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David Heurtel, the immigration minister of Quebec, informed the other day through Twitter that his ministry was planning to introduce certain changes to the immigration system of Quebec. The changes were originally outlined in March and these include introduction of a new Expression of Interest system. The minister expressed hope that the new changes will reduce the processing time of applications for immigration and enhance the Quebec economy. The changes are expected to come into force on August 2nd, 2018.
Here are four important things you must know about the new immigration regulations of Quebec:
Express Entry-style ‘expression of interest’ immigration system
The new Express Entry-style ‘expression of interest’ (Déclaration d’intérêt) immigration system to be introduced on June 2 is meant for the selection of economic immigrants to the province of Quebec. The system will be applied for the selection of candidates through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program(QSWP). The Ministère de l’Immigration, et de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) has already explained that the QSWP application process, under the new regulations, will include:
- The candidate submitting an Expression of Interest to settle in Quebec
- MIDI inviting the candidate to apply for a Québec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ)
- Candidate submitting an application for the Québec Selection Certificate to the MIDI.
- Candidate submitting the federal portion of the application upon obtaining the Québec Selection Certificate
Faster processing of applications
David Heurtel, the immigration minister of Quebec, says in his Tweet that the new system is designed to decrease processing times and help the province of Quebec maximize the potential of the immigration system as a driver for economic growth in the province. Quebec is aiming to reduce the processing time of applications for the economic immigration to less than 12 months.
Similar to federal Express Entry system
The new Expression of Interest immigration system will replace the ‘first-come, first-served’ model of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Under the new system, the candidate will have to first enter a pool of candidates similar to the Express Entry pool in order to apply. The profiles submitted to the Expression of Interest system will be valid for 12 months. In the lines of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the candidates will also be assigned a fresh points total. The Quebec Government will conduct periodic draws and select eligible candidates using a sliding points threshold.
New Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) will also undergo certain changes that will come into effect on August 2, 2018. The minimum investment requirement will be hiked from $800,000 to $1.2 million. The minimum required net worth amount will also be increased, from $1.6 million to $2 million. Another major requirement to apply for immigration under Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is two years of experience in management or business within the five years preceding the application.
Quebec has an autonomous immigration system and enjoys much independence to create its own immigration programs. It also sets annual immigration levels independent from the rest of Canada. Since 2016, Quebec has not accepted any new applications for immigration. After the introduction of new regulations, the province is expected to admit around 30,000 skilled workers every year.
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