Quebec Immigration Program

January 25, 2023

Invitation to submit a permanent selection application

Once you have filed your expression of interest on Arrima, it will be placed in the Expression of Interest bank.

From this bank, people whose profile corresponds to Québec’s needs and who have good potential for integration are invited to submit an application for permanent selection.

If you are invited, you will receive a communication in your Arrima message centre with the information needed to access the form and submit a permanent selection application.

You may receive an invitation to submit your permanent selection application at any time. It is therefore important to regularly update your expression of interest.

January 27 - Quebec Arrima Invitation Draw

Invitations - 322
Lowest score - 647
Valid job offer

What is Arrima?

Arrima is intended for:

Individuals who wish to immigrate permanently or temporarily under one of these programs:

Regular Skilled Worker Program
Québec Experience Program
Permanent immigration pilot programs
International Student Program (document transmission only)

Invitations - 512
Lowest score - 602

November 11 - QUEBEC INVITES 33 CANDIDATES IN NEW DRAW ON NOVEMBER 11, 2021

October 4 - QUEBEC: SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PERIOD HAS ENDED

In order to recognize the contribution of asylum seekers who provided direct care to the population during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Québec government has introduced the Special program for asylum seekers during the COVID-19 period (SPASCP), effective December 14, 2020.
The period to submit SPASCP applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended on August 31, 2021. If IRCC has confirmed your eligibility, then you can submit your application to the Ministère after that date.

You must have acquired the necessary work experience by August 31, 2021 at the latest, but you can subsequently send proof of this work experience to the Ministère.
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October 1 - ELIGIBILITY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC’S HEALTH COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS' IMMIGRATION STATUS IS PRECARIOUS

Changes to the healthcare coverage of certain children
September 20, 2021 – New provisions change the eligibility of children for the Québec health insurance and basic prescription drug insurance plans.

As of September 22, 2021, all children are eligible for the Québec health insurance and basic prescription drug insurance plans provided that they are present in Québec for more than 6 months per year, whether they were born here or not. This includes:

*Children temporarily living in Québec, for example, those of foreign workers or students
*Children without legal status in Canada
Moreover, the 3-month period during which people who settle in Quebec are not eligible for health insurance (also called “waiting period”) is abolished for all children.
Read more

AUGUST 12, 2021:QUEBEC ARRIMA DRAW

On August 12, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) invited 515 candidates in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program ( QSWP). These candidates had registered online through Arrima, the online registration portal.
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August 10 - CANADA TO INVEST IN CAREERS FOR QUEBEC YOUTH

Funding to help create up to 4,000 new work placements for post-secondary students

The federal government is helping Quebec youth to get a good start on their careers.

Ottawa is investing up to $36.7 million through the Fédération des chambres du commerce du Québec to create work placements for post-secondary students.

“The uncertainty many young Canadians are facing today can be overwhelming, but the government of Canada is working to help them. The work placements… will help the province’s students through these difficult times, so they can build their careers and shape their futures,” says Carla Qualtrough, minister of employment, workforce development and disability inclusion.

The funding will help create up to 4,000 new work placements in Quebec through the Student Work Placement Program. This will give employers access to financial support to create work placements.
Read more

August 10 - QUEBEC IMMIGRATION
OTTAWA, QUEBEC AMEND TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM

Changes are coming for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Quebec.

Under an agreement between the federal and Quebec governments, the program will allow employers to have 20 per cent of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions and employed in certain economic sectors designated by Quebec. This is up from 10 per cent.

"The government of Canada recognizes the importance of balancing the labour needs of Quebec employers while ensuring that the economy works for Canadians,” says Carla Qualtrough, minister of employment, workforce development and disability inclusion. “Implementing and exploring flexibilities in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will help to ensure that we can continue on the road to economic recovery."
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July 15 - QUEBEC PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE CAQ FOR ONLINE FRENCH COURSES

French courses: more persons admissible, greater financial assistance and simplified process for the clientele!
As of July 1, 2021, a greater number of immigrants will now have free access to French courses offered by the Québec government and to financial assistance. The latter has been increased and some conditions have been simplified to ease the steps to be taken.

More persons admissible
*Persons living abroad who have a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) are now admissible for online French courses with tutoring.
*Asylum seekers are now admissible for online French courses.
Read more

June 14 - QUEBEC-ONTARIO BORDER TO REOPEN TO NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL AS OF WEDNESDAY

The Quebec-Ontario border is fully reopening to all forms of travel starting Wednesday after it was shut down for nearly two months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This reopening applies to anyone wishing to travel between the two provinces, without exception,” Quebec’s Public Security Ministry said in a statement issued Monday.

The border between the two provinces, which have been hard hit by the health crisis, was initially closed in late April to non-essential trips as Ontario saw novel coronavirus cases spike.
Read more

June 8 - QUEBEC ANNOUNCES TIGHTER RULES FOR UNSUBSIDIZED PRIVATE COLLEGES

The Quebec government will launch a series of actions to better supervise the practices of non-subsidized private colleges and the recruitment of international students.

Higher Education Minister Danielle McCann said on Friday she wanted to correct “shortcomings” revealed by an administrative investigation following several reports in the media.
Radio-Canada notably reported on the proliferation of non-subsidized private colleges in the Montreal region and the sudden increase in Indian students who were promised immigration to Canada.

According to McCann, the audits uncovered questionable practices in terms of recruitment, business practices, governance and teaching conditions.
Read more

May 27 - PROGRAM DELIVERY UPDATE: COVID-19: STUDENTS – ELIGIBILITY - QUEBEC STUDENTS

Students destined to Quebec

The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) ended the automatic extension of Quebec Acceptance Certificates (CAQs) on December 31, 2020. Students who would like to extend their study permit or begin studies in Quebec after December 31, 2020, must submit a new application for a CAQ to the MIFI and a new application for a study permit to IRCC.

However, students destined to Quebec are exempt from the CAQ requirement when they enrol in a program or course lasting 6 months or less. Therefore, students are not required to submit a CAQ with their study permit application for short-term study.

May 27 - SPECIFIC QUEBEC SELECTION CERTIFICATE (CSQ) HOLDERS CURRENTLY IN QUEBEC [R205(A)] – INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM

On June 1, 2012, Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) implemented provisions that allow some temporary workers who are present in Quebec to submit an application to renew or extend their work authorizations in Canada without the employer having to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or Service Canada (SC) and a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from MIFI.
The instructions have been updated to modify the eligibility criteria to allow applicants who are on maintained status or eligible for restoration as a worker to qualify for this Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption.
Read more

May 6 - MIFI name change

References to the “Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI)” and “Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)” have been replaced with “Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI)” and “IRCC”, respectively.

To facilitate the study permit application process, IRCC accepts confirmation letters issued by the MIFI in lieu of a CAQ (including a downloaded, unsigned version of the confirmation letter). These approval letters are issued prior to the issuance of the CAQ and include all of the CAQ information. As such, MIFI approval letters 705, 733, 300 and 310 are to be treated as equivalent to the CAQ.
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April 2 - QUEBEC ARRIMA DRAW INVITED 208 CANDIDATES TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT SELECTION

These invitations allow persons invited to submit an application for permanent selection in order to obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ - Québec Selection Certificate) within an average period of 6 months. The 6-month period begins on the date when all the information required to process your application (forms and documents) has been received and added to your file. These persons can then submit an application for permanent residence to the Government of Canada.
The individuals required to meet the below criteria:
*those who had a validated job offer; and
*those who were in Quebec as a diplomat, consular officer, United Nations representative, or a representative of any intergovernmental organization with operations in the province, and their staff.
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March 6 - QUEBEC HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS WANT TO RECRUIT 1,700 NURSES ABROAD

The health network is seeking to recruit an unprecedented number of nurses abroad. Recruitment sessions in Europe are scheduled until June in order to attract at least 1,700 nurses and more than 200 patient attendants to Quebec. This is five times more than two years ago.
Read more

March 5 - QUEBEC INTRODUCES THREE NEW PILOT PROGRAMS

These three pilot programs are designed to attract and retain people who have the skills to meet the needs of Québec’s job market.

The permanent immigration pilot program for workers in food processing will come into effect on March 24, 2021. The program offers a pathway to permanent immigration for temporary foreign workers who hold jobs that are admissible in the food processing sector.

The permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies will come into effect on March 31, 2021.
Read more

February 24 - QUEBEC UPDATES LIST OF OCCUPATIONS ELIGIBLE FOR SIMPLIFIED PROCESSING UNDER THE TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM – LMIA

Today, February 24, 2021, Quebec published the new list of professions eligible for simplified processing. This list takes into account the labour needs of all regions of Quebec.

The list is updated annually. A 30-day transitional period, from February 24, 2021 to March 24, 2021 inclusive, is granted to the employer or his representative to permit the assessment of application tendered under last year’s list.

To see the new list click here

***Click Google Translate for English version

January 26 - Quebec Arrima Draw - 95 Invitation sent

On January 26, 2021, Quebec invited 95 candidates who had Expression of Interest (EOI) in Arrima, the online registration portal.

These candidates were selected in the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) regularly reviews candidate profiles and issue invitations to those who meet certain criteria based on labor market needs in Quebec.

These invitations let candidates invited to submit an application for permanent selection in order to obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ - Québec Selection Certificate) in 6 months. The candidates can then submit an application for permanent residence to the Government of Canada.

About Arrima

The Arrima platform allows for a better alignment between immigration and the needs of Québec’s labour market.

Arrima is intended for:

• Individuals who wish to immigrate permanently or temporarily under one of the programs listed below.

o Regular Skilled Worker Program

o International Student Program (document transmission only)

o Québec Experience Program

Creation of an Arrima profile is a two steps process:

• You must first validate your email address, choose a password and confirm your registration in the secure authentication system.

• The user must then approve the Arrima account’s terms of use, fill in the Identity and Contact information sections before receiving confirmation that the account has been created.

Quebec has the following programs:

Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)

If you wish to immigrate to Québec under the Regular Skilled Worker Program, create your profile in Arrima to complete, submit and update your expression of interest (EI).

Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ - Québec experience program)

If you wish to immigrate to Québec under the Québec Experience Program (PEQ), create an Arrima profile to submit your application for permanent selection, submit your documents and pay the required fees.

International Student Program

If you are a foreign student and have submitted an application for temporary selection for studies, create your Arrima profile in order to submit your supporting documents.

January 16 - Applications through Arrima online

Effective January 12, the immigration office in Quebec issued a communication that Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) applicants can submit their application, pay the required fees, and download the required documents via Arrima.

Starting January 26, paper applications will not be accepted and all PEQ applicants must submit their application online.

Also, from January 1, 2021, MIFI announced application fees have been increased by 1.26 percent for skilled workers, business immigration, temporary workers, and foreign students’ programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

December 22 - Quebec Immigrant Investor Program - Fee Increase

Beginning on January 1, 2021, the application fees charged by Quebec Immigration will be indexed by 1.26%. The processing fees for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program will be CAD $15,962. This fee will encompass the processing of the principal applicant as well as dependent family members.

Quebec Investor Program-fees-22Dec20.jpg

July 28 - Quebec conducts first Arrima draw since January

Quebec Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) has released the details of the first Arrima draw of 2020.

The draw was held on June 18 and seven invitations were issued to candidates to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

To be considered for the draw, candidates were:

• required to file and expression of interest (EOI) with MIFI prior to December 2019

• resided Quebec when they applied and held a study or work permit

These candidates now have 60 days to submit their application. To date, this year 30 invitation were issued as compared to 2,072 invitation in 2019.

What is Arrima and how does it work?

The Arrima immigration application management system is based on an expression of interest and has three-steps:

1. The applicants must complete an expression of interest form online and enter information, such as education, language skills, and work experience.

2. The Ministère reviews the bank of expressions of interest and issues invitations to applicants who meet certain criteria, based on labour market needs in the different regions of Québec. These applicants can submit a permanent selection application (official immigration application) and pay the required fees.

3. Applications are evaluated using the selection grid in effect.

July 22 - Quebec Experience Program – International Students and Temporary Foreign Workers Changes

The new eligibility criteria announced by the government of Quebec for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) have taken effect as of July 22. The PEQ enjoyed strong popularity since the time it was launched in 2010 and a majority of skilled workers were selected through this stream.

The changes to the PEQ that affect international students and temporary foreign workers are:

Reduced duration of work experience required for workers

The duration of the work experience required for temporary workers is now 24 months. This change will promote the retention of foreign workers in Quebec businesses and reduce the administrative procedures for employers, particularly with regard to the need to renew permits.

A transitional measure for foreign students already in Quebec

To respond to the concerns of foreign students in Quebec, a transitional measure will apply for those who have obtained a diploma eligible for the PEQ, or who will obtain it by December 31, 2020. Those who graduate with a diploma before January 1, 2021, will have their applications processed as per the conditions before the new rules came into effect.

Flexibilities for the duration and work experience required for students

The work experience requirement for students has also changed. The work experience acquired during a compulsory internship as part of the study program will be considered in the calculation of work experience, up to a maximum of three months of full-time work. In addition, the work experience required of holders of a vocational diploma has been reduced to 18 months.

While recognizing the contribution of foreign students and temporary workers to Quebec society, the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, Ms. Nadine Girault stated that improvements to PEQ will enable the government of Quebec's to take a balanced approach towards the provinces social and economic challenges.

July 9 - Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – Update

Quebec’s immigration minister announced that it will be making changes to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) this month to raise the work experience period, among one of the factors needed by candidates applying to the PEQ.

Some of the key elements of the program under review are:

Time lines for processing applications
Certification/Diploma received by international students by December 2020
Applications received from international students prior to July 2020
French language proficiency
Overseas workers PEQ files who have a valid work permit and are in Quebec under NOC C and D

The government of Quebec stated that it is reviewing the current PEQ criteria due to the high volume of applications it has been receiving and is a popular stream

June 10 - Quebec is giving priority to temporary work permit applications in certain occupations

Effective June 10, temporary work permit applications in certain in demand occupations in Quebec during Covid-19 are being processing on a priority basis. The minimum requirement for these occupations is also being waived. In normal circumstances employers must prove that they have make attempts to fill the vacation positions with Canadian or permanent residents as a component of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The program is prioritizing and waiving minimum recruitment requirements for the following occupations:

3012 - Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

3111 - Specialist physicians

3112 - General practitioners and family physicians

3124 - Allied primary health practitioners

3131 - Pharmacists

3211 - Medical laboratory technologists 9463- Fish and seafood plant workers

3212 - Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants

3214 - Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

3219 - Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)

3233 - Licensed practical nurses

3237 - Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment

3413 - Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

3414 - Other assisting occupations in support of health services

6731 - Light duty cleaners

6331- Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers-retail and wholesale

8252- Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers

8431- General Farm Workers

8432- Nursery and Greenhouse Workers

8611- Harvesting labourers

9462- Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers

9463- Fish and seafood plant workers

9617- Labourers in food, beverage and associated products processing

9618- Labourers in fish and seafood processing

The program is prioritizing the following occupation and not waiving the minimum recruitment requirements:

7511 - Transport truck drivers

All LMIA applications must be submitted to Service Canada and to MIFI simultaneously.

In Quebec, the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) requires that all Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications be submitted in French, except for LMIA applications for in-home caregiver positions.

Exemption from LMIA

Employers do not need to apply for a LMIA if they are hiring a TFW who:

• has a valid work permit

• holds a skilled worker Certificate of Selection in Quebec (CSQ)

• resides in the province of Quebec

• has applied for permanent residency under the Quebec Skilled Worker class

The TFW must also fall under one of the following categories:

• is seeking to extend the work permit for their current employer

• is seeking to renew the work authorization with a new employer in Quebec

• is a foreign student who has obtained a post-graduation work permit and has a job offer in the province of Quebec

• is a work permit holder through participation in a program under the initiative International Experience Canada (IEC) and:

• is seeking to extend the work authorization for the current employer

• renew it for a new employer in Quebec

Employers need to follow the current LMIA procedure if they need to to hire TFWs in the province of Quebec for TFWs who do not meet these requirements.

May 1 - Quebec Extends Acceptance Certificates to End of Year

The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) stated that international students whose Quebec Acceptance Certificates (CAQ) are due to expire soon will be extended until December 31, 2020.

This will assist international students who will be completing their study program and need to extend their stay in Quebec amid the pandemic restrictions. They will also be exempted from paying extension fees.

CAQ is essential for international students intending to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Quebec for 6 months or more. International students are qualified to submit a study permit application after obtaining a CAQ.

According to the ministry of immigration students who desire to get a CAQ for the fall semester or if their CAQ expires on December 31, 2020 will have to reapply.

April 29 - Quebec extending health coverage amid Covid-19

Effective April 29, Quebec has extended the health coverage for temporary foreign workers who have an implied status for a period of six months in the province. RAMQ (the government health insurance board in Quebec) officials stated that those who have an implied status will be able to continue to access the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec for benefits.

Due to the coronavirus temporary foreign workers whose work permits are expiring and are not able to renew, can stay in Canada under an implied status. In order to continue to avail health coverage they need to complete an extension form and send it back to RAMQ with their original work permit. A new RAMQ card with a validity period of six months will be sent by mail.

February 24 - Occupation list Expanded

The government of Quebec has added 116 new occupations to the list this year for processing LMIA applicationss. The new positions added to the list are human resources managers, bakers, architects, dentists, investment managers.

The province looks at the labour needs holistically, to make sure all the regional labour requirements are accounted.

February 19 - 2019 Quebec Immigration Stats Low

In fiscal 2019, Quebec reduced its intake of immigrants by approximately 20%. When compared to 2018, it had 51,000 new immigrants and in 2019 only 40,000. However, in 2020 Quebec has a target to invite 44,500 newcomers to the province. The majority of these are slated to be selected from the Quebec Skilled Works Program and the Quebec Expreience Program.

February 18 - Quebec education ministry launches online campaign to recruit foreign teachers

The Quebec education ministry is keen to attract teachers from other provinces and also foreigners who are not teachers in their own country in the field of education by launching a recruitment campaign. It has also unveiled a new website at quebec.ca to provide information on teacher training and how to become teachers in Québec. The announcement was made by Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Education and Higher Education.

University students who have studied a particular subject which is being taught in the Quebec school system are eligible to teach once they have obtained their master’s degree. Students who graduated from vocational programs are also eligible to become teachers.

“With all the opportunities that today’s employment environment offers, we must, therefore, do more to publicize all the advantages of the profession and attract new teachers. I am confident that this website, entirely devoted to teaching, will help us achieve that goal” added Roberge in a press statement.

Currently schools in Quebec are facing an acute shortage of teachers, and if you have education credentials and interested in making a career in teaching, this is an excellent opportunity to take up teaching in Quebec.

January 16, 2020 - Quebec invite 23 candidates in new rounds of invitations

Quebec invited 23 candidates who had their applications in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. This draw was from the Arrima portal of the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI).

Candidates require to create their EOI profile in ARRIMA; once in the portal they are ranked and placed in the pool for selection.

MIFI sends the invitation to apply for a CSQ and takes into consideration a number of factors, i.e., labour market needs.

Upon receiving a CSQ, the candidate can apply for PR

November 29, 2019 - New Regulations to Protect Temporary Foreign Workers

Effective January 1, 2020, Quebec will have new regulations relative to recruitment agencies and employers hiring temporary foreign labour. With these new regulations, recruitment agencies that hire temporary foreign workers will require a permit to operate. These measures are intended to protect temporary foreign workers from fraudulent job placement firms and to monitor the conduct of employers.

In order to continue their recruitment activities legally, placement firms will need to apply for a permit (license) to the CNESST between January 1 and February 2020.

If the placement firm does not comply with the new rules their license can be suspended or revoked. They have to make sure that:

· Temporary foreign workers are advised of the working conditions where they will be working

· Make sure their staff have the necessary accreditation in order to advise, represent or assist people with their immigration application.

Placement firms will also be required to provide a security deposit of $15,000, which will be used to reimburse the temporary foreign worker in the event that their employer fails to pay them their wages according to the Quebec’s Labour Standards Act.

November 19 - Quebec withdraws restrictions to student immigration program that came into effect on November 1

Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette said that students already studying under the PEQ –Québec experience program – Québec would be able to complete their studies under the old rules. Adding that the controversial changes to PEQ had been suspended temporarily.

PEQ was created in 2010, and is a prevalent fast-track immigration program that permits qualified international graduates of Quebec schools and people working in the province for more than one year to apply for permanent residence. The accepted applicants receive a Quebec selection certificate which leads to becoming a permanent resident in 20 business days. This process usually takes two to three years.

The new rules would have restricted application for selection through the PEQ to graduates in a suitable area of training and temporary foreign workers employed in an eligible in-demand occupation.

The suspension was mainly due to the testimonials the minister heard from students from around the world who were directly impacted by this change.

The announcement to suspend the new PEQ rules was applauded by universities and the Montreal Chamber of Commerce. However, under the CAQ's changes to the PEQ, the eligible fields of study admissible would be reviewed every year, which meant that students arriving in the province next year could find the program dropped from the list before they finish.

Question about CAQ changes?

October 23 - Quebec Implementing Values Test for New Immigrants

Starting January 1, 2020, all new immigrants who come to Quebec will have to pass a values test.

“Quebec has a lot of power over immigration, more than any other province, and that’s a good thing because of the Quebec identity and because of the need to protect the French language,” Trudeau said.

Under the Canada–Quebec accord on immigration Quebec exercises substantial powers over selecting newcomers to the province. These powers include the ability to test for French-language proficiency and a framework for implementing a “Quebec values” test.

Quebec’s immigration minister Simon Jolin-Barrette stated newcomers would be expected to pass the test within three years of their arrival. Those who failed the test would be no longer welcomed in Quebec, and it would up to the federal government to decide what to do.

It is not clear what would happen to those who fail the test — and whether they could be deported or removed from Canada.

September 27 - Quebec – 444 Skilled Workers invited to apply through Arrima

Candidates whose applications were cancelled in June 2019 when the immigration reforms act came into effect were selected in this invitation round. The draw was aimed at Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program and had their Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Arrima system.

The selected candidates met the provinces criteria had:

· their application for selection submitted under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program was terminated

· they filed an EOI before the deadline for applying of December 17, 2019

· they met one of the following conditions:

· their application, which was terminated under the Act, and was submitted to the Minister, or

· they were residing the province of Québec on June 16, 2019, and they had a study or work permit.

September 8 - Quebec – Province promises to help businesses recruit temporary foreign workers

The government of Quebec has announced nearly $21 million to help private businesses recruit and integrate temporary foreign workers as the province struggles with a growing labour shortage.

Labour Minister Jean Boulet, said that “the funding will help cover the costs of companies’ recruitment missions and provide financial assistance of up to $1,000 per worker for relocation.”

Under the plan, Boulet told reporters on Monday he believes the province will aid 2,000 businesses in recruiting temporary foreign workers within the next two years.

Boulet said that “The recruitment of temporary foreign workers is an option that more and more businesses are turning to in their efforts to address labour shortages.”

As part of the plan, the government is also investing $34 million to improve the newcomers’ integration in Quebec.

The additional funding is also being cautiously welcomed by the Comité consultatif personnes immigrants (CCPI), a commission that looks into the labour problems facing immigrants.

The government says its immigration policies will ensure immigrants are properly integrated and that those admitted meet existing labour needs in the province.

August 23 - Quebec Introduces New Program to Help Newcomers Integrate

Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette stated that this program is a key piece to reforming Quebec’s immigration system. Adding that, Quebec is investing $20 million each year in its new “personalized support course” program to help newcomers successfully integrate into Quebec society.

The foreign national (FN) must first obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) to immigrate which is issued by the Diversity and Inclusion (MIDI) ministry. The FN has to then apply to the federal government to become permanent residents.

Upon receiving the CSQ the FN has access to various resources and also has a designated immigration officer assigned to them.

When the FN (now a newcomer) arrives in Quebec, they are greeted at the airport and invited to meet with a designated integration assistance officer within a week, and an individualized action plan is created for them.

Basically, there are four steps to this newcomer process:

1. Arrival

2. Francization

3. Integration into the job market

4. Community integration

Officers will monitor the progress of each immigrant and adjust strategies to provide services tailored to each applicant’s needs, said the government. Training will be offered in terms of francization, recognition of prior learning and information on all regions of Quebec.

August 18 - Quebec Experience Graduate Stream Applications Temporarily Suspended

The Government of Quebec has announced that the intake of applications to the Quebec Experience Program’s Graduates Stream has been suspended until November 1, 2019. In his ministerial instructions on July 10, 2019, Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette has highlighted the key elements of the suspension.

However, there are a couple of exceptions under which the applicants can apply:

1. Graduates who have a valid work permit as of July 10th, 2019, expiring before November 1, 2019, and are currently living in Quebec.

2. Applicants who had previous applications terminated with the passing of Quebec’s Bill 9 in June 2019, and were either working or studying in Quebec on a temporary resident visa (TRV).

As this has curtailed international students from applying for the PEQ, students have other choices of either the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and the Canadian Experience Class pathways to attain permanent residence (PR).