Changes to Quebec Immigration Program Affect Applicants

Changes to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program were implemented on October 14, 2009. Primarily, the change reduces the pass mark for immigration. Independent applicants now only need to score 55 points as opposed to the prior 59 in order to immigrate. For individuals submitting applications as a couple, the pass mark has been lowered from 68 to 63.

The new points system favors applicants under the age of 35, and, in keeping with Canada’s trades-focused industry growth, Quebec now accepts post-secondary graduates holding technical and trades certificates or applicants with university diplomas of only one or two years duration. The province of Quebec has also changed its preferred training categories, ensuring that individuals with training experience in specific areas secure more points and, in certain instances, benefit from expedited processing. These changes ensure that many applicants who previously did not qualify for immigration will now be admitted to Canada.

Individuals who submitted their applications prior to the October 14, 2009 changes will be assessed under both prior and current criteria, and will be approved if they qualify under either one of the two systems. Persons who submit their applications after October 14, 2009, will be assessed under the new criteria only. Contact one of the Canadian immigration lawyers at Bomza Law Group to find out whether you qualify under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program or any other program for immigration to Canada.