February 26, 2016 – The Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness (MIDI) announced the re-opening of its online skilled worker program (“Mon projet Quebec”) on June 13, 2016.  On that date it will begin to accept 5000 applications towards an overall quota of 10,000 under its QSWP.

The online system has faced repeated delays since January of this year.  More than 42,000 applicants have been waiting since February 26, 2016 when the program was to open, to submit their applications through the beleaguered online portal.

The Quebec Minister Kathleen Weil facing increased pressure, elected to suspend the program and upgrade the online portal, instead of allowing paper submissions.

New application dates:

• Starting February 29, 2016: Mon projet Quebec online portal to undergo technical maintenance.
• June 13th – 20th 2016: First Reception Period – Applicants who have created an online user account will be able to submit their application for a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ) and pay the required fees. A maximum of 5000 applications will be received during this period on a first come first served basis.
• June 20th – March 31, 2017: Second Reception Period to be confirmed by MIDI. Applicants who have created an online user account will be able to submit their application for a CSQ and pay the required fees. A maximum of 5000 applications will be received on a first come first served basis, during this second period.

Applicants applying under the QSWP may not submit an application outside the above periods.   Applicants who qualify under the Quebec Experience Program or with a validated job offer may submit an application anytime and are not confined to the above periods.  Additionally, applicants with a valid study or work permit are not confined to the above periods.

The Quebec Skilled Worker program 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 inclusiveness (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 where skilled worker applicants are processed on a first come first served basis and 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.  Last year, the City of Montreal was rated by the Economist magazine, second to Toronto, as the best place in the world to live.

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

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