On January 18, 2016, the Quebec government will begin accepting 2800 online applications under its skilled worker program. The QSWP features more than 75 eligible occupations and areas of training that will enable applicants to qualify for a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ), without a job offer.

The Areas of Training list features a wide range of studies awarding points to applicants and a spouse or de facto spouse for diplomas acquired outside Quebec or obtained in Quebec or recognized as Quebec equivalent.

The Quebec Skilled Worker program aims to select candidates with the highest probability of successful economic settlement potential. Foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in Quebec must undergo a two-step immigration process.

1. They must be selected by the Ministère of immigration, diversity and inclusion (MIDI), Quebec’s immigration authority. Selected applicants will receive a Quebec Certificat de Sélection (CSQ).
2. An approved CSQ holder must file an application with Canadian federal immigration authorities. The federal government’s role in evaluating a Quebec application for permanent residence is mainly limited to issues of health and criminality.

Unlike the federal Express Entry immigration system or programs offered by other provinces under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Quebec remains the only program in Canada which operates under a “first come, first serve” basis,  where skilled worker applicants can predict their chances for admission on the basis of their proven qualifications. 

A Quebec skilled worker is foreign national who intends to settle in Quebec to hold employment the foreign national is likely able to hold. This determination is made using a point system which evaluates the candidate’s area of training, education, experience, age, language, qualifications of a partner or spouse, offer of employment (which is not required), and children.

Applicants in a wide range of areas including Management and Financial Services, Engineering and Information Technology and Health Care, have the best chances to succeed under the Quebec Skilled Worker program.

The Quebec application selection process follows a multi-stage assessment process each with minimum cut-off scores.  Applicants with a passing score are issued a Quebec Certificate of Selection and may apply to the federal authorities for entry to Canada. Once admitted a permanent resident enjoys all the rights and freedoms of labour mobility throughout Canada provided under the Canadian Charter.

Quebec has received worldwide attention as a popular immigration destination.  This year, the City of Montreal was rated by the Economist magazine, second to Toronto, as the best place in the world to live.

“Montreal is a vibrant metropolis and continues to offer outstanding economic opportunities and quality of life”, says Attorney Colin Singer, Managing Partner of www.immigration.ca and Global Recruiters of Montreal (www.grnmontreal.com).

“For those who are interested in relocating to Canada, the Quebec program offers distinct advantages.  First, it manages the largest immigration program among all the provinces in Canada.  Second, provides applicants to Quebec with more predictability of outcome over the federal Express Entry system and other provincial immigration programs” says Attorney Singer.

If previous indicators are a valid measure, Quebec’s quota of 2800 will likely fill quickly. However applicants with a valid job offer, previous work experience in Quebec or having completed a valid period of study in Quebec may also qualify under the Quebec Experience Class and would not be subject to the skilled worker program quota.

Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.

Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Quebec by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.