Immigration to Canada: Last round for Quebec starts

The last round of this year’s application cycle for the popular immigration stream the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) to the Canadian province of Quebec will open on Monday, 18 January.

With an expected ‘application rush’ those interested are recommended to keep their files ready and apply as soon as they can.

The QSWP is a programme similar to its federal equivalent but considered to be more lenient in terms of criteria, especially with the recent changes to the programme.

The stream enables the regular immigrant to move to Canada to live and work there, provided the person settles in the province of Quebec.

The intake round could run until March 31, 2016 at the latest, however, the intake cap is expected to be reached before this date. A maximum of 2800 applications will be accepted.

What is new?

Applications for this intake round will only be accepted through the new online system dubbed the Mon projet Québec online application management system. During the previous intake round, which was closed in November, the province accepted the last applications through post.

However, that is not all. In the first week of this year some changes were made to the programme, widening the window of opportunities for applicants.

Previously, recent work experience in the field of education had to be demonstrated of this education was completed more than 5 years ago. This is no longer the case; applicants will receive points for their diplomas regardless of when they were earned.

In August last year Quebec made another welcoming announcement stating that the adaptability interview, judging one’s capability to settle in the province, was scrapped from the requirements and would no longer determine the number of points for applicants.

Although the intake cap has been reduced, applicants have more chances to be accepted this year.
How it works

The programme uses a point-based system, where a minimum threshold applies in order to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

A single applicant must score at least 49 points, while an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 57 points.

Considerable emphasis is placed on language. An applicant can receive a maximum of 22 points for language. Up to 16 points can be awarded for French proficiency, and up to 6 for English.

However, French language proficiency is not a requirement.

Area of training can be allocated 6-16 points. Specifying which occupations are in demand, the Canadian province requires candidates to have qualifications in one of the training fields on the list.

Individuals who have degrees in areas such as computer science, computer engineering, accounting, translation, and banking and financial operations are in demand.

The programme operates on a first come, first serve basis.

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