the CanadaVisa Team - 22 March, 2012
The Quebec Government announced yesterday a comprehensive plan to reduce processing times for permanent residency applicants to Quebec.
This plan was broadcast on March 21, 2012, and takes effect retroactively to March 20, 2012.
It divides applicants into three groups, two of which are eligible to submit applications. Applicants in Group 1 are diploma holders in an area of training (field of study) highly sought by Quebec. These areas of training may be viewed here. Group 1 also encompasses temporary foreign workers and other candidates whose skills meet expressed labour market needs. There is no restriction to the number of individuals who may apply under this group.
Group 2 encompasses applicants who will fill other desired areas of training. These areas of training may be viewed here. It also includes foreign graduates of a Quebec university. It also includes foreign graduates of a Quebec university. Applications accepted under group 2 are limited to 14,300 up until March 31, 2012.
Group 3 encompasses everyone who does not come within groups one or two.
Fees for skilled worker applications have risen to $750 for the principal applicant.
Changes have also been made to the business class of immigration. A maximum of 2,700 applications will be received in the upcoming year, as well as 215 entrepreneur and self-employed files.
The overall volume of admission to Quebec, approximately 50,000 a year, is projected to remain the same for at least the next three years.
