Important Updates
Important Updates
May 8, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Visa Categories and Visa Exemption Implemented
May 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: International Experience Canada Extension Process Simplified
May 8, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 8, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 8, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Digital Process Announced for Quota, Business Permit, and CERPAC Applications
May 8, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Visa Categories and Visa Exemption Implemented
May 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: International Experience Canada Extension Process Simplified
May 8, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 8, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 8, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Digital Process Announced for Quota, Business Permit, and CERPAC Applications
May 8, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Visa Categories and Visa Exemption Implemented
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

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

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Stricter Requirements Implemented for Quebec Experience Program and Quebec Skilled Worker Program

November 5, 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

  • The Quebec government has implemented more restrictive language, degree and profession requirements for the Quebec Experience Program and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
  • The new changes may prevent many foreign nationals, including temporary residents working or studying in Quebec, from applying for permanent residency in Quebec, as they may no longer qualify for a Quebec Selection Certificate under the restrictive rules.
  • It is likely that the government will provide further details for these changes in the upcoming weeks as these changes are controversial and highly restrictive to immigrants in Quebec.

The situation

The Ministry of Immigration Francisation and Integration (MIFI) has published new, stricter requirements for the issuance of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Quebec Experience Program

Immediate changes to the PEQ – which is for Temporary Foreign Workers and eligible post-secondary graduates of schools in Quebec – include the following:

  • Reopening of PEQ. Effective November 1, 2019, foreign graduates in Quebec can again submit applications for CSQs under the PEQ, which was closed from July 10 to November 1, 2019. The new, more restrictive selection criteria includes a new government list of allowable areas of training under the PEQ and stricter requirements for the amount of training required.
  • New jobs list for Temporary Foreign Workers. As of November 1, 2019, Temporary Foreign Workers eligible for the PEQ must hold a job on the List of Jobs in Demand under the PEQ and must not be in an ineligible field, self-employed or working in a company controlled by the foreign national.

 

Forthcoming requirements in 2020

The following will apply to foreign nationals applying under the Quebec graduate or Temporary Foreign Worker program starting January 1, 2020:

  • New language requirements. There will be stricter requirements detailing how French language ability can be demonstrated.
  • New spousal requirements. The spouse or de facto spouse included in the principal’s application for selection must demonstrate advanced knowledge of spoken French. Previously, there was no such requirement.
  • Pending applications. For both Quebec graduates and Temporary Foreign Worker applicants, the new changes stated above are retroactive and will apply to pending applications that have not been processed yet as of the date the change is implemented.

 

Quebec Skilled Worker Program

  • New ranking system. Foreign nationals applying under this program will be ranked in a new system similar to the Express Entry programs where points are awarded based on age, education in Quebec, French ability and level of education, among other factors. Importantly, under the ranking system, education acquired in Quebec is favoured over other countries, and work in Canada and the United States is favoured as opposed to work in other countries.
  • New CSQ criteria. As of November 1, 2019, CSQs are sent out according to factors such as the ranking score, the region of residence in Quebec, the education level and area of training on the government list, among others.   

 

Background

  • Definition of CSQ. Foreign nationals applying for permanent residence in Quebec must first apply for a CSQ from MIFI. When issued, CSQs declare that the foreign national has been selected to settle in Quebec and allows the foreign national to submit an application for permanent residency to the federal immigration authorities.
  • Purpose of changes. The changes are designed to encourage immigration by foreign nationals whose training and work experience will fulfil a labor market need in Quebec. These changes also encourage foreign nationals to learn French and the province’s values in order to better integrate into Quebec society.

 

Impact

The new changes may prevent many foreign nationals, including temporary residents already working or studying in Quebec, from applying for permanent residency as they may no longer qualify for a CSQ.

Looking ahead

Quebec’s immigration programs are becoming more restrictive with requirements intended to fulfil the labor market needs and preserve the French language and the values of Quebec. It is likely that the MIFI will provide further details and explanations for these changes in the upcoming days and weeks as these changes are controversial and highly restrictive to immigrants in Quebec.

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

Video

Golden Visa Direct Approval Filing via AXS Portal - Tecom Freezone | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat outlines how, effective immediately, all Golden Visa applications filed by the direct approval route for employees working at companies licensed by the Dubai Development Authority can only be filed via the AXS Portal.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian Visas

Senior Associate Pamela Taukuro explains the requirements and steps necessary to meet the character criteria for obtaining Australian visas under PIC 4020.

Learn more

Video

France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Learn more

Blog post

France’s Visitor Visa: A Faster Option for Family Members of Local Hire (Salarié) Employees

Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutsche-Startups: Workation – How Startups Overcome The Legal Hurdles

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Australia: Reduction in Net Migration to Continue; Minimum Salary to Rise for Skilled Visa and International Students May See Visa Fee Hike

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽🌍 | #FragomenFC - Ep. 7 (Part 1)

#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the GCC Pension Framework: A Guide to Monthly Contributions, Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: Liberals' Return in Canada a Win-Lose for Indian Workers, Students: Decoded

Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni Honored at Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony

Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating Tariffs, Talent and Trade: The Automotive Industry Faces a Defining Moment

Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cosmina Morariu Receives Ecosystem Builder Award at Semiconductor Achievement Awards

Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.

Learn more

Video

Golden Visa Direct Approval Filing via AXS Portal - Tecom Freezone | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat outlines how, effective immediately, all Golden Visa applications filed by the direct approval route for employees working at companies licensed by the Dubai Development Authority can only be filed via the AXS Portal.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian Visas

Senior Associate Pamela Taukuro explains the requirements and steps necessary to meet the character criteria for obtaining Australian visas under PIC 4020.

Learn more

Video

France Digital Nomad Visa: Visitor Visa | How To Apply

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Learn more

Blog post

France’s Visitor Visa: A Faster Option for Family Members of Local Hire (Salarié) Employees

Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutsche-Startups: Workation – How Startups Overcome The Legal Hurdles

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Australia: Reduction in Net Migration to Continue; Minimum Salary to Rise for Skilled Visa and International Students May See Visa Fee Hike

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽🌍 | #FragomenFC - Ep. 7 (Part 1)

#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the GCC Pension Framework: A Guide to Monthly Contributions, Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: Liberals' Return in Canada a Win-Lose for Indian Workers, Students: Decoded

Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni Honored at Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony

Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating Tariffs, Talent and Trade: The Automotive Industry Faces a Defining Moment

Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cosmina Morariu Receives Ecosystem Builder Award at Semiconductor Achievement Awards

Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.

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.