Changes to Quebec Skilled Worker and Quebec Experience Programs

The Government of Quebec has announced changes to many of its immigration programs, including the Quebec Skilled Worker and Quebec Experience programs. Both programs will be moving to an Expression of Interest system (similar to the Federal Express Entry System), and candidates with the highest points scores will be invited to apply on a periodic basis. The economic programs will no longer be processed on a “first in, first out” basis.

To qualify, candidates will need to meet a minimum point score. Similar to the previous evaluation system for the Quebec Skilled Worker, candidates will be scored on their education, area of studies, age, language abilities in French and English, family members in Quebec, work or education in Quebec, their spouse’s qualifications, and if the candidate has a validated job offer in Quebec.

In addition, the Government of Quebec will be able to select candidates based on their area of training (to help fill labour needs in the province) and a candidate’s ability to successfully establish themselves in Quebec. Therefore, even if a candidate does not have the highest point scores, they may still receive an invitation to apply.

The new rules will come into effect on August 2, 2018.