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.