Immigration Visa for Canada
| Skilled Worker, Canada | ||||||||||||||||
| The major factors on which an individual is assessed in order to immigrate to Canada are:
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| Age | ||||||||||||||||
| Your points score is calculated based on your age on submission of the application. | ||||||||||||||||
| Education | ||||||||||||||||
| A lot of stress has been laid on the academic qualifications of the applicant. People with higher education and good skills earn more points. | ||||||||||||||||
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Language Ability |
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| Maximum points are awarded for the First language i.e English (English or French for Canada) for its high proficiency. In case of Canada, additional points are also awarded for higher levels of proficiency in the second national language of Canada i.e English/French. Knowledge of French is also essential for Quebec Provincial Nominee Program. |
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| Work Experience | ||||||||||||||||
| The Canada immigration points system wants individuals with at least 1 to 4 years of full time experience | ||||||||||||||||
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Arranged employment |
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| You earn additional points if you have a job offer approved by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) | ||||||||||||||||
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Adaptability |
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| If your spouse has gained education till Post Secondary level, you could earn additional points. This is only applicable under Skilled Worker category. | ||||||||||||||||
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Relatives in Canada |
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| If you or your spouse have a relative then you can get additional points (relative may be parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or grandchild of a parent, niece or nephew who is residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident). | ||||||||||||||||
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Settlement Funds |
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| A certain amount of funds are required to be shown at the port of entry into Canada to establish that the immigrant will not become a public liability. | ||||||||||||||||
Proposed changes in Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) for 2013 announced
Canada immigration announced that there will be changes in the Canadian Federal Worker Program starting early 2013. These changes were made with the purpose of increasing the chances of getting better skilled workers. To quote Jason Kensy, Canada’s Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister “The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada’s largest economic immigration programme, the changes we are making to update the selection criteria are based on a large body of data and evidence we’ve accumulated over the years showing what skills and qualifications are most likely to lead to success for skilled immigrants.”
The proposed changes are as follows:
- 1. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) proposes to increase the importance of the official language, hence assigning more points to it.
- 2. Giving more importance to younger immigrants.
- 3. More value to Canadian work experience as compared to foreign work experience.
- 4. Points awarded for spousal language ability and Canadian experience.
- 5. Simplifying the arranged employment process.
- 6. Giving importance to adaptability.
- 7. Change in education points and assessment of foreign educational credential.
Quebec Immigration – Skilled Worker Program
The Quebec Immigration selection system for Quebec Skilled Workers is designed to indicate which applicants are likely to become economically established upon immigration to Quebec.
To qualify for a Quebec Selection Certificate, Skilled Worker / Professional applicants must score enough points under the Quebec Immigration selection system below. A single applicant must score at least 49 points based on the criteria below. An applicant with a spouse or common-law/conjugal partner must score at least 57 points.
The Quebec Immigration selection factors may be summarized as follows:
| Education | Up to 12 points (Cutoff Score = 2 points) |
| Area of Training | Up to 16 points (Cutoff Score = 6 points) |
| Validated Employment Offer | Up to 10 points |
| Work Experience | Up to 8 points |
| Age | Up to 16 points |
| Language Proficiency | Up to 22 points |
| Stay and Family in Quebec | Up to 8 points |
| Spouse’s Characteristics | Up to 16 points |
| Children | Up to 8 points |
| Financial Self-Sufficiency | 1 point (Cutoff Score = 1) |
The Quebec Immigration selection system for Quebec Skilled Workers is designed to indicate which applicants are likely to become economically established upon immigration to Quebec.
- For more information on approved French tests, see Proving French Language Ability (Quebec Skilled Worker Program).
- For more information on the approved English test, see Proving English Language Ability – International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
To better prepare themselves for the required French language tests, Campbell Cohen clients may now take advantage of a new partnership with Rosetta Stone, the global leader in language learning software.
Up to an additional 6 points may be awarded upon the interview for Adaptability. With these points awarded, a single applicant must score a minimum of 55 points. An applicant with a spouse or common-law/conjugal partner must score at least 63 points.
Quebec Skilled Worker / Professional applicants must then successfully complete medical and security examinationsconducted by the Canadian government in order to be granted a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.
Quebec Skilled Workers / Professionals are not assessed based upon the selection factors of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Citizenship and Immigration Canada acknowledges the selection of applicants who meet Quebec immigration selection criteria.
Processing Times
Quebec Skilled Workers / Professionals Processing Times vary from one Canadian Immigration Visa Office to another.
Quebec Selected Skilled Worker
Quebec skilled worker visa for Canada gives unrestricted access to the domestic job market without the need for a Canadian work permit, a sponsoring employer, or a specific job offer. It is a good option for those who do not qualify for Canada Federal Skilled Migration.
After you have been selected by Quebec, you have to make a separate application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence. Your application will be assessed by a CIC officer based on Canadian immigration regulations.
Quebec-selected skilled workers are not assessed on the six selection factors of the Federal Skilled Workers Program. French is not mandatory if you meet the points in the other areas.
Eligibility Requirements
Selection is based on several factors:
- Education / Training
- Experience
- Prior Employment Offer
- Age (18 – 35 years of age & with a diploma / degree, relevant work experiences will easily qualify)
- Language Proficiency
- Spouse Characteristics
- Children
- Family in Quebec
- Adaptability
- Financial Self-Sufficiency
Additionally
- You must be conversant in one of these languages – English or French.
- There could be a short personal interview during the process stage.
- You will need to prove you can support yourself & your family in Quebec.
- The entire process could take about 12 – 18 months
- You will have to pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks. You can find more information on both of these topics in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page. You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.
Maintenance Funds
You are required to show that you can support yourself and your family for initial 6 months after entering Quebec.
The required amount to be shown is:
- For single person – 1.5 lacs
- For married couple – 2 lacs
- In case, children accompanying then additional 1 lac for each child.
Note: Bank Balance need not be maintained for any stipulated period prior to application.
Application Process & Costs
- Quebec-selected skilled workers must apply in two stages; firstly, you must apply to the Quebec government for a “Certificate of Selection” (Certificat de selection du Quebec). Secondly, after being selected by Quebec, you have to make a separate application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence.
- Quebec-selected skilled workers must pass a medical examination, security and criminal checks.
Why the Quebec – Selected Skilled Worker
- The Quebec processing times are considerably shorter than Federal Skilled program.
- Two independent point score grids – one for Single applicants and one for Couple, so that Single applicants are not disadvantaged or handicapped in terms of their ability to attain the passing mark, as is the case in the Federal program.
- The country’s rapidly ageing population, coupled with a dearth of young workers, will cause a major shortage of potential employees and could mean immigrants will account for almost all of the labour force growth within a decade, Statistics Canada suggests.
- Census data for 2002, predicts potential worker shortfalls in a vast range of occupations by 2011, from family doctors to bricklayers.
- In 2002, Quebec accepted approximately 21,600 Skilled Workers applicants and approximately 3,000 Business applicants.
- By 2021, Canada will have only two working Canadians for each retiree, compared with a current 6-to-1 ratio.
- Changing world economic trends require Canada to have a dynamic and competitive society.
- Canada competes for the best and the brightest immigrants, with countries like New Zealand, Australia, and U.S.A through various immigrant routes.
- The Canadian government sets annual immigration quotas which need to be met.
Occupations in Demand & Job Prospects
You can earn bonus points if you have education and relevant work experience in the same field. You can earn bonus points if you have education and relevant work experience in the same field. Currently, 87 occupations are in high demand in Quebec. These include IT Professionals, Engineers, Accounting Professionals, Teachers, Healthcare Professionals, Trades, Sales, Marketing & other general professionals. Quebec has a comprehensive list of occupations in demand. Sign up for an evaluation to see if you qualify.
Additional costs towards visa application processing
1st Stage visa payment for Quebec Selection Certificate:
| Principal applicant |
C$ 750 |
| Spouse or de facto spouse |
C$ 156 |
| Each dependent child |
C$ 156 |
2nd Stage visa payment for application processing at CIC
| Principal applicant |
C$ 550 |
| Spouse or any family member above 22 years |
C$ 550 |
| Each dependent child below 22 years |
C$ 150 |
3rd Stage visa payment for Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
| Principal applicant |
C$ 490 |
| Spouse or any family member above 22 years |
C$ 490 |
| Each dependent child below 22 years> |
NA |
Note: Expenses towards PCC & Medical Test will be borne by the client.
Why Quebec
A modern, yet historic city, Quebec is considered to be the first European-built city in non-Spanish North America. Founded by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer and diplomat on July 3, 1608, the province of Quebec has a modern and solid social fiber with a universal, free healthcare system and a highly developed education system, it is known for its exceptional quality of life and career opportunities. Its diversified economy is powered by abundant natural resources and an expanding information technology sector and other cutting-edge industries. Its import-export performance makes it one of the world’s top 20 economies. Here’s more to why Quebec is the choice of many aspirants who wish to work, study and/or migrate.
- Voted No.1 by UN for seven consecutive years
- Excellent, Free Education
- Literacy 99%
- Government loans and grand for post secondary study (regardless of age)
- Clean and safe environment
- Multiculturalism – you are not considered a second class citizen
Excellent Social Services:
- Unemployment Insurance
- Social Assistance
- Child Tax Benefit
- Family Allowance
- Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Workers’ Compensation
- Excellent public and private healthcare system, free medical care
- A very strong federal and provincial government support infrastructure for new immigrants
- The most flexible residency requirement in the Western world
- Canadian Passport (after three years), is one of the most valued passports for international travel
About Quebec
Quebec is a province in east-central Canada. Quebec is Canada’s largest province by area and its second-largest administrative division. Quebec is Canada’s second most populous province, after Ontario. While the province’s substantial natural resources have long been the mainstay of its economy, sectors of the knowledge economy such as aerospace, information and communication technologies, biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry also play leading roles. These many industries have all contributed to helping Quebec become the second most economically influential province, second only to Ontario. Quebec has a capitalist economy with high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita which is fuelled by abundant natural resources, a well-developed infrastructure, and average productivity. The total GDP of Quebec is estimated at C$ 303,747 billion which represent the second largest in Canada. The economy of Quebec is ranked the 44th largest economy in the world and ranked the 21st largest in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Science and technology are key factors in the economic position of Quebec. More than one million people in Quebec are employed in science and technology sector.
Quebec Province
From the plush malls to the serene countryside – Quebec has it all! Quebec is the largest Canadian province by size and the second largest in population. What lures people here is the quality of life offered along with the constant boom in its economy which caters to stable growth and development of the province. This province is a major contributor to the overall growth and development of the nation.
When it comes to immigration, Canada is one of the most sought after destinations in the world.
Quebec being the largest province in Canada offers loads of opportunities for foreign migrants who wish to live and work in the province. For professionals, the Quebec Skilled Worker program and for investors, the Quebec Immigrant Investor program, offers the best options for intending migrants. At the same time, it caters to a cost of living which is affordable based on the income in the province. All the major aspects and services such as housing, health care, education, child-care services as well as taxes are aimed to be within an affordable level. Also, it is the only province in entire Canada which has a French speaking population.
Montreal
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second largest in Canada. Considered as one of the better cities in the world; it is the main hub for industry, commerce, finance, technology and other world affairs. It is host to some of the leading industries in the world offering employment to millions of people – both residents and immigrants.
The city offers a society which is multicultural as well as cosmopolitan; thus making it easier for any foreigner to come and settle down in this city. From variety in cuisines to different cultures, nothing could be missed out here.
Above all, the province caters to a society which is open, democratic and secular in all aspects. As a prospective destination for immigration, it is definitely one of those places which have to be considered seriously before actually moving to the next prospective destination. Employment Opportunities in Quebec Settle in Quebec.
For any applicant, the first concern is always the financial security. This is especially true when a person decides to immigrate. Quebec is the largest province in Canada which is thriving with professional opportunities and has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada.
When it comes to the economy of Quebec, it is highly diversified catering to numerous opportunities for its immigrants and residents.
Here is a list of some of the most productive industries in the province.
These include the following:
- Aerospace Industry
- Information Technology
- Finance
- Health Industry
- Biotechnology
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- Optics and Photonics
- Hydroelectricity
- Mining
The list does not end here. When it comes to these industries in Quebec, they are one of the best in the world or leaders in Canada itself. These industries employ millions of people which include many immigrants.
In order to live and work in Quebec, a foreign migrant has to apply for immigration under the Quebec Skilled Worker program. It has to be remembered that this program is different from that of the Skilled Migrant program offered by Federal Canada.
Contact us to get information on employers as well as a list of industries and economy sectors functioning in Quebec. Quebec Skilled Migrant Program – Eligibility Criteria
Settle in Quebec The qualifying criteria for Quebec Skilled Worker program are completely different from that of Federal Canada program for skilled professionals. The criteria have been devised by the provincial authorities of Quebec as per the immigration requirements of the province and under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration. When it comes to selecting its set of prospective applicants, Quebec especially looks into the aspect of adaptability for its future migrants. Based on this aspect, the eligibility requirements have been brought about which have to be satisfied by each applicant applying for Quebec Selection Certificate under the Skilled Workers Program.
- Intention to Live and Work in Quebec: All applicants applying for this program must intend to live and work in Quebec. They should also be able to demonstrate that they have the skills and ability to contribute to the provincial economy. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom permits all permanent residents and citizens to live and work in any of the 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada.
- Educational Qualifications: All applicants have to be academically qualified who could cater to the economy of Quebec. A minimum of a diploma has to be possessed by the prospective immigrant.
This diploma should be equivalent to either a Secondary School Diploma or a Diploma in Vocational Studies or a degree under the Education System of Quebec.
- Training Factor: Applicants can earn points if their earned qualifications fall under the designated and applicable list of foreign earned qualifications. Where qualifications are unrelated, one can claim credit if such an unrelated qualification is earned in the five year period preceding the filing of the application. It has to be noted that one may still qualify under the program though he may not be gaining any training factor credit.
- Professional Experience: Applicants can claim points for maximum of four years of experience.
- French and English Language Skills: Quebec Skilled Migrant program is the only one its kind where credits are given for oral and understanding aspects of French and English language. One can claim points under the French and English language factors only against submission of the related DELF and IELTS tests scores.
- Financial Security: The applicant must have sufficient funds to support self and dependents during the initials days of landing in Quebec. The funds requirements for Quebec skilled program are very low.
Other factors include age, a validated employment offer, number and age of dependent children, qualifications of the spouse and so on.
Quebec Skilled Migrant Program – Application Process
An applicant has to apply separately for immigration to Quebec. The procedure for Quebec is independent than that of Federal Canada. The following steps are involved in the application procedure:
- Application Filing: The first step in this process is the filling and filing of the visa application at the Quebec Immigration Visa Post. Take note that all the incomplete applications are rejected. Mandatory documents have to be provided with the application for it to be processed further. Based on the credentials and documents provided by the applicant, it would be decided by the visa officer, whether or not the candidate qualifies for the next stage.
- Personal Interview*: This is an important part of the selection procedure. This interview is conducted to assess the applicant as a potential migrant. The Visa Officer evaluates the level of adaptability along with the necessary skills that could prove him to be a successful migrant in Quebec. The oral skills in French would also be evaluated completely.
- Venue for the Interview: This interview is conducted at the place where the application has been filed. The Government of Quebec may send their delegation of visa officers to specific nations for these interviews to be conducted. In case of applicants from Asia, Hong Kong is the designated visa post. So, if an Asian applicant qualifies for an interview, he would have to fly to Hong Kong at his own expense. However, if the interview is scheduled to take place in the nation where the applicant is residing, it would usually be conducted at the Canadian Consulate of that particular nation. In the recent past, interviews for Quebec Skilled Migrant program have been conducted at nearest Canadian High Commission rather than at Hong Kong.
- Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ): All the successful applicants and their accompanying family members (post interview or those exempted) would be issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) or the Certificat du Selection du Quebec. Here, one has to be aware that this certificate is not the Permanent Visa.
- Medical & Security Clearances: The application along with the CSQ has to be filed at the federal level for the medical and security checks to be conducted. Further instructions would be given as to how to go about the process. For security checks, the applicant has to present documents which prove his identity and civil status. A police clearance certificate should also be accompanied with these documents. In case of medical clearances, a medical examination by a physician is required. This physician should be approved by Citizen and Immigration Canada. This physician should be approved by Citizen and Immigration Canada.
An applicant has to apply separately for immigration to Quebec. The procedure for Quebec is independent than that of Federal Canada. The following steps are involved in the application procedure:
The Permanent Resident Visa would be issued after the above is approved by the federal authorities. The visa stamping on travel documents and on the landing papers would be done by the federal authorities.
* Those proficient in French and qualify under other selecting factors might be exempted from this personal interview. Final decision on giving such exemption lies with the visa officer. Application Processing Fee Settle in Quebec for the visa application to be accepted by the High Commission, an application fee has to be paid.
An application would not be processed further without the payment of the appropriate amount in Canadian dollars. The applicant has to first pay to the Government of Quebec and then to Federal Government.
Quebec Skilled Workers / Professionals Processing Fees
The below mentioned fee has to be submitted at the relevant visa post. However, this fee is subject to change without any prior notice.
Consulate Evaluates for:
- Potential Migrant
- Adaptability
- French language skills Quebec Selection
- Certificate / Certificat du Selection du Quebec (CSQ)
- Filing Application with CSQ at Federal Level
- Medical & Security Clearances
- Visa Stamping
How Vital Proficiency in French Is For Quebec Immigration!
French is the most widely spoken language in the province of Quebec. Knowledge of French is critical when it comes to filing an application for immigration to Canada under Quebec Skilled Worker Program. This is altogether a different issue that myths and misconceptions surrounding this criterion exist in plenty, with the most common being the growing perception that those who do not know the French language are ineligible to apply. This is incorrect as knowledge of French language is just one of the many skills sought by the Quebec Immigration authorities. This includes education; number of years of experience, occupation is which experience is earned, language factor, application spousal credentials, and number of children, financial capability, and visa officers’ assessment on personal suitability, among many others. If one meets the pass-mark and selection criteria without consideration of the language factor points, then a successful application can still be filed – even if the applicant does not know or learn French.
However, meeting requirements without consideration of language points in a highly unlikely scenario in almost most cases and for such applicants it will become a requirement that they appear in French and English language tests and provide the scores in both the language along with the application form. This implies that an applicant should learn French language, appear in French language test, also appear in IELTS test and THEN file the application under the Quebec skilled worker program. Those who are unwilling to learn the French language or those who lack the aptitude or the time to learn the same should not file an application under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. As simple as that! No rocket science! Lack of knowledge of French language by the time interview is scheduled will mean clear refusal.
Quebec skilled worker program is an excellent option for applicants who are not interested in any other immigration destination except Canada and are not qualified to make an application under Canada Federal or Canada Provincial Nominee programs or other immigration destinations for various reasons. When not qualified for ANY destination but still interested in Migrating to a developed country like Canada, then why not Quebec program? Quebec is a great province to make your home. Also remember that in the process one also learns a widely accepted international language and will be a credit on ones’ resume. Post landing in Canada, it will also improve the employment prospects for those who take the initiative to learn the language as both French and English are official languages in Canada. So for investing a few months in learning French language, one can hope get permanent resident visa within 24-36 months.
Do remember, however, that French being the most widely spoken language in Quebec does not mean or imply that the local residents of Quebec do not speak English. The City of Montreal is just one of the many shining examples of the cosmopolitan cities in Quebec and Canada. The point based eligibility criteria is definitely an import
