Quebec Immigration Minister Yolande James has announced a new program that will facilitate the process of immigration to Quebec for international students and foreign workers.

In her announcement, Minister James cited the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers and international students through immigration for Quebec's economic growth.

Though specific details have yet to be released, the following information is known:

The program will actively select candidates who can best respond to Quebec's labour market needs, as divided into three categories.

International Students: In order to retain international graduates in the province, the Minister intends to issueCertificats de sélection du Québec (CSQ) to international students who earn either a high school diploma in vocational training, a college or technical training diploma, or a university degree from an educational institution recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport. Minister James highlighted the fact that these students have already settled into Quebec society and have Quebec educational certifications that Quebec employers are familiar with. She also expects that the program will increase the number of international students who choose to study in Quebec.

Specialized temporary workers: Temporary workers who are currently working in Quebec in certain specialized sectors, such as information technology and scientific research, will also be given CSQ's for immigration to Canada.

Immigration applicants with work experience in high-demand occupations: Quebec immigration applicants who have work experience in occupations that are considered in high-demand by the province of Quebec will have their immigration applications fast-tracked. Quebec's labour market is in need of applicants at all skills levels, from welders to laboratory technicians, to nurses, and aeronautical engineers. Applicants with work experience in Quebec's in-demand occupations have the best employment prospects and will therefore receive priority processing.

Full details will be announced by Quebec Immigration on June 23, 2009 and will be reported on Canadavisa and in the June edition of the Canada ImmigrationNewsletter at http://www.cicnews.com/. You can subscribe to the newsletter to get the announcement.