Going from CSQ to permanent residence is the second half of immigrating to Quebec, and the one people prepare for least. The Québec Selection Certificate means Quebec has chosen you. It does not yet make you a permanent resident: that decision belongs to the federal government.
Here is what the federal stage asks for.
What comes after the CSQ?
A separate application for permanent residence to IRCC, under the Quebec-selected skilled workers program.
Quebec selects; Canada admits. With your CSQ in hand, you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which checks admissibility (health, security and criminality) and makes the final decision.
The application is made online only, through IRCC’s permanent residence portal: you create an account, complete the forms, upload your documents, sign electronically and pay the fees before you submit.
How much does it cost?
$1,590 for the principal applicant, since April 30, 2026.
| Who | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $990 processing + $600 right of permanent residence = $1,590 |
| Spouse or partner | $990 + $600 = $1,590 |
| Dependent child | $270 |
| Biometrics | $85 per person, or $170 maximum per family |
The right of permanent residence fee can be paid when you apply or when the application is approved. Paying it from the start avoids a delay at the end.
What documents will you need?

Your CSQ, a valid passport, police certificates and, later, a medical exam.
- Police certificates: from every country other than Canada where you lived 6 months or more in a row since the age of 18.
- Medical exam: you do not need it before you submit. IRCC sends instructions once your application is in, and the exam must be done by a physician on IRCC’s panel list. Results are valid for 12 months.
- Biometrics: when IRCC asks for them.
Does the CSQ expire?
IRCC is clear on one point: once you have applied, your CSQ stays valid until a decision is made, even if its date passes.
Quebec also no longer renews CSQs. So the safe course is simple: submit your federal application without waiting, with your CSQ still current.
How long does it take?
IRCC publishes the current estimate in its processing times tool, under “Skilled workers (Quebec)”.
We are not going to quote a figure here: it changes, and only IRCC’s tool gives the current one. Check it the week you submit, and plan the move around that number, not one you read elsewhere.
What to do next

- Submit the federal application soon after you receive your CSQ.
- Request police certificates early. They are the documents that take longest to arrive.
- Budget the fees for the whole family, including the right of permanent residence fee.
- Wait for IRCC’s instructions before booking the medical exam.
Where we come in
Castle & Co. follows the process from Arrima to arrival, which is the part that decides whether the CSQ turns into permanent residence without delays:
- Preparing the federal application and the documents for the whole family
- Planning police certificates country by country
- Following up with IRCC until the decision
If you already have your CSQ, or expect it soon, start your process now and we will prepare the next stage with you.





