Proposed Legislation Introduced to Overhaul Regular Skilled Worker Program in Quebec

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At a Glance

• A bill was proposed in Quebec’s National Assembly that would overhaul the province’s Regular Skilled Worker Program. The stated goals of the bill are to better align applicants with current job market requirements in the province of Quebec; to reduce processing times; and to emphasize French language abilities to support the integration of new immigrants into Quebec.
• The government intends to abandon the processing of all Certificates of Selection (the first application in the Regular Skilled Worker Program process) submitted before August 2, 2018. Foreign nationals who submitted applications before this date will have to re-apply through the online Arrima system.
• There is no impact on those already granted a Certificate of Selection through the Regular Skilled Worker Program and no impact to applicants who applied under the Quebec Experience Program.

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The situation

A bill was proposed in Quebec’s National Assembly that would overhaul the province’s Regular Skilled Worker Program.

A closer look

• Aims of the program. The stated goals of the bill are to better align applicants with current job market requirements in the province of Quebec; to reduce processing times; and to emphasize French language abilities to support the integration of new immigrants into Quebec.
  • Impact. Due to the advantages given to French-speaking foreign nationals, employers may find it more difficult to hire qualified foreign nationals for positions with English language requirements and may also find it harder to transfer English-speaking foreign nationals to the province.

• Pending applications submitted before August 2, 2018. The Minister of Quebec has announced his intention to cancel the 18,000 pending Certificate of Selection (CSQ) applications – the first step in the Permanent Residence process under the Regular Skilled Workers Program – that were submitted before August 2, 2018. The date marks the transition to the new electronic ‘expression of interest’ system, called Arrima, and aligns with the government’s current goals in attracting certain foreign nationals.
  • Impact. Affected foreign nationals will need to reapply for a CSQ through the Arrima system and will have their processing fees refunded. Not all current applicants may qualify and those that do not may need to consider other avenues to permanent residence.
  • No impact on applicants with Certificate of Selection. Foreign nationals holding a valid CSQ under the Regular Skilled Workers Program will not have their application canceled and can proceed with their permanent residence applications to the federal government.
• Pending applications submitted after August 2, 2018. Applications submitted after August 2, 2018 will likely not be affected by the cancelation and will continue to be processed as filed under the electronic CSQ application system, Arrima.
• Application process. Foreign nationals interested in applying or who now have to reapply for the Regular Skilled Workers Program can proactively take action to express their interest in immigrating to Quebec using the Arrima system. Foreign nationals are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible as Quebec is reducing its target for economic immigrants. Foreign nationals do not have to wait for the proposed bill to be passed.
• Alternative application options. Foreign nationals who speak French at an advanced-intermediate level (as demonstrated through a government approved test) or who have studied entirely in French for the requisite period of time will continue to have the option to apply under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
  • Impact. Foreign nationals who speak French at an advanced-intermediate level will continue to have an advantage in applying for permanent residence in Quebec. Foreign nationals who do not qualify for the PEQ program, or who are not competitive under the new program may need to consider settling permanently in a province other than Quebec.

 

Background

The government has stated that the implementation of the new system would be more efficient because it matches applicants with labor needs. The new system would also likely help the Quebec government meet its goal of reducing immigration to the province by 20% in 2019.

Looking ahead

Public consultation on the bill will begin shortly, and although there has been significant opposition to the bill, it is still expected to pass the National Assembly. Fragomen will monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].