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Today, we will be discussing a new bill announced by Quebec’s immigration department on October 9th.
Before diving into the details of the new bill, let’s first take a look at Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ).
Introduction to Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ)
PRTQ stands for Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés, or in English, the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
If a candidate meets the minimum score required on the grid set by Quebec Immigration, they can receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and apply for Canadian permanent residency. Particularly, candidates with a job offer from outside the Greater Montreal area are more likely to be selected.
To immigrate through this program, applicants must first register their Arrima profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Quebec evaluates candidates based on several factors, including:
☑️ Age
☑️ Education
☑️ Language proficiency
☑️ Work experience
☑️ Family composition
☑️ Job offer
Candidates can earn significantly higher points for French proficiency compared to English in the Regular Skilled Worker Program’s scoring system.
Quebec will issue invitations to the highest-ranking candidates in the pool. Once selected, Quebec provides the candidate with a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which allows them to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the federal government. After receiving the CSQ, candidates can proceed to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
Quebec’s New Nationality-Based Quota Bill
On October 9th, a new bill was announced that ensures, during each draw for Quebec’s skilled worker program, no single country’s citizens can comprise more than 25% of the selected candidates for CSQ invitations.
This bill can remain in effect for up to two years, with the current duration set from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025. The goal of this law is to maintain diversity among immigrants.
The Importance of Implementing Nationality-Based Quotas in Quebec
This new law is expected to influence Canadian immigration policies on a broader scale. In the past, other provinces have followed Quebec’s lead in implementing changes to immigration or visa policies.
For instance, Quebec was the first to implement the suspension of low-wage LMIA applications in Montreal in August, which has significantly disrupted many immigration plans.
Quebec also recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, prioritizing university graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) over college graduates. This has impacted many international students, as Quebec has a higher proportion of university students.
Similarly, Alberta’s AAIP appears to be following Quebec’s lead by awarding additional points for job offers outside major cities and holding more frequent draws for those in rural areas.
So far, Quebec has played a pioneering role in introducing new immigration policies.
We anticipate that this new nationality-based quota system will also have an impact on the overall direction of Canadian immigration in the future.
That was a brief overview of Quebec’s nationality-based quota system for the skilled worker immigration program.
As immigration policies continue to change, prepare for Canadian immigration with the help of a Canadian immigration expert.
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