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The province of Quebec has recently adopted an Expression of Interest system for selecting economic immigrants to the province. The new Quebec Expression of Interest system, modeled in line with the federal Express Entry system, is used for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). According to Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, David Heurtel, the new system aims to bring down the processing time of applications and enhance the economy of Quebec.
Application process
The Quebec Expression of Interest system has replaced the first-come, first-served application process for the QSWP. The new system is demand-based and applicants have to first enter a pool of eligible candidates. Anyone above the age of 18 can submit their profile to the pool of candidates. The profiles will then be awarded scores based on a number of factors.
In order to be eligible, the candidate must score minimum two points in education and one point for financial self-sufficiency. The single candidates who obtain minimum scores for education and financial self-sufficiency must finally score minimum 43 points aggregate combining various factors including education and training, work experience, age, language proficiency etc. Though a valid job offer can earn up to 14 points for the candidate, it is not a must to be eligible.
Quebec government will conduct periodic draws from this pool and invite qualified candidates using a sliding points threshold.
Selection factors
According to the updated Quebec Immigration Act, the selection criterion is “relating to a foreign national’s ability to successfully stay or settle in Quebec, such as training or a trade or occupation.” The following are eligibility factors based on which points are awarded to the candidates.
| Selection factors | Points |
| Education | Up to 14 points (minimum 2 points required) |
| Area of training | Up to 12 points |
| Work experience | Up to 8 points |
| Age | Up to 16 points |
| Language proficiency | Up to 22 points |
| Stay and Family in Quebec | Up to 8 points |
| Spouse/common-law partner characteristics | Up to 17 points |
| Valid job offer | Up to 14 points |
| Presence of accompanying children | Up to 8 points |
| Financial self-sufficiency | 1 point (required) |
Invitation to apply
The eligible candidates who are selected from the Quebec Expression of Interest pool will be issued an invitation to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ). Those who receive the invitation can submit the application within 90 days.
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The candidates who successfully apply will receive a CSQ which will make them eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The government will award permanent residence to eligible candidates after checking their medical and criminal admissibility.
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