Quebec Minister of Immigration Clarifies Plans for System following Termination of Backlogged Applications

Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Simon Jolin-Barrette, spoke out this Thursday about the province’s plan for selecting skilled workers to immigrate to the province. The announcement focused on outlining three key changes to the application and selection process for candidates of the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program, one of which includes pairing employers with potential new residents.

Leading up to the passing of Bill 9 into law in early June, there had been widespread confusion about the changes being delivered to the Quebec immigration system under the new provincial government. Talk of changes coming to Quebec included the introduction of a Quebec values and French-language test and the elimination of up to 18,000 backlogged applications.

As Bill 9 was passed into law this month, the plan to terminate backlogged applications was confirmed, potentially affecting up to 45,000 people awaiting a decision on their immigration status. It remains unclear what will become of the plans to implement a values test.

Three Changes to Quebec Immigration System
On Thursday, the Minister spoke openly about the government’s promise to cut processing times to 6 months, down from 36, after the backlog is terminated. He pointed to Quebec’s online application portal, Arrima, the system that will facilitate and manage this process.

Another recently implemented change is that those selected by the province to apply for a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) will now have 60 days, down from 90 days, from their selection date to send their documents.

Finally, the Minister introduced new plans to establish a portal that will connect Quebec employers with potential workers who are in the application process. The projected date for this portal is February 2020. It remains unclear whether this feature will be included within the Arrima portal reserved for QSW applicants, or exist outside of it. It has been made clear by the Quebec Ministry for Immigration that applicants with job-offers will be prioritized in the selection process.

As always, we will remain vigilant to any changes underway in the province of Quebec, and will keep our blog up-to-date and informed. Follow along here for all immigration news.