Quebec announces Express Entry-style economic immigration intake system

Stephen Smith, Marylene Garacci, Noah Turner, Eman Katem
Published: March 28, 2018

Pour lire cet article en français, cliquez ici.

The Government of Quebec unveiled plans today for a new Expression of Interest system modelled on the federal Express Entry system.

The new Expression of Interest (Déclaration d’intérêt) system will manage candidate profiles for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

Quebec’s Immigration Ministry, the Ministère de l'Immigration, et de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (MIDI), has made no secret of its intention to create its own version of Express Entry following the introduction of Canada’s federal economic immigration management system in January 2015.

Quebec’s immigration system is unique and the province has significant autonomy in creating its programs.

The Expression of Interest system will replace the first-come, first-served application process for the QSWP and its problem-plagued Mon Projet Quebec application portal.  That portal will continue to receive applications from cap-exempt QSWP candidates with an employment offer and temporary residents of Quebec until the Expression of Interest system is in place.

Similar Concept to Federal Express Entry system

Like Express Entry, interested candidates, who are eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, would have to submit an Expression of Interest as a first step.

Also similar to the Federal Express Entry system is the fact a profile will be valid for 12 months.

It is expected that after entering Quebec’s Expression of Interest pool, a candidate would receive another score based on a ranking system that determines their position in the pool, much like Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Under the Federal Express Entry system, a candidate’s ranking score is determined by points awarded for factors such as employment, education, language skills, age, as well as additional factors. It is expected that Quebec will have a unique points-system that operates in a similar way.

Candidates would be drawn from the Expression of Interest pool through invitation rounds during which a specified number of candidates who meet or exceed a specified cut-off score would be issued invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ).

Those issued an invitation to apply will have 90 days to submit a complete application for CSQ.  Applicants who receive an CSQ from Quebec can then apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence.

More details about this system, including the ranking system and exact start date, are expected to be announced in the near future.

"It's exciting to see that Quebec is finally moving forward with its plans to revamp the intake system for skilled workers," said Attorney David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell, Cohen immigration law firm in Montreal. "It will be very interesting to see exactly how ranking points will be assigned under the new system, not to mention how Quebec will conduct draws from the Expression of Interest pool."

To find out if you are eligible for any Quebec or Canadian immigration programs, fill out a FREE assessment form.

© 2018 CICNews All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
What documents do I need to respond to an ITA through Express Entry?
An image of a boat on the Nova Scotia coast during a sunrise
Do you qualify for Express Entry’s updated Healthcare and Social Services category?
Healthcare workers in a hospital
Full details revealed: Are you eligible to apply for PR under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots?
A young home care worker helps an elderly patient in a home care situation.
Canada removes bonus CRS points for arranged employment from Express Entry
A scenic shot of Ottawa Government Palace from the angle of bright red tulips
Top Stories
What documents do I need to respond to an ITA through Express Entry?
Job Searching in Canada: Practical Tips for Newcomers
Avoid hidden taxes on your TFSA holdings
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Settling in Canada
Avoid hidden taxes on your TFSA holdings
Canada to simplify SIN issuance for newcomers
A woman sits on a couch, smiling at her laoptop.
Scammers may reach out to you posing as government representatives. Here’s what you need to know
A woman holding a credit card in her left hand and an iPhone in her right.
Who has to file Canadian income taxes?
Link copied to clipboard