Quebec unveiled plans today for a new Expression of Interest system modelled on the federal Express Entry system. The new Expression of Interest (Déclaration d’intérêt) system will manage candidate profiles for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
Quebec’s Immigration Ministry, the Ministère d’Immigration, Diversité and Inclusivité (MIDI), has made no secret of its intention to create its own version of Express Entry following the introduction of Canada’s federal economic immigration management system in January 2015.
Quebec’s immigration system is unique and the province has significant autonomy in creating its programs.
The Expression of Interest system will replace the first-come, first-served application process for the QSWP and its problem-plagued Mon Projet Quebec application portal. That portal will continue to receive applications from cap-exempt QSWP candidates with an employment offer and temporary residents of Quebec until the Expression of Interest system is in place.
Like Express Entry, interested candidates, who are eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, would have to submit an Expression of Interest as a first step.
Also similar to the Federal Express Entry system, a profile will be valid for 12 months.
Under the Federal Express Entry system, a candidate’s ranking score is determined by points awarded for factors such as employment, education, language skills, age, as well as additional factors. It is expected that Quebec will have a unique points-system that operates in a similar way.
Candidates would be drawn from the Expression of Interest pool through invitation rounds during which a specified number of candidates who meet or exceed a specified cut-off score would be issued invitations to apply for a Quebec selection certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ).
Those issued an invitation to apply will have 90 days to submit a complete application for CSQ. Applicants who receive an CSQ from Quebec can then apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence.
More details about this system, including the ranking system and exact start date, are expected to be announced in the near future
