Quebec Reopens Registration for Skilled Worker Immigration Program

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Individuals who are interested in immigrating to the Canadian province of Quebec, but who have not yet created an account in the secure online space Mon projet Québec, may now create one with a view to the next application intake period for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), the dates for which are due to be announced shortly.

This popular Canadian immigration option will accept up to 5,000 applications, but candidates must first register a Mon projet Québec account. This online immigration application management system is used in order to process applications under the QSWP.

About the QSWP

Through the QSWP, successful applicants and their families may obtain Canadian permanent resident status after receiving a Quebec Selection Certificate/certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ) from the government of Quebec.

Over recent years, the QSWP has allowed tens of thousands of people from around the world to immigrate to one of Canada’s most diverse provinces, home to the city of Montreal. This program allows candidates to make an application on a first-come, first-served basis, though the government of Quebec has introduced plans to change this to an ‘Expression of Interest’ system in the future. For this reason, individuals who are either ineligible for a federal economic immigration program or who are eligible, but have not yet been invited to apply for permanent residence, may look towards Quebec as their potential new home.

QSWP eligibility factors

The QSWP uses a points-based system, where points are awarded for an applicant’s area of training, work experience, age, language proficiency, prior relationship with Quebec, the human capital factors of the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), and whether or not the applicant has a validated job offer in Quebec (note: obtaining a job offer is not required for the QSWP, though points are available for such an offer).

If an individual satisfies the minimum requirement for these factors, he or she may then gain additional points for any accompanying dependent children and proof of financial self-sufficiency.

Potential applicants should also note that they may be awarded points for French proficiency, though it is not an eligibility requirement for the program. Applicants who do not speak French, but who have strong credentials in other areas, may still be eligible to make an application.

The government of Quebec has made a number of changes to the QSWP over the past year, including the release of a new area of training list and the removal of the ‘adaptability’ factor/interview from the points-based program, which had the effect of lowering the pass mark required to obtain a CSQ.

What is Mon projet Québec?

Earlier this year, Quebec introduced a pre-registration system, known as Mon projet Québec, for the QSWP. This secure online space allows individuals to complete an application for a CSQ, make their payment online, follow the status of their application, make changes to their application, and access personal electronic messaging throughout the process.

The creation of new Mon projet Québec accounts had been suspended since January, 2016, but this suspension was lifted on June 20. A total of 5,000 applications were accepted during the most recent application intake period, which filled within hours of opening on June 13, 2016. The next intake period will also see up to 5,000 applications received for processing.

The current registration period

At this time, the government of Quebec has not announced any cap on the people who may be allowed to create a profile during the current registration period. Moreover, no end date for the creation of new profiles has been announced. It is possible that registration will be closed once again in the future; therefore, potential applicants are encouraged to create an account while they have the opportunity.

Candidates who already created an account earlier in 2016 do not have to create another account in order to be in a position to submit an application when the next intake period begins.

For additional information on Mon projet Québec visit this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Next intake period may be the last of its kind

“As more Canadian immigration programs adopt ‘Expression of Interest’ application management models, the next Quebec Skilled Worker intake period could be one of the last of its kind — a way to apply for and obtain Canadian permanent residence on a first-come, first-served basis,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“Given that Quebec is moving forward with its plan to adopt an Expression of Interest system, this calendar year may end up being the only year in which the province offers a skilled worker program that is both first-come, first-served and managed online. Individuals interested in immigrating to Canada who do not wish to be at the whim of immigration programs that involve expressions of interest and invitations to apply, and who also wish to have everything done online, may not have another opportunity like this down the line.”

To find out if you are eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, or any of Canada’s over 60 immigration programs, please fill out a free assessment today.