurant/grocery store/salon/snack/meal making business which only caters to immigrants from your country.
6. Drive truck / Uber. Uber may get banned in Quebec soon.
7. Parc extension has Indian community and stores.

All these English only companies have very limited openings and there are bilingual candidates competing against you. Remember the stereotyping and all ? So I would say it would very hard to get a well paying job if you are not a software person.

You will have to swallow your pride and work in a low paying job if you managed to find something. You will have lots of odds to fight against. Most candidates move away from the province after they try their prospects.

We have only discussed your job prospects. What about your kid's education ?

If you have grown kids, your kids will have a nightmare going to school. Because in Quebec, kids who have immigrant parents are only allowed to go to French school. If you want your kids to go to English schools, there is private English schools, so you have to pay an arm and leg for private English school.

If your kids are small, they will learn French slowly by immersion and it will be ok for them, but you won't be able to help much for their homework.

How about healthcare system in Quebec ? Is finding a family doctor easy ?

You will get the healthcare cards within 3 months, its difficult to navigate the system here as an immigrant. It's new to me, and additionally there seem to be some issues with the health care system in Quebec clubbed with the disadvantage of not speaking French, not the least of which is a shortage of doctors. My experience so far has been that it is easy to book appointments with doctors whose services are not covered by the public insurance, but it is otherwise much more difficult to get a doctor to agree to take you on as a regular patient. There is an acute shortage of doctors because many of them are moving away from Quebec in search of greener pastures. They get paid more elsewhere.

Your only option if you don't get a family doctor is to go to a CLSC clinic. You won't see the same doctor the next time though. Be prepared to wait for hours if your condition is not life threatening. If you have an emergency condition, any hospitals in Quebec will admit & treat you free of charge covered by the public system. I am still researching on ways to find a family doctor. Will post a new thread if I find any success.

Cherti ur reply is quite an eye opener. I wonder what most Indians especially from non IT backgrounds do to survive in Quebec. Or as u mentioned do they just move on to some other province. And I hope the scenario in other provinces is not all this bad either.

 

[cherti]

C

Cherti ur reply is quite an eye opener. I wonder what most Indians especially from non IT backgrounds do to survive in Quebec. Or as u mentioned do they just move on to some other province. And I hope the scenario in other provinces is not all this bad either.

I do see non IT Indians here, they are mostly low skilled workers or run their own business serving their own community's ecosystem in grocery stores, play schools,restaurants especially in Parc Extension & Plamondon. There are many Indian students in Montreal. The legacy Indian community in Quebec are not skilled migrants. They are a result of family based immigrations.

Then there are refugees from Srilanka, Bangladesh, they all do low skilled minimum wage jobs or other odd jobs like in a beauty salon or factory packing. But their second generations being fluent in French are well off.

I forgot to mention that there are some Pharma companies where new immigrants might stand a chance because they have US clients.

Anyways the gist of my opinion is, if you are only looking for low wage jobs and not a white collar one, you can get one. But for high paying ones anything other than IT, you must be really really lucky to land a job.

Many people seems to use Quebec as a gateway. Once they land and get PR card in hand, they move to other provinces. The situation in other provinces are not as bad as Quebec.

 

[LoneEarthling]

Hi Cherti,

Thank you for such a detailed post.


I am from Pakistan and one of the several reasons of wanting to leave is the blatant, unguided, blind, dangerous nationalism flourishing here. Being an educated individual of 21st century I get more inspired by limited countries like Canada. However, you Quebec review gives the picture of yet another messed up society where individual rights, well-being and convenience is less important than the strife between French & English.

Anyways, unfortunately that's the only option I have. By the way, has any of you tried New Zealand. Problem is every immigration demands work experience, I believe it would be beneficial to both sides if it is otherwise. Well that's a debate for another time. For now I have a few queries about Quebec Immigration in general, if you may please guide me.

That's quite depressing. In general how long did it take you to get CSQ and then get the PR afterwards?
Did you apply from within Canada?
Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?

Thanks.

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?

Thanks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Island

 

[Shaw2016]

Beutifully written.
Extremely good and critical information.

Immigrants Agents will say anything to get your money. Do not buy into their marketing.
So if you are an agent and you don't like me telling the truth, well boohoo bad luck. So here goes.

My NOC is 2173, I have previously worked in US for 4 years on H1B. I moved to Canada because I am pretty sure I will have to wait 10 years to get a green card. I have 11 years of experience as a programmer in Java. A Canadian employer in Montreal contacted me when I was in the US and the employer processed my temporary work visa and we both (I and my wife) landed in Quebec last November 2016. My spouse is an MBA. We both do not know a word of French. I had a job in hand when I landed so its not about me or my stream.

My wife couldn't work in US because of her H4 visa. That is one of the reason why we moved to Canada. So in Quebec, things are slightly different, you have to know a bit about the history of Quebec, The language police, Parti Québécois ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parti_Québécois ) and Bill 101 to understand why things are different in Quebec.

In a nutshell for non software people, your chances of finding a high paying job are very less. I mean very less, but not zero. I will explain anecdotes from helping my wife to find a job.

Here are the reasons listed in no order of importance -

1. Quebec do not consider most foreign education degrees except Computer Science (thats what I understand)
2. In Quebec all customer facing jobs requires fluent Bilingualism. I stress fluent because your B2 French certification is worthless. (the employers are required by law to have this statement in their job postings)
3. There is a general disregard for the immigrants (stereotyping), because Quebec was a place of refugee immigrants, a sanctuary city. So when skilled immigrants apply for the jobs, they stereotype you.
4. For Nurses, you are required to pass an exam in French if you want to work in Quebec.
5. If your name is not a French sounding name, you get filtered out in the first resume picking phase itself.
( I ran an experiment and applied for jobs with a fake resume with a French name and education in Quebec college, and many responded)

So my wife is currently working as an office assistant to a financial advisor who is serving only English speaking clients getting paid minimum wages of 11/hour and that too part time. But hey its at least good, she couldn't work in US. We have a good life here only because I get highly paid. I am sure over the years, my wife will also get highly paid with her experience. She is currently not working in her domain of study at all.

Don't you ever think that you can pay rent for a good apartment and have a good life in Quebec with the minimum wages that is 11/hr. Maybe you can, if you both work and that too, you should live in a ghetto/refugee or low skilled immigrant places like Parc Extension/Plamondon/Mountain Sights or out of the Montreal Island. Did I tell you that the income taxes are highest in Quebec and the sales tax for everything is 15% except raw food items. You might be earning good in your country in a white collar job and you have this lure of going to Canada because every Tom Dick & Harry is doing so. Well yes, rest of Canada might be favourable for you, not Quebec. You can get cheap apartments for 500$/month which have gypsum walls separating your neighbours. They may not be very comfortable and won't be sound proof and will be drafty in cold months. I pay 1400$ for a 2 bedroom concrete walled comfortable apartment in a relatively good neighbourhood. The rental laws are very strict, so you can be assured that your rent can only increase a max of 3%/year. (perks of being a socialist society I guess)

So whats the bright side for non software candidates (not so bright though) ?

1. Westmount in Montreal has some companies which serves US clients, you can try those companies.
2. Dollars Des Omeux has some US based companies.
3. St Laurent has some companies.
4. Now if you can't find high paying white collar jobs, you can do odd jobs like in the kitchen or a factory etc.
5. You can do baby sitting/cleaning work in an immigrant founded restaurant/grocery store/salon/snack/meal making business which only caters to immigrants from your country.
6. Drive truck / Uber. Uber may get banned in Quebec soon.
7. Parc extension has Indian community and stores.

All these English only companies have very limited openings and there are bilingual candidates competing against you. Remember the stereotyping and all ? So I would say it would very hard to get a well paying job if you are not a software person.

You will have to swallow your pride and work in a low paying job if you managed to find something. You will have lots of odds to fight against. Most candidates move away from the province after they try their prospects.

We have only discussed your job prospects. What about your kid's education ?

If you have grown kids, your kids will have a nightmare going to school. Because in Quebec, kids who have immigrant parents are only allowed to go to French school. If you want your kids to go to English schools, there is private English schools, so you have to pay an arm and leg for private English school.

If your kids are small, they will learn French slowly by immersion and it will be ok for them, but you won't be able to help much for their homework.

How about healthcare system in Quebec ? Is finding a family doctor easy ?

You will get the healthcare cards within 3 months, its difficult to navigate the system here as an immigrant. It's new to me, and additionally there seem to be some issues with the health care system in Quebec clubbed with the disadvantage of not speaking French, not the least of which is a shortage of doctors. My experience so far has been that it is easy to book appointments with doctors whose services are not covered by the public insurance, but it is otherwise much more difficult to get a doctor to agree to take you on as a regular patient. There is an acute shortage of doctors because many of them are moving away from Quebec in search of greener pastures. They get paid more elsewhere.

Your only option if you don't get a family doctor is to go to a CLSC clinic. You won't see the same doctor the next time though. Be prepared to wait for hours if your condition is not life threatening. If you have an emergency condition, any hospitals in Quebec will admit & treat you free of charge covered by the public system. I am still researching on ways to find a family doctor. Will post a new thread if I find any success.

 

[poisonapple]

Hi Cherti,

Thank you for such a detailed post.


I am from Pakistan and one of the several reasons of wanting to leave is the blatant, unguided, blind, dangerous nationalism flourishing here. Being an educated individual of 21st century I get more inspired by limited countries like Canada. However, you Quebec review gives the picture of yet another messed up society where individual rights, well-being and convenience is less important than the strife between French & English.

Anyways, unfortunately that's the only option I have. By the way, has any of you tried New Zealand. Problem is every immigration demands work experience, I believe it would be beneficial to both sides if it is otherwise. Well that's a debate for another time. For now I have a few queries about Quebec Immigration in general, if you may please guide me.

That's quite depressing. In general how long did it take you to get CSQ and then get the PR afterwards?
Did you apply from within Canada?
Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?

Thanks.

Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
Prospects are very bleak for junior/entry level person unless you know fluent french.
Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?
There are other islands in and around Montreal (west island) but if you are looking from settlement purpose u need to know french to survive decently anywhere in Quebec ....

Regarding PR through CSQ its longest process among all the available other programs ,timing is essence of any immigration as it is impacted multiple factors internal politics,geo-political and many more which are beyond once control so it is advisable to go for quickest route possible which in this case is EE ..

 

[krunal_electrical]

Thanks for

Immigrants Agents will say anything to get your money. Do not buy into their marketing.
So if you are an agent and you don't like me telling the truth, well boohoo bad luck. So here goes.

My NOC is 2173, I have previously worked in US for 4 years on H1B. I moved to Canada because I am pretty sure I will have to wait 10 years to get a green card. I have 11 years of experience as a programmer in Java. A Canadian employer in Montreal contacted me when I was in the US and the employer processed my temporary work visa and we both (I and my wife) landed in Quebec last November 2016. My spouse is an MBA. We both do not know a word of French. I had a job in hand when I landed so its not about me or my stream.

My wife couldn't work in US because of her H4 visa. That is one of the reason why we moved to Canada. So in Quebec, things are slightly different, you have to know a bit about the history of Quebec, The language police, Parti Québécois ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parti_Québécois ) and Bill 101 to understand why things are different in Quebec.

In a nutshell for non software people, your chances of finding a high paying job are very less. I mean very less, but not zero. I will explain anecdotes from helping my wife to find a job.

Here are the reasons listed in no order of importance -

1. Quebec do not consider most foreign education degrees except Computer Science (thats what I understand)
2. In Quebec all customer facing jobs requires fluent Bilingualism. I stress fluent because your B2 French certification is worthless. (the employers are required by law to have this statement in their job postings)
3. There is a general disregard for the immigrants (stereotyping), because Quebec was a place of refugee immigrants, a sanctuary city. So when skilled immigrants apply for the jobs, they stereotype you.
4. For Nurses, you are required to pass an exam in French if you want to work in Quebec.
5. If your name is not a French sounding name, you get filtered out in the first resume picking phase itself.
( I ran an experiment and applied for jobs with a fake resume with a French name and education in Quebec college, and many responded)

So my wife is currently working as an office assistant to a financial advisor who is serving only English speaking clients getting paid minimum wages of 11/hour and that too part time. But hey its at least good, she couldn't work in US. We have a good life here only because I get highly paid. I am sure over the years, my wife will also get highly paid with her experience. She is currently not working in her domain of study at all.

Don't you ever think that you can pay rent for a good apartment and have a good life in Quebec with the minimum wages that is 11/hr. Maybe you can, if you both work and that too, you should live in a ghetto/refugee or low skilled immigrant places like Parc Extension/Plamondon/Mountain Sights or out of the Montreal Island. Did I tell you that the income taxes are highest in Quebec and the sales tax for everything is 15% except raw food items. You might be earning good in your country in a white collar job and you have this lure of going to Canada because every Tom Dick & Harry is doing so. Well yes, rest of Canada might be favourable for you, not Quebec. You can get cheap apartments for 500$/month which have gypsum walls separating your neighbours. They may not be very comfortable and won't be sound proof and will be drafty in cold months. I pay 1400$ for a 2 bedroom concrete walled comfortable apartment in a relatively good neighbourhood. The rental laws are very strict, so you can be assured that your rent can only increase a max of 3%/year. (perks of being a socialist society I guess)

So whats the bright side for non software candidates (not so bright though) ?

1. Westmount in Montreal has some companies which serves US clients, you can try those companies.
2. Dollars Des Omeux has some US based companies.
3. St Laurent has some companies.
4. Now if you can't find high paying white collar jobs, you can do odd jobs like in the kitchen or a factory etc.
5. You can do baby sitting/cleaning work in an immigrant founded restaurant/grocery store/salon/snack/meal making business which only caters to immigrants from your country.
6. Drive truck / Uber. Uber may get banned in Quebec soon.
7. Parc extension has Indian community and stores.

All these English only companies have very limited openings and there are bilingual candidates competing against you. Remember the stereotyping and all ? So I would say it would very hard to get a well paying job if you are not a software person.

You will have to swallow your pride and work in a low paying job if you managed to find something. You will have lots of odds to fight against. Most candidates move away from the province after they try their prospects.

We have only discussed your job prospects. What about your kid's education ?

If you have grown kids, your kids will have a nightmare going to school. Because in Quebec, kids who have immigrant parents are only allowed to go to French school. If you want your kids to go to English schools, there is private English schools, so you have to pay an arm and leg for private English school.

If your kids are small, they will learn French slowly by immersion and it will be ok for them, but you won't be able to help much for their homework.

How about healthcare system in Quebec ? Is finding a family doctor easy ?

You will get the healthcare cards within 3 months, its difficult to navigate the system here as an immigrant. It's new to me, and additionally there seem to be some issues with the health care system in Quebec clubbed with the disadvantage of not speaking French, not the least of which is a shortage of doctors. My experience so far has been that it is easy to book appointments with doctors whose services are not covered by the public insurance, but it is otherwise much more difficult to get a doctor to agree to take you on as a regular patient. There is an acute shortage of doctors because many of them are moving away from Quebec in search of greener pastures. They get paid more elsewhere.

Your only option if you don't get a family doctor is to go to a CLSC clinic. You won't see the same doctor the next time though. Be prepared to wait for hours if your condition is not life threatening. If you have an emergency condition, any hospitals in Quebec will admit & treat you free of charge covered by the public system. I am still researching on ways to find a family doctor. Will post a new thread if I find any success.

your info...

 

[LoneEarthling]

Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
Prospects are very bleak for junior/entry level person unless you know fluent french.
Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?
There are other islands in and around Montreal (west island) but if you are looking from settlement purpose u need to know french to survive decently anywhere in Quebec ....

Regarding PR through CSQ its longest process among all the available other programs ,timing is essence of any immigration as it is impacted multiple factors internal politics,geo-political and many more which are beyond once control so it is advisable to go for quickest route possible which in this case is EE ..

How long does the Express Entry take? I had the impression that express entry takes the longest.
Isn't it around 3 years?

After getting the CSQ but before the PR, can I apply for jobs and/or education without respective permits?

 

[LoneEarthling]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Island

Hmm. Thanks.

 

[poisonapple]

How long does the Express Entry take? I had the impression that express entry takes the longest.
Isn't it around 3 years?
If "Express" will take 3 years then then they should have called it with something else best case it take 3-6 months...

After getting the CSQ but before the PR, can I apply for jobs and/or education without respective permits?

CSQ will help you with job only in Quebec that too when you are within canada ...

 

[cherti]

Hi Cherti,

Thank you for such a detailed post.


I am from Pakistan and one of the several reasons of wanting to leave is the blatant, unguided, blind, dangerous nationalism flourishing here. Being an educated individual of 21st century I get more inspired by limited countries like Canada. However, you Quebec review gives the picture of yet another messed up society where individual rights, well-being and convenience is less important than the strife between French & English.

Anyways, unfortunately that's the only option I have. By the way, has any of you tried New Zealand. Problem is every immigration demands work experience, I believe it would be beneficial to both sides if it is otherwise. Well that's a debate for another time. For now I have a few queries about Quebec Immigration in general, if you may please guide me.

That's quite depressing. In general how long did it take you to get CSQ and then get the PR afterwards?
Did you apply from within Canada?
Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?

Thanks.

What I understand is anyone with high skills and education is usually given the hardest & longest path for immigration in all the countries like US, NZ,AU & CA. Refugees, asylum seekers & illegals get a free ticket with all benefits from day one. If you can prove that you are being persecuted in your country because of your caste,creed or religion, you might get a fast track entry. I do not think Pakistan has any refugee situation, so your chances are slim in that route. Otherwise Express Entry is the way to go. If you do not satisfy the points, either improving it or provincial nomination is the path to take. Saskatchewan issue nominations every now & then. You can try that.

Getting a CSQ has a lot to do with luck. Because it is a quota based system. If you can apply for CSQ for the next intake period, you have passed the first step. Then for applicants residing other than Canada, its a long long wait for CSQ possibly more than 3 years and suppose if you get it after 3 years, you know the situation from my previous post. Overall I think CSQ is a lost cause. There are more chances applying for other provinces and getting selected than being in limbo for CSQ.

> In general how long did it take you to get CSQ and then get the PR afterwards?

I didnt get CSQ yet. I am a temporary worker in Quebec. I have applied for CSQ recently. CSQ applicants already working in Quebec gets priority. I am expecting it will take 6 - 8 months. Then for PR, it might take 1 year more.

> Did you apply from within Canada?
Yes. I reside in Quebec.

> Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
If there are any chances for white collar jobs, its only for IT. They are willing to take in IT professionals even though you cant speak a word of French. (supply & demand I guess)

> Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?

There are in West parts. But the problem is any customer facing jobs, Bilingualism is a must. One day or another, you will face a rude Quebecer who will behave rudely because you dont speak French. (especially the STM/CanadaPost employees)

On another note, why dont you get an H1B in the US and apply for GC in EB2 category. For folks from Pakistan, you will get greencard without any waiting period.

 

[LoneEarthling]

What I understand is anyone with high skills and education is usually given the hardest & longest path for immigration in all the countries like US, NZ,AU & CA. Refugees, asylum seekers & illegals get a free ticket with all benefits from day one. If you can prove that you are being persecuted in your country because of your caste,creed or religion, you might get a fast track entry. I do not think Pakistan has any refugee situation, so your chances are slim in that route. Otherwise Express Entry is the way to go. If you do not satisfy the points, either improving it or provincial nomination is the path to take. Saskatchewan issue nominations every now & then. You can try that.

Getting a CSQ has a lot to do with luck. Because it is a quota based system. If you can apply for CSQ for the next intake period, you have passed the first step. Then for applicants residing other than Canada, its a long long wait for CSQ possibly more than 3 years and suppose if you get it after 3 years, you know the situation from my previous post. Overall I think CSQ is a lost cause. There are more chances applying for other provinces and getting selected than being in limbo for CSQ.

> In general how long did it take you to get CSQ and then get the PR afterwards?

I didnt get CSQ yet. I am a temporary worker in Quebec. I have applied for CSQ recently. CSQ applicants already working in Quebec gets priority. I am expecting it will take 6 - 8 months. Then for PR, it might take 1 year more.

> Did you apply from within Canada?
Yes. I reside in Quebec.

> Are there any good prospects for Junior/Entry level Web Developers in Quebec?
If there are any chances for white collar jobs, its only for IT. They are willing to take in IT professionals even though you cant speak a word of French. (supply & demand I guess)

> Aside from Montreal is there any other town/city/village/district/area in Quebec where English is well spoken or somewhat understood and tolerated?

There are in West parts. But the problem is any customer facing jobs, Bilingualism is a must. One day or another, you will face a rude Quebecer who will behave rudely because you dont speak French. (especially the STM/CanadaPost employees)

On another note, why dont you get an H1B in the US and apply for GC in EB2 category. For folks from Pakistan, you will get greencard without any waiting period.

Correct. Educated individuals are persecuted the highest, for longest & in the rudest way possible.
I personally know of a murderer who fled to Canada after the crime just because he had enough money to pay the agents and then fulfill criteria of some immigration stream perhaps the one for farmers because he is a land owner.

Sometimes I even plan that I should convert my religion or do some other such thing that is taboo in Pakistan and by getting my life in danger I may be able to immigrate (or may be immigrate to afterlife, if they get me first) . But this sounds even more pathetic.

Anyways, I guess that's the way the World works these days. The law is blind, only follows bureaucratic algorithms. Human touch is banned.

1. So does web development fall under the IT umbrella? Because in some places IT includes networking, database administration etc. but not (front-end) programming or software engineering in general.

I am a graduate Mechatronics Engineer. But have no work experience in that field due to a lack of an innovative industrial sector in Pakistan.
Having an interest in Computers as well, I instead started working as a Freelance Web Developer. 4 months ago I even got a full-time job. Quebec probably won't give credit for the freelance work so I still need to work for 2 more months to get some work experience points.

I don't know anything about US immigration streams/policies. You know how these bureaucratic things are written online, in the most undecipherable format. It took me months to understand the Canadian system, and I still don't understand all the acronyms people use.
Besides from what I do understand US is already saturated, and relatively speaking Canada should be easier or possible if not quicker.

2. Do you still think I stand a chance with the US (because my qualification is slightly different than the field of work)? If so, then I will start digging out information on that.

I have however, been reading on New Zealand. So far I have found that relatively more convenient than Canada. For instance they at least accept other language tests besides IELTS. As an experienced individual you may have a better chance there.

Thanks.

 

[LoneEarthling]

CSQ will help you with job only in Quebec that too when you are within canada ...

If that really is the case then I guess it should be worth a shot.
Especially if I apply for CSQ as a visitor from within Quebec, I may get it in 6 months.

Thing is I don't mind learning French, I rather want to learn new languages. It's productive & healthy. It's just that I don't want to have to pay heavily for it. Getting the CSQ makes me eligible for free French tuition.