Quebec has announced a new immigration policy limiting invitations for foreign nationals under the Regular Skilled Worker Program to 25% per country. This move, effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025, aims to promote greater diversity among economic immigrants.
Starting October 9, 2024, Quebec, a province in Canada has imposed a limit on the number of foreign nationals invited through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) to a maximum of 25% from any single country.
This policy will remain in effect until October 9, 2025, aiming to ensure greater diversity in immigration. For each draw conducted by Quebec’s immigration ministry, no more than 25% of the invitations will go to candidates from the same country.
Why the Change?
The goal is to create a more diverse pool of skilled immigrants settling in Quebec. Immigration Minister Jean François Roberge noted a decrease in application diversity for the program in 2024.
According to the minister, the applications for the Regular Skilled Worker Program in 2024 have shown a significant decline in diversity of origin. To address this, the Quebec government is focusing on maintaining a balance among nationalities in its immigrant population.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
The good news: French speakers won’t be impacted by the cap. However, for everyone else, there’s a chance invitations might be spread out more broadly across nationalities.
Future of the Skilled Worker Program
The current policy only applies to the Regular Skilled Worker Program but could extend to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which will eventually replace the PRTQ.
Quebec’s immigration ministry, MIFI, stated that this cap would not affect the proportion of French-speaking candidates receiving invitations.
Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program
Quebec’s skilled immigration process differs from other Canadian provinces. To apply, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via Quebec’s Arrima platform.
Candidates are then evaluated based on several factors, including:
Age
Education
Language Proficiency (French and English)
Work Experience
Family Ties in Quebec
Job Offers
French language skills carry more weight in the scoring system, reflecting the province’s emphasis on francophone culture.
Steps to Permanent Residency
Top-ranking candidates in the pool receive invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through the Mon Project Quebec portal. Once they receive their CSQ, they can apply for Canadian permanent residence through the federal government.
Quebec Halts Entry of Low-Wage Foreign Workers
Recently Quebec has also temporarily halted the entry of low-wage temporary foreign workers in Montreal, pausing applications for six months amid concerns of exploitation and abuse within Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Looking to Immigrate to Quebec?
This new policy might mean a bit more competition for some nationalities, but the overall process for the RSWP remains the same. If you’re a skilled worker with strong French language skills, Quebec could be your path to a new life in Canada!
Source: https://travelobiz.com/canada-quebec-limits-foreign-nationals-to-25-percent-in-skilled-worker-program/
