Minimum Qualifying points reduced for Quebec Skilled Worker Program QSWP – Good news!

In an attempt to welcome more newcomers, the government of Quebec has lowered the pass mark required to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) as well as removed the ‘adaptability’ factor from the points-based program. The major consequence of this change will be the affect upon one of the thresholds (the adaptability interview) that previously had to be met by most applicants in order for them to proceed with an application for Canadian permanent residence through the QSWP. The program is not open for new applicants yet

In a press release, the Quebec Immigration department indicated that the adaptability interview was deemed to have been overly subjective. In this interview, an applicant’s documentation, language proficiency, and settlement plan for Quebec may have been inspected. Quebec noted that it retains the right to conduct interviews for the QSWP for quality control purposes and to verify the authenticity of submitted documents, though no points may be awarded for this interview. Based on various factors, if an individual satisfies the minimum points requirement for these factors, he or she may then gain additional points for any accompanying dependent children and proof of financial self-sufficiency. Job offer is not a requirement for QSWP.

Along with job offers, french proficiency is NOT a requirement for applicants which is a significant move by the Quebec government. Applicants who do not have knowledge of French, but who have strong credentials in other areas, may become eligible to apply. Pass mark for a single applicant is 49 points, and a married applicant is 57 points. The Quebec immigration department will then issue the CSQ for successful applicants and they will then apply to the Federal government and complete medical and criminality checks. However, all applicants must have intent to reside in Quebec.