Important Updates
Important Updates
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Draft Core Skills Occupation List for Proposed Skills in Demand Visa Released
September 17, 2025 | BrazilAgência Exios: Inovação e contratação de talentos estrangeiros: o desafio do compliance em novos cenários
September 17, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Immigration Processing Delays
September 17, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: Delays for ‘Association Agreement with Türkiye’-Covered Applications
September 17, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: New Electronic Visa Platform Announced
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Draft Core Skills Occupation List for Proposed Skills in Demand Visa Released
September 17, 2025 | BrazilAgência Exios: Inovação e contratação de talentos estrangeiros: o desafio do compliance em novos cenários
September 17, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Immigration Processing Delays
September 17, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: Delays for ‘Association Agreement with Türkiye’-Covered Applications
September 17, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: New Electronic Visa Platform Announced
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Draft Core Skills Occupation List for Proposed Skills in Demand Visa Released
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Passage of Bill Leads to Overhaul of Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program

June 18, 2019

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Quebec’s National Assembly passed a bill which will overhaul the Regular Skilled Worker Program in the province. The stated goals of the bill are to better align applicants with current job market requirements in Quebec; to reduce processing times; and to emphasize French language abilities.
  • Once the bill goes into effect, the government will abandon the processing of all Certificates of Selection (the first step in the Regular Skilled Worker Program application process) submitted before August 2, 2018 that have not yet been processed, which will total approximately 16,000 applications. Foreign nationals who submitted applications before this date will have to reapply through the online Arrima system.
  • There is no impact on foreign nationals who already hold a Certificate of Selection through the Regular Skilled Worker Program.

The situation

The National Assembly passed the bill proposing to overhaul Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program, causing thousands of pending applications to be canceled.

A closer look

  • Applications submitted before August 2, 2018. Once the bill goes into effect, all pending Certificate of Selection (CSQ) applications—the first step in the Permanent Residence process under the Regular Skilled Workers Program – submitted prior to this date will be canceled. This is estimated to be approximately 16,000 applications. August 2, 2018 marks the date the government transitioned to the new electronic ‘expression of interest’ system, called Arrima, which aligns with the government’s current goals in attracting certain foreign nationals; before this date, candidates were selected in the order that their applications were received.
    • Impact. Despite how long their applications may have been pending, affected foreign nationals will have their processing fees refunded and will need to reapply for a CSQ through the Arrima system. Not all current applicants may qualify under the new values-based test 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 will be able to proceed with their permanent residence applications to the federal government.
  • Pending applications submitted after August 2, 2018.Applications submitted after August 2, 2018 will be processed as filed under the electronic CSQ application system, Arrima. 

 

  • New application process. Foreign nationals interested in applying or who now have to reapply for the Regular Skilled Workers Program can take action to express their interest in immigrating to Quebec using the Arrima system.
    • Impact. Once in effect, the new bill is expected to decrease adjudication times from the current 36 months down to six months. The bill gives the Quebec government more authority to decide who is able to obtain permanent residence in the province.
  • 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 amount 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 new system will make the process of finding appropriate candidates for permanent residence more efficient since it will match applicants with labor needs. The passage of the bill was strongly opposed by the more liberal parties in the National Assembly.

Looking ahead

The bill is expected to go into effect when approved by the lieutenant governor for Quebec over the coming months. Fragomen’s webinar on June 20, 2019 will provide updates additional information on Quebec’s immigration system. Sign up for the webinar here.

Although the Quebec government is limiting immigration this year in order to refocus their efforts on selecting immigrants to the province, once these programs are in place, they are expected to increase immigration numbers over the next three years as shown below:

 

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].

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Agência Exios: Inovação e contratação de talentos estrangeiros: o desafio do compliance em novos cenários

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Impact on UK Aviation Roles

Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Crackdown on Illegal Working in Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore highlights the need for UK construction employers to maintain compliance and manage risks.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Applicants Receive Major Boost

Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.

Learn more

Video

Permanent Access Cards Replaced by Permanent Identity Cards for Golden Visa Holders in Jebel Ali Free Zone | #MobilityMinute

Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.

Learn more

Blog post

Under the Microscope: How UK Care Providers Can Prepare for Home Office Compliance Checks

Manager Evan Tutton and Associate Naomi Nyamaah discuss increased Home Office scrutiny of the UK care sector, including more sponsor licence compliance checks and enforcement visits due to concerns over non-compliance and exploitation.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Agência Exios: Inovação e contratação de talentos estrangeiros: o desafio do compliance em novos cenários

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Impact on UK Aviation Roles

Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Crackdown on Illegal Working in Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore highlights the need for UK construction employers to maintain compliance and manage risks.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Applicants Receive Major Boost

Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.

Learn more

Video

Permanent Access Cards Replaced by Permanent Identity Cards for Golden Visa Holders in Jebel Ali Free Zone | #MobilityMinute

Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.

Learn more

Blog post

Under the Microscope: How UK Care Providers Can Prepare for Home Office Compliance Checks

Manager Evan Tutton and Associate Naomi Nyamaah discuss increased Home Office scrutiny of the UK care sector, including more sponsor licence compliance checks and enforcement visits due to concerns over non-compliance and exploitation.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.