Quebec released new information Wednesday that details how candidates in its new skilled worker Expression of Interest bank will be organized and ranked.
The ranking system takes into consideration work experience in the United States, making Quebec’s the only immigration system in Canada that currently considers U.S. work experience when ranking candidates.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) candidates who submit a profile to the program’s new Expression of Interest Bank will be classed in two groups — one group for candidates with a job offer or who are living in Quebec and meet specific criteria, and another for candidates living outside of Quebec.
According to regulations published August 1, the first group is for candidates who:
have a job offer in Quebec; OR
are residing in Quebec with the principal goal of working and
have a work permit and an eligible degree from a Quebec educational institution; OR
have a work permit that is valid for 12 months or more, six-months of full-time work experience and are currently working full-time.
This first group will be ranked on the basis of scores obtained under the following seven factors:
Age
Quebec diploma
Canadian or U.S. work experience
Proficiency in French
Knowledge of other languages
Education
A spouse or common-law partner’s education and proficiency in French.
Candidates in this group will also receive points for the following “Skill Transferability” combinations:
Education combined with proficiency in French (either their own or, if applicable, their spouse’s — whichever score is highest);
Education combined with work experience in Canada or the US and proficiency in French;
Foreign work experience combined with proficiency in French;
Foreign work experience combined with work experience in Canada or the U.S. and proficiency in French.
The second group is for candidates who do not reside in Quebec.
Candidates in this group will be ranked based on scores obtained under the following eight factors:
Age
Quebec degree
Canadian or U.S. work experience
Training that Quebec has listed as in-demand
Proficiency in French
Knowledge of other languages
Education
A spouse or common-law partner’s education and proficiency in French.
Candidates in this second group will also receive points for the Skill Transferability combinations listed above.
Quebec has not detailed the points structure for the various factors and skills combinations.
The regulations state that Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration (MIDI) could issue invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ) to the highest scoring candidates or based on selection criteria or conditions that are deemed a priority.
Revisions to Quebec’s Immigration Act say invitations could be issued based on “criterion relating to a foreign national’s ability to successfully stay or settle in Quebec, such as training or a trade or occupation.”
Other criteria may include “a region of destination in Québec, a country or region affected by a humanitarian crisis or the existence of an international commitment.”
Candidates who receive an invitation to apply for a CSQ and submit an application will need to meet the passing scores required for the program based on the QSWP Points Grid.
