As Quebec lowers the qualifying marks for its provincial immigration program the skilled worker programme, there is fresh flow of positive aura for foreigners who have been trying to get a Canadian visa. There is also a plus point to this news as Quebec has removed the column of local knowledge assessment from the programme.
Quebec skilled workers programme (QSWP):
This program is similar to federal program for Canada immigration, but with more simplified terms, criteria. The Quebec selection certificate (CSQ), is awarded on the point basis. Under this programme points are given for various field namely training, education, experience, age, language, qualifications of a partner or spouse, offer of employment, and children.
The minimum score for an unmarried applicant is 49 and that for a married applicant is 57. Language point can be up to a maximum of 22, preference is given for French (16 extra points) and English (6 extra points). For training an applicant’s point ranges from 6-16. Well, the area of training has been amended this year, and the applicant needs to be trained in fields of occupations in demand, such as jobs at Canada health center and jobs at the Canadian embassy. More points are to be awarded to candidates having degree in specific areas. More detailed information can be obtained from an immigration lawyer.
Division of points
- Area of training <= 16 points
- Education <= 14 points
- Job offer <= 10 points
- Work experience <= 8 points
- Language <= 22 points
- Family stay <= 8 ponts
- Spouse <= 17 points
- Children <= 8 points
- Age <= 16 points
- Financial self- sufficiency = 1 point
The application cycle
Application dates are subject to announcement by the government. Last applications were from April 1 2014 to March 31 2015. Since the selection mostly goes on by first come first serve basis, so it advised to seekers of Canadian visa to keep their application and ready. The figures show that this year a total of 6,300 applicants were accepted which is very less as compared to 2013 when the count was 20,000.
If the person wishes to apply for Canada Immigration at any time of the year apart from the announced application dates, then having a job offer in hand a must for him.
Getting the upper hand
Although it is very much clear that , Quebec skilled workers programme prefers candidates on first come first serve basis , but chances could be increased if a candidates simultaneously applies through the express entry system –the federal programme to grant permit to work in Canada , as sometimes Quebec may select from the candidate pool of express entry system.
All the very best to the applicants!!!