March 31, 2023

How to become a skilled worker in Quebec

Quebec is known for its unique culture and language, which is why the province has more immigration authority than any other province in Canada. The Quebec government has its own immigration ministry, which allows it to have complete control over the permanent residents, study permit holders, and work permit holders that it admits into the province. If you’re interested in becoming a skilled worker in Quebec, this guide will walk you through the process.

 

Quebec Skilled Workers Programs

A skilled worker can immigrate to Quebec through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) or the Quebec Experience Class (PEQ). The QSWP is designed for foreign skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Quebec. To apply, they must declare their interest in immigrating to the province by submitting an expression of interest (EOI) through an online platform called Arrima. Candidates are scored on factors such as age, education, language skills, and work experience. The Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration will select top-scoring candidates from the pool and invite them to apply for permanent selection.

The PEQ, on the other hand, is an option for foreign graduates and candidates with work experience in Quebec. The goal of the program is to help employers hire foreigners who have already settled and are well-integrated into the province.

 

Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

Once a candidate is selected under the QSWP or the PEQ, they will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). The CSQ is administered by the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration, and it affirms that the foreign national has been selected to settle in Quebec. With a CSQ, the candidate can apply for Canadian permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

 

Temporary Foreign Worker Options

Foreign nationals can come to Canada to work through two pathways: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The TFWP allows Canadian employers to respond to the labor shortage needs in the country by hiring internationally, while also ensuring that Canadian citizens and permanent residents are prioritized for job openings. The IMP exists to promote Canada’s economic, social, and cultural policy objectives.

The TFWP requires the completion of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while the IMP does not. An LMIA is a document that demonstrates that the hiring of a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market. A temporary work permit and an LMIA are required before a foreign worker can begin working in Canada with a TFWP.

 

Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

If a Quebec employer wants to hire a foreign skilled worker on a Temporary Work Permit, they must get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in addition to an LMIA. The CAQ certifies that the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration is in accordance with the LMIA assessment that the hiring of the foreign workers will have a positive or neutral effect on the province’s labor market. Jobs that are LMIA-exempt do not require a CAQ.

 

Hiring a foreign worker

The Quebec Immigration Ministry releases a list of occupations that are eligible for facilitated LMIA processing. The process is considered facilitated because the labor shortages are proven, allowing Quebec employers to hire foreign workers more quickly as they do not have to demonstrate that there were no eligible Canadian workers to fill the role.

The Quebec government has simplified the hiring of temporary foreign workers who have a valid CSQ, allowing them to be exempt from the requirement to apply for an LMIA. Employers can avoid the requirement for an LMIA if they are hiring a foreign worker who has a valid work permit, holds a CSQ, currently resides in Quebec, and has applied for permanent residency under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

This streamlined process is designed to help Quebec employers hire skilled foreign workers faster and more efficiently. It recognizes the fact that many of these workers are already well-integrated into the province, has the necessary language skills, and are actively contributing to Quebec's economy.

However, it's important to note that employers must still comply with all other federal and provincial regulations and requirements when hiring a foreign worker. This includes obtaining a valid Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and ensuring that the foreign worker's employment conditions meet minimum standards, such as wages, working hours, and safety requirements.

Employers must also be aware of the potential cultural and language barriers that may arise when working with foreign workers. It's important to provide adequate training and support to ensure that the worker can effectively communicate and understand their job duties and responsibilities.

 

Becoming a skilled worker in Quebec

If you're a foreign worker looking to immigrate to Quebec, there are several pathways available to you. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is one option for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Quebec. Candidates are scored on various factors, including age, education, language skills, and work experience, and those with the highest scores are selected to apply for permanent selection.

Another option is the Quebec Experience Class (PEQ), which is designed for foreign graduates and candidates with work experience in Quebec. This program helps employers hire foreigners who have already settled and are well-integrated into the province.

To be eligible for these programs, you must meet certain criteria, including having the necessary language skills, education, and work experience. It's also important to note that there are quotas and caps on the number of applications that can be accepted each year, so it's important to apply as soon as possible and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

In addition to these programs, foreign workers can also come to Canada to work through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire internationally to address labour shortages, while the IMP promotes Canada's economic, social, and cultural objectives.

To work in Quebec under these programs, you must have a valid work permit and, in some cases, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It's important to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant to ensure that you are following all the necessary procedures and requirements.

 

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