Quebec prioritized foreign labor recruitment in July within immigration regulations
Quebec Reopens Skilled Worker Program to Address Urgent Labor Shortages
The Quebec government, under the leadership of François Legault, has reopened its main economic immigration program, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), following a moratorium that was imposed in October 2024 [1][2][3]. The restart of the QSWP was met with a cold reception by the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI), who found the number of invitations disappointing [1].
The reopening of the QSWP aims to address urgent labor market needs in Quebec, prioritizing candidates who are already in Quebec, especially those with Quebec-specific work or study experience [2][3]. The program is transitioning from the previous Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) to the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ or SWSP) with updated criteria [2][3].
Key changes to the QSWP include:
- Priority is given to applicants already living in Quebec, such as temporary foreign workers or students with local experience [2][3].
- French language proficiency is heavily emphasized, reflecting Quebec’s focus on francophone immigration [1][3].
- Experience or study beyond Quebec’s main urban centers and work in professions experiencing labor shortages are favored [3].
- Invitations to apply will be extended gradually, initially targeting people with work experience or education in Quebec, particularly in shortage occupations [3].
- The program has replaced the older Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ); therefore, new permanent selection applications under the PRTQ are no longer accepted unless for adding or removing family members if already selected [2].
- Applicants must formally declare interest through the Arrima portal, where profiles are scored based on multiple criteria linked to Quebec's labor needs and integration priorities [5].
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, the Solidarity Party immigration critic, has criticized the CAQ's poor management of immigration files [4]. The CAQ has no plan to address the delays for the 142,000 people already selected for permanent residence in Quebec [4]. Delays are increasing in all categories, notably in spousal reunification [4].
The PEQ is currently suspended, and delays are increasing in all categories. The "diploma" stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is currently subject to a moratorium and will remain so until at least the end of November [1]. Foreign students make up 9% of the invitations sent last month, with 44 people receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence [1].
The Minister of Immigration, Jean-François Roberge, stated in June that he wanted to favor applications from foreign workers already established in Quebec [2]. The evaluation criteria of the QSWP have been modified to reflect these directives [2]. This reopening reflects a strategic shift by Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) to meet labor demand quickly by selecting skilled workers who contribute directly to the Quebec economy and society, especially those already integrated to some extent [1][2][3][5].
A bank of 62,000 active declarations of interest is currently held at the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration [5]. Despite the reopening, the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI) has expressed concerns about the number of invitations for the QSWP, suggesting that the delays could lead to a catastrophe in certain categories [1].
References: 1. CBC News 2. La Presse 3. Le Devoir 4. Radio-Canada 5. Arrima
In light of the Quebec government's strategic shift to meet labor demands, the reopened Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) prioritizes candidates who have already been living in Quebec, such as temporary foreign workers or students with local experience, reflecting a focus on general-news and political interests related to urgent labor shortages. This change in criteria aims to address political issues in Quebec, as the program explicitly favors francophone immigration and skills needed in specific regions and occupations, particularly in shortage areas.
The reopened QSWP also highlights the government's commitment to favoring foreign workers already established in Quebec, aligning with the political agendas surrounding immigration management and general news discussions regarding increasing delays in immigration processes. The program's changes, including a focus on French language proficiency, prioritizing non-urban work and study experience, and inviting candidates gradually for permanent residence, highlight the political and general-news importance of addressing labor shortages and integrating foreign workers effectively into Quebec's economy and society.
