11-07-2013
As of August 1, 2013 new Quebec immigration rules will come into force and remain in effect until March 31, 2014. These changes will affect quotas for certain immigration programs, accreditation for language proficiency in French, and Quebec’s list of accepted skilled occupations (areas of training). Affected parties to these changes include immigrant permanent workers, investors, businesspeople and self-employed workers.
Quebec Skilled Worker Applicants
First, the maximum capacity for Quebec skilled worker applications has been adjusted to 20,000. However, individuals will be exempt from this quota if they apply under the Quebec Experience Class, already have a valid job offer, or if the individual is a currently a temporary resident of Quebec and is eligible to submit an application for a Quebec selection certificate.
In order to receive points for language proficiency, applicants must provide proof of at least advanced intermediate knowledge of French or higher. Proficiency in written French will earn principal applicants two points while those for oral French will be announced later on when the changes are implemented.
Quebec Experience Class Applicants
This program also requires its applicants to provide proof of at least advanced intermediate levels in oral French to be considered eligible for language proficiency points in those categories. An individual’s knowledge of French can be demonstrated either with the results of a standardized test such as the TEF or with proof that they completed at least 36 months of secondary or post-secondary education in the French language. The latter requires Quebec Selection Certificate applications to be submitted within three years following the completion of these studies.
Areas of Training
The “Areas of Training” is a list for 2013 skill areas reflecting where Quebec needs immigrants to fill in gaps in the job market. The official list has not yet been released, FWCanada will keep you informed as more information is released by the Quebec Government.
Quebec Investor Class
1750 applications for Quebec Selection Certificates will be accepted under the Investors program with a maximum of 1200 applicants per country. This quota will not apply to applicants who have an advanced intermediate knowledge of French validated by a standardized test. Candidates must pay a $10,000 application fee for the Selection Certificate; nevertheless, this sum covers the entire file and will not require additional payments for family members.
Applications must be received by normal mail only between August 1st and 16th, 2013. However, those certified with an advanced intermediate level of French are free to submit their application at any time. As the priority for these applications will be decided randomly, individuals can only submit one application.
Quebec Businesspeople and Self-Employed Worker Programs
Only 500 applications will be accepted under these Quebec immigration categories. Applicants will only be eligible for points in language proficiency if they have at least an advanced intermediate knowledge of oral and written French.
This new threshold only applies to principal applicants to the Quebec Entrepreneur programs. The modified language requirements will also apply to principal applicants under the Self-Employed worker program for both oral and written French while spouses of applicants are subject to the new requirements for spoken French only.
Specific point systems have not yet been released regarding the increased minimum levels French to advanced intermediate. FWCanada will continue to keep you up-to-date with program changes as the Quebec Government releases more information.
Be sure to review our website’s information for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the Quebec Experience Class Program, and Quebec Business Immigration for detailed updates.
FWCanada is a Montreal-based immigration law firm that provides professional legal services on Canadian immigration. For more tips and updates on Canadian immigration, follow FWCanada on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
