Do I apply to Quebec or to the federal government first for business immigration?

Quebec business immigration is a two-stage process. Quebec selects its own business immigrants, so the first step is to apply to the Quebec government and obtain a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ).

Only after you hold a CSQ do you submit a separate application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. IRCC then assesses admissibility under federal rules. Both stages must be completed, and the CSQ is effectively your gateway to the federal application.