Quebec PNP / Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Often people confuse Skilled workers program with the Quebec Skilled Workers program (QSWP). But, they both are entirely different and the Quebec region is the only one that has its own Provincial Nomination system. Through this post, we will analyse the Quebec region immigration streams and proceedings.

Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Understanding the Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) as the core stream for Quebec region immigration.

Are you planning to relocate to Quebec, Canada? Are you good in the French language? Do you have Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in your mind? Then, Quebec is a highly popular province of Canada which has its eligibility criteria and doesn’t follow the Canada express entry model for immigration. In fact, it is the only province of Canada that has its own parameters for everything. This province has a growing economy with a low birth-rate and aging population; hence the labor shortage in the region is no surprise. Further, it is rich in resources, has a high standard of living, cultural diversity and excellent job opportunities available. Therefore, if you are good in the French language, then Quebec is a perfect decision for immigration.

Under the Quebec Immigration Plan for 2023, the province aims to invite as many as 52,500 new permanent residents. These PR holders will be selected mostly through Quebec’s economic immigration programs like Quebec Skilled Worker Program and Quebec Experience Program. Quebec also aims to invite around 4,300 business immigrants, entrepreneurs and investors.

The pathways for immigration to the Quebec region in 2023 are divided into three subcategories broadly

• Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
• Quebec Experience program
• Quebec Business Program

Out of the streams, as mentioned above, the most popular one is the Quebec Skilled workers program which allows the skilled workers to immigrate to the region. Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast track program for two kinds of people- International students and temporary foreign workers from the Quebec region. It is a model through which the province ensures that the talent stays in their region. Quebec Business Program belongs to people who would like to invest or open their own business in the Quebec region. It is a program suitable for the self-employed or the entrepreneur category. It has its minimum funds requirement as well.

In the following section let us look at the Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) in detail.

What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

It is a pathway through which skilled workers can immigrate to the Quebec region. There are nine selection factors under this stream and the points are awarded for selection. To qualify the selection points will include-

• Single applicant – 50 Points
• With Spouse / Common-law Partner – 59 Points

Introduction of the Arima Portal for Quebec Immigration PNP

Expression of Interest (EOI) or the Arrima Portal is the model used for the Quebec Skilled workers program in which all the candidates are required to submit their profile in the pool and provide relevant information like age, language competency score, work experience, education, etc. based on these scores the candidates are ranked and then selected as per the required benchmark score decided by the province. Earlier the Expression of Interest (EOI) of the region was on the “first-come-first-serve basis” which has now been changed and scores is an accepted norm for selection now. The Expression of Interest (EOI) profile of a candidate remains valid for a year, and the candidate can change the details multiple time till the validity of the account.

The Arima Portal was launched in September 2018 after the coming of Quebec immigration Act and regulations on 2nd August 2018. This process has been useful in reducing the processing time for the province since its introduction and has helped many aspiring candidates.

What are the Quebec PNP Eligibility Norms?

When you are applying to any region, then it is imperative that you meet the requirements. There are certain requirements for Quebec skilled worker eligibility. It is only those candidates who fulfil all the Quebec skilled worker eligibility they can be shortlisted for relocation:

• The applicant should be at least 18 years of age
• Communication and language skills in English or French language. Knowledge of French language is given high importance in the Quebec region. There is an added advantage for the applicant who is well versed in both languages – English and French.
• The minimum work experience of one year in a full-time, permanent Job in which you are applying in the Quebec PNP. The occupation should be from the occupation in demand list from the National Occupation Classification (NOC) list.
• An offer letter from an employer in Quebec can increase your chances
• An adequate amount of settlement funds for the applicant and also for the family members
• The minimum educational requirement that matches your occupation
• Meeting the minimum point score requirement. For a single applicant the minimum score requirement is 50 points, but for a married applicant the minimum score requirement is 59 points on its assessment grid.

To understand the eligibility criteria for Quebec immigration, one should comprehend the Quebec immigration skilled worker points calculator as it determines the points calculation

Factors	Maximum Points
Education	14
Area of Training	12
Employment Offer	14
Work Experience	8
Age	16
Language Proficiency	22
Family in Quebec	8
Spouse or Common Law Partner	17

Process to Apply for Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

If one is not aware of the process of applying and documentation, then it is advisable to take the help of a professional. The method of applying under the Quebec Skilled Workers Program:

1. Fill in the complete details and create a profile under Expression of Interest (EOI) through Quebec PNP Program and enter the pool
2. Apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de selection du Quebec or CSQ)
3. Apply to the Quebec ministry after selection
4. Submit your PR application to the IRCC (Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada) with the CSQ

What are the Fee Requirements and Quebec PNP Processing Time Limit?

There are a lot of factors on which the processing time for the Quebec PNP Program depends like credentials of the applicant, program through which one has applied; documentation should be proper, etc. If everything goes as well, then the Quebec Skilled Worker Program processing time can be as swift as 13 months. But, this timeline is subject to change, and the process can be faster or slower depending on the situation.

Also, the candidate should be financially capable to undertake the process of immigration in Quebec region. The average cost of processing the application for Quebec Skilled Workers Program entails:

• Primary applicant - $844 CAD
• Secondary Applicant - extra $181 CAD
• Child (Under 18) - $181 CAD

New fee rules of Quebec 2023

• Skilled Workers Principal applicant fee increased from $822 to $844 for the secondary applicant it has increased to $181 from $176,
• Validating a permanent job offer or evaluation of its effect on the Quebec labor market  saw a rise from $202 to $205,
• In the case of business immigration applicants, which includes Quebec investors, Quebec entrepreneurs, and Quebec self-employed workers, there has been an increase from $15,763 to $15,962 and $1,099 to $1,113 in the last two streams,
• Temporary workers and foreign student applications fee increased from $202 to $205,
• Comparative assessments for studies outside Quebec also rose from $121 to $123,
• The above fees are with respect to the cost of processing for immigration to Quebec. When an immigration application completes, other fees are also to be paid by the applicant, such as supporting documents and language tests, Medical test, etc.

What are the other changes expected?

Quebec province has also announced changes in submitting application documents for foreign nationals under two categories - the International Student Program (ISP) and the Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise or PEQ). From January 26, 2021, the application submissions in these programs will become electronic. And Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration will not accept paper applications after that date.

Under the ISP, all applications will have to be submitted through the Online application for temporary selection for studies. In PEQ, the online service will be available on the Arrima portal around mid-January. Fee payment and document submission will all be on Arrima.

Quebec province has also announced that electronic transmission of documents is going to be mandatory  for three new permanent immigration pilot projects in 2021, namely:

• the  program for orderlies,
• the program for artificial intelligence (AI), information technologies (IT), and visual effects sectors,
• the program for workers in food processing (FP).

Is Job Offer Mandatory for Quebec PNP?

The Quebec Skilled Worker immigration does not require any valid job offer from a Canadian or Quebec employer for relocation. However, there is a provision for additional points being awarded if the applicant has a job offer. Also, there are special points awarded to those candidates who are with families especially people with young children.

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