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Quebec’s two immigration programs for Canada’s PR

No doubt Quebec is the most famous province in Canada. It is rich in culture and language. Quebec has its own immigration system and ministry. It has its own programs and parameters to handle immigrants for settlement in the province. Quebec ministry is so strong that both the employee and the employer have to follow certain rules to participate in the program. The province has managed the permanent residents, work permit and study permit very well. Quebec has the ability to manage its own immigration targets and select applicants based on its own parameters and procedures.

Quebec Skilled Workers

Quebec has launched 2 basic programs for skilled workers and immigrants:

  • Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
  • Quebec Experience Class (PEQ)

The QSWP is designed for foreign skilled workers who want to come to Quebec. In the first step, the candidate will show his expression of interest (EOI). He will apply for his EOI through an online program called Arrima. Quebec will judge the candidates on the basis of their age, language, education, and work experience. 

The ministry will put all the candidates in a pool to choose the most deserving one. They will select the high scorer from the pool to give them a chance for permanent selection. The chance is called the invitation to apply.

The second program PEQ is for foreign nationals and graduates with work experience in Quebec. The program is designed to support employers hiring foreigners who are already in Quebec and settled. 

How Quebec Selects the candidates?

Quebec selects the candidates through a Certificated that is called Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). The CSQ is managed by the Ministry of Immigration, integration, and Francizaton. These authorities confirm that the foreign candidates have been chosen to settle in the province. The candidate will participate in permanent residency in Canada on the bases of CSQ to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The selected people through the QSWP and PEQ are given a chance to apply for permanent residence.

What choices are available for Temporary Foreign Workers?

Two ways have been introduced for foreign candidates who wish to come to Canada: 

  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
  • International Mobility Program (IMP)

The first program TFWP provides an option for Canadian employers to respond to the labor shortage requirements in the area by recruiting globally. This also confirms that Canadian nationals and permanent residents are focused on job openings.

The second option was introduced to support Canada’s economic and social factors. These programs actually help to promote culture, art, and sports and also give a chance to foreigners to move to Canada and strengthen ties with the international community. 

The candidate has to fulfill the requirements of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in TFWP, while this is not required in IMP. 

What is LMIA?

LMIA is a report that shows that foreign worker efforts will put a positive and neutral impact on the Labour market of the country. An LMIA and temporary work permit is needed before a foreign worker can start work in Canada with TFWP.

A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) will be required additionally if a Quebec employer wishes to recruit a foreign skilled worker on a Temporary Work Permit.

LMIA and Quebec Acceptance Certificates ensure that foreign workers will have a positive and neutral impact on the Labour market of the country.