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Русский Quebec Skilled Worker Program is Open
The Quebec government has revealed important details under its popular skilled worker immigration program that is set to reopen on November 4, 2015. It plans to receive 6300 new applications during the 2015-2016 period. The Quebec 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.
Ability to communicate in the french language is often not required.
The period of reception for applications under the Quebec skilled worker program will operate under two systems.
November 4 – December 15, 2015:
Maximum 3500 applications will be accepted by Post.
(NOTE: The maximum number of applications by post was received as of November 10, 2015. This intake period is currently closed).
January 18 – March 31, 2016:
Maximum 2800 applications will be accepted via the internet.
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 can predict their chances for admission on the basis of their proven qualifications. Applicants, who reach a passing score under the Quebec system, receive a CSQ which enables them to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.
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), children and adaptability.
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. Recently, 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, it does not permit the Minister to actively pick and choose the applicants it wants. This provides applicants to Quebec with more predictability of outcome over the federal Express Entry system and other provincial immigration programs” says Attorney Singer.
Overall, Quebec plans to receive approximately 50,000 immigrants in 2016, under all classes, including nearly 30,000 skilled workers. This is consistent with the immigration levels in 2015.
If previous indicators are a valid measure, Quebec’s quota of 6300 under the skilled worker program 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.
Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
- Published in March
Canada Express Entry Immigration and Provincial Nominee Programs
Express Entry is an immigration system, which selects skilled workers to Canada under Economic programs. Applicants submit an online profile to the Express Entry Pool. Provincial governments across Canada select the best candidates, without a sponsor employer, who are thereafter invited by the Federal government to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Every province has implemented its own provincial immigration program PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs), each with its own criteria, in order to promote immigration policies suited to a province’s particular needs.
Provincial Nomination Programs are widely viewed as a fast-track option for many foreign nationals to gain Canadian permanent residency.
Under Express Entry the role of the provinces will become significant. In addition to the existing Provincial Nomination Programs available through Canadian provinces and territories, currently Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have launched express entry immigration programs that complement the Canada Express Entry Immigration system. A sponsor employer is often not required.
To be selected under a provincial express entry immigration program, prospective applicants must first meet the minimum criteria for one of the three federal programs available under the express entry system (the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trade Program and the Canadian Experience Class). They must also complete a federal express entry assessment profile.
From the federal express entry pool a participating province can select between 500 to 1,000 applicants for nomination to their province each year.
Express Entry applicants nominated by the province will receive an additional 600 points in their Express Entry assessment. This will increase the chances to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Applicants who are invited to apply could have their applications for Canadian permanent residency processed by CIC in six months or less.
- Published in February
Canada Express Entry Immigration and Provincial Nominee Programs
Express Entry is an immigration system, which selects skilled workers to Canada under Economic programs. Applicants submit an online profile to the Express Entry Pool. Provincial governments across Canada select the best candidates, without a sponsor employer, who are thereafter invited by the Federal government to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Every province has implemented its own provincial immigration program PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs), each with its own criteria, in order to promote immigration policies suited to a province’s particular needs.
Provincial Nomination Programs are widely viewed as a fast-track option for many foreign nationals to gain Canadian permanent residency.
Under Express Entry the role of the provinces will become significant. In addition to the existing Provincial Nomination Programs available through Canadian provinces and territories, currently Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have launched express entry immigration programs that complement the Canada Express Entry Immigration system. A sponsor employer is often not required.
To be selected under a provincial express entry immigration program, prospective applicants must first meet the minimum criteria for one of the three federal programs available under the express entry system (the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trade Program andthe Canadian Experience Class). They must also complete a federal express entry assessment profile.
From the federal express entry pool a participating province can select between 500 to 1,000 applicants for nomination to their province each year.
Express Entry applicants nominated by the province will receive an additional 600 points in their Express Entry assessment. This will increase the chances to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Applicants who are invited to apply could have their applications for Canadian permanent residency processed by CIC in six months or less.
- Published in January
Canada Express Entry Immigration and Provincial Nominee Programs
Express Entry is an immigration system, which selects skilled workers to Canada under Economic programs. Applicants submit an online profile to the Express Entry Pool. Provincial governments across Canada select the best candidates, without a sponsor employer, who are thereafter invited by the Federal government to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Every province has implemented its own provincial immigration program PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs), each with its own criteria, in order to promote immigration policies suited to a province’s particular needs.
Provincial Nomination Programs are widely viewed as a fast-track option for many foreign nationals to gain Canadian permanent residency.
Under Express Entry the role of the provinces will become significant. In addition to the existing Provincial Nomination Programs available through Canadian provinces and territories, currently Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have launched express entry immigration programs that complement the Canada Express Entry Immigration system. A sponsor employer is often not required.
To be selected under a provincial express entry immigration program, prospective applicants must first meet the minimum criteria for one of the three federal programs available under the express entry system (the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trade Program and the Canadian Experience Class). They must also complete a federal express entry assessment profile.
From the federal express entry pool a participating province can select between 500 to 1,000 applicants for nomination to their province each year.
Express Entry applicants nominated by the province will receive an additional 600 points in their Express Entry assessment. This will increase the chances to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Applicants who are invited to apply could have their applications for Canadian permanent residency processed by CIC in six months or less.
Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
- Published in December
Provincial Entrepreneur Programs
Mid-range net worth individuals with suitable entrepreneurial experience may be eligible to apply under the one of many Provincial Entrepreneur programs. Currently, entrepreneur programs are administered by individual provinces and follow a two-step process to permanent residence. Applicants are first selected or nominated by a province if they meet program requirements. Based on that selection or nomination, they may then apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for permanent residence.
There are a number of provinces which manage their own business immigration programs which require active participation in the management of a business based on a specified investment and job creation. The programs vary in the requirements to qualify but generally refer to a minimum net worth in the area of $350,000 with relevant management experience. Some of the programs require a good will deposit which is refundable once the business has been established. Under provincial nominee programs, applicants first apply to be nominated by a province, and on the basis of that nomination may obtain permanent residence following Federal health and criminality checks.
| British Columbia | Saskatchewan |
| Manitoba | Ontario |
| New Brunswick | Prince Edward Island |
| Nova Scotia | Northwest Territories |
| Yukon |
British Columbia
British Columbia operates three business streams:
- Entrepreneur Immigration
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects
Entrepreneur Immigration
Requirements
- Establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business in B.C.
- Investment of minimum $200,000 in the new or existing business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Net worth of minimum $600,000.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada.
- Have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently reside.
- Pay a $300 registration fee, $3,500 application fee and $1,000 fee for each key staff application.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot aims to attract entrepreneur to rural parts of the province.
Community Requirements
- Population of less than 75,000.
- Located beyond 30km from a municipality of more than 75,000 population.
- Demonstrated capacity to support foreign entrepreneurs with network of settlement and business support agencies.
- Immigration and pilot-specific training must be completed by community representatives.
Candidate Requirements
- Desire to start a business and settle in a B.C. regional community.
- Complete an exploratory visit.
- Minimum of $100,000 in eligible business investments.
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000.
- Minimum of 51 per cent ownership.
- Minimum of one new job created.
B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects
The B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration – Strategic Projects stream assists foreign-controlled companies establishing an eligible business in B.C. with the timely entry of foreign key managerial, professional or technical staff who intend to become permanent residents of Canada and settle in B.C.
Company Requirements
- Make a minimum equity investment of $500,000 to establish or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.
- Create at least three new jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign key staff member proposed (to a maximum of five key staff).
- Establish or purchase and expand a company in B.C.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur stream is a three-stage process:
- Expression of interest
- Invitation to submit application
- Nomination
The expression of interest must meet the following minimum entry requirements:
- Minimum net worth of $500,000 legally acquired.
- Minimum of three years of entrepreneurial or relevant management experience.
- Investment of at least $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 is any other Saskatchewan area.
Candidates enter a pool where they receive a score. The top scoring candidates are invited to submit an application.
Applications must include:
- Business Establishment Plan confirming figures in expression of interest, and including at least one third ownership of a company in Saskatchewan, unless investment is $1 million or higher.
- Commitment to be active in day-to-day management of business.
- Creation of two or more jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is located in Regina or Saskatoon. Read more >>
Manitoba
Business Investor Stream
The Manitoba Business Investor Stream is aimed at qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit, and must have the intent and ability to start or purchase a business in Manitoba within two years of arrival. The stream abolishes a previous requirement for a $100,000 deposit with the Manitoba government. There are pathways for entrepreneurs and for farm investors.
a) Entrepreneur Pathway
For applicants wanting to open a business in Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement. Priority is given to candidates starting businesses outside Winnipeg.
b) Farm Investor Pathway
For applicants wanting to open and operate a farm in rural Manitoba. Candidates are initially issued with a temporary work permit. They are nominated for permanent residence after establishing a business meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream targets candidates with business ownership or senior management experience. They must live in Nova Scotia, either start a new business or buy an existing business, and actively participate in the day-to-day management of that business.
Under the Entrepreneur stream, candidates are first issued a temporary work permit before applying for permanent residence after operating the business for a year. The stream uses an Expression of Interest format, where candidates in a pool are invited to apply.
Entrepreneur Stream: Candidate Requirements
- Be aged 21 or older.
- Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia while owning and actively managing a Nova Scotia business.
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Minimum investment of $150,000 to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
- Minimum 3 years of experience actively managing and owning a business (33 per cent ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years of experience in a senior business management role.
- Score minimum of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
Ontario
The government of Ontario has authority to nominate certain applicants for Canadian permanent residence under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Individuals with a nomination certificate issued by the province may apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Ontario Business Immigration program has two immigration programs directed to applicants with a successful business background. The programs are (click to read more):
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program operates an Entrepreneurial Stream and Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream aimed at professionals and graduates from New Brunswick institutions.
Entrepreneurial Stream Requirements
- Have an eligible connection to New Brunswick.
- Be aged between 22 and 55.
- Minimum two years post-secondary education degree or diploma.
- Score at least level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark exam for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
- Have completed at least two years full time post-secondary education.
- Legally-acquired personal net worth of at least $600,000, of which $300,000 must be available in available in unencumbered liquidity.
- Invest at least $250,000 in a New Brunswick business, taking ownership of at least 33 per cent.
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the New Brunswick provincial government and pay a deposit of $100,000.
- Business must create significant economic benefit to New Brunswick.
- Show business experience – either three years of ownership or five years of senior management experience in the last five years.
- Submit a business concept of 1,000 to 1,500 words.
- Conduct an exploratory visit to New Brunswick, or participate in an information session offered by the New Brunswick provincial government.
- Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.
Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream Requirements
- Be aged between 22 and 40.
- Score at least level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French.
- Have completed at least two years full time post-secondary education at a recognized New Brunswick university or community college.
- Have lived in New Brunswick for the duration of the course (distance-learning courses do not qualify).
- Have 100 per cent owned and operated a business for one full year.
- Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Intend to live permanently in New Brunswick.
Prince Edward Island
The Prince Edward Island Impact Category issues permanent residence to entrepreneurs who have established a business in the province.
The Work Permit Stream operates on a two-stage basis:
- Candidates come to Canada on a temporary work permit and establish their business.
- Candidates are nominated for permanent residence once their business is established and the terms of an agreement met.
Previously, the province operated direct permanent residence business streams, but these were closed in September 2018 over immigration fraud concerns.
North West Territories
The North West Territories Business Stream is aimed at entrepreneurs with business expertise and investment capital, who wish to purchase or start a business in the region.
Northwest Territories Business Stream: Requirements
- Invest:
- A minimum of $300,000 equity into starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT, or
- A minimum of $150,000 equity into starting or buying a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT.
- Have a personal net worth of:
- At least $500,000 if starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT, or
- At least $250,000 if starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT.
Yukon
Yukon Business Nominee Program allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their business in Yukon.
Candidates initially come to Yukon on a two-year work permit, before being nominated for permanent residence if they successfully establish their business.
Yukon Business Nominee Program: Requirements
- Legally-acquired net worth of at least $500,000, documented and verified by a Yukon accounting firm.
- Legally-acquired minimum of $300,000 in liquid assets, documented and verified by a Yukon accounting firm.
- Invest at least $300,000 in capital investments for the business in the first 2 years.
- This does not include any capital investments made before acceptance into the Yukon Business Nominee Program.
- Capital investments include purchases such as property or equipment. It does not include purchases such as a house, vehicles that are only partially for the business and operational or maintenance expenses.
Interested readers are invited to complete our Free Assessment to determine whether they qualify for immigration to Canada as an Investor or Entrepreneur.
- Published in Business Immigration
