Province seeks ‘objective, consistent and effective’ selection procedure.

The government of Quebec has today made a significant announcement regarding the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), its flagship program for immigration to Canada.

In a press release posted on its official website, the government stated that ‘Quebec will select skilled workers in a more objective, consistent and effective manner’ through the points-based program. Towards this end, the government has removed the allocation of points (6) that were previously available under the ‘adaptability’ factor at the interview stage, which was deemed to have been overly subjective in nature.

The changes announced today come into immediate effect and will apply to most applicants who have already submitted an application, as well as those who may do so in the future. Individuals whose files are currently under administrative review, as well as those who have been allocated a period of time to improve their French proficiency, remain subject to the regulations that were in effect at the time the application was made.

The news is likely to be welcomed by many existing and future applicants, as the government of Quebec has effectively removed one of the three thresholds that need to be met in order for an application to be brought to conclusion and aCertificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ, or Quebec Selection Certificate) to be issued. The remaining thresholds in the points system account for:

• an applicant’s area of training, work experience, age, language proficiency, prior relationship with Quebec (through visits or family), the human capital factors of the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), and whether or not the applicant has a validated job offer in Quebec ; and
• an applicant’s accompanying children (if applicable), and proof of financial self-sufficiency.

Previously, candidates who were awarded a large number of points for these factors may not have been called for interview as they had already accrued the necessary number of points in order for their application to proceed. For those who needed up to six additional points in order for their application to proceed, however, the interview stage was a requirement. In this interview, an applicant’s documentation, language proficiency, and settlement plan for Quebec may have been inspected.

In today’s press release, the government of Quebec noted that it retains the right to conduct interviews for the QSWP, though no points may be awarded on the basis of the interview. In its program guide, the government stated that future interviews may re-evaluate an applicant’s language proficiency and the authenticity of his or her documentation, and added that interviews would also be for quality control purposes.

It is not yet known exactly when the next application cycle for the QSWP may begin, but today’s breaking news is the latest in a series of announcements made by the government of Quebec over recent months.

• In October, 2014 the government stated its objective to maintain a modern and efficient immigration system to attract newcomers who contribute to Quebec’s economic, social and cultural life.
• In January, 2015 Quebec announced a public consultation on immigration and diversity and launched an extensive policy review.
• Around the same time, Quebec released its new Areas of Training list.
• In March, 2015 it was announced that the next application cycle for the QSWP would have 6,300 spaces.
• In May, 2015 the government of Quebec announced that by October 1, 2015 a new online tool will be available for applicants for Canadian immigration through the QSWP, allowing applicants to complete and submit an application online.

As it stands, and until official news to the contrary is announced, the QSWP remains a first-come, first-served economic immigration program. In contrast, the Express Entry selection system for the federal economic immigration programs selects potential applicants on a priority basis from a pool of candidates who have made an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada. As a result, the QSWP may be an enticing immigration option for individuals who wish to make an application to immigrate to Canada without having to be invited to apply from a pool of candidates. Potential applicants to the QSWP should note that they will be required to demonstrate their intention to reside within the province of Quebec.

Moreover, applicants should note that French proficiency is heavily weighted under the points system. It is not the case, however, that French proficiency is a requirement for the program. Applicants who do not have knowledge of French but who have strong characteristics in other areas may still be eligible to apply.

Immigration to Quebec through the QSWP is a two-step process. Eligible candidates who successfully submit a complete and accurate application are issued a Quebec Selection Certificate, at which point they may apply for a Canadian permanent resident visa.

Though the cap for the most recent application cycle has been reached, a candidate may be exempt from the program cap if he or she:

• is eligible for an submit an application under the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ, Quebec Experience Program); or
• has enclosed a valid employment offer with the application for a selection certificate that was submitted under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program; or
• has been informed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that it has agreed to process his or her application for permanent residence in Canada; or
• is a temporary resident and eligible to submit an application for a CSQ.