Quebec Lowers Pass Mark For Skilled Workers

The Quebec government has lowered the pass mark for its popular skilled worker program.  Under the program which is set to open on or before October 1st 2015, Quebec plans to receive 6300 new applications during the 2015-2016 fiscal session. The Quebec program features more than 75 eligible occupations and areas of training that will enable applicants to qualify for a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ), without a job offer.  Many applicants can qualify with minimal knowledge of French.

Unlike the federal Express Entry immigration system or programs offered by other provinces under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Quebec remains the only program in Canada where skilled worker applicants can predict their chances for admission on the basis of their proven qualifications.  Applicants, who reach a passing score under the Quebec system, receive a CSQ which enables them to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.

A Quebec skilled worker is foreign national who intends to settle in Quebec and secure employment the foreign national is likely able to hold. This determination is made using a point system which evaluates the candidate’s area of training, education, experience, age, language, qualifications of a partner or spouse, offer of employment, and children.

Applicants in a wide range of areas including Management and Financial Services, Engineering and Information Technology and Health Care, have the best chances to succeed under the Quebec Skilled Worker program.

The Quebec application selection process follows a two-step assessment process each with minimum cut-off scores.  Applicants with a passing score are issued a Quebec Certificate of Selection and may apply to the federal authorities for entry to Canada. Once admitted to Canada a permanent resident enjoys all the rights and freedoms of labour mobility throughout Canada provided under the Canadian Charter.

Quebec has received worldwide attention as a popular immigration destination.  Earlier this year the City of Montreal was rated by the Economist magazine, second to Toronto, as the best place in the world to live.

“Montreal is a vibrant metropolis and continues to offer outstanding economic opportunities and quality of life”, says Attorney Colin Singer, Managing Partner of www.immigration.ca and Global Recruiters of Montreal.

“For those who are interested in relocating to Canada, the Quebec program offers distinct advantages.  First, at 20% of Canada’s annual levels, it manages the largest immigration program among all the provinces in Canada.  Second, the Quebec system provides applicants to Quebec with more predictability of outcome over the federal Express Entry system and other provincial immigration programs”says Attorney Singer.

If previous indicators are a valid measure, Quebec’s quota of 6300 under the skilled worker program will likely fill quickly. However applicants with a valid job offer, previous work experience in Quebec or having completed a valid period of study in Quebec may also qualify under the Quebec Experience Class and would not be subject to the skilled worker program quota.

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