Quebec

The Québec government has recently announced amendments to the immigration regulations concerning Stream 3: Regulated Professions under the new Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP), which will take effect on November 29, 2024. These changes were published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on September 4, 2024.

Overview of Stream 3: Regulated Professions

Under the QWSP, individuals intending to practice a regulated profession in Québec must obtain proof of recognition of their skills or admission from the relevant regulatory authority before they can apply for permanent selection. This requirement is crucial for ensuring that foreign professionals meet the standards set by Québec’s regulatory bodies.

Key Amendments

Extended Application DeadlineOne significant amendment is the extension of the application deadline for individuals invited to apply under Stream 3. Unlike other streams, which require applications to be submitted within 60 days, applicants under Stream 3 will now have one year to submit their application and all required documents. This change aims to accommodate the processing times of regulatory authorities, allowing applicants sufficient time to gather necessary documentation.

Structure of the QWSP

The QWSP will consist of four distinct streams:

• Stream 1: High Qualification and Specialized Skills
• Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills
• Stream 3: Regulated Professions
• Stream 4: Outstanding Talent

Each stream targets different skill levels and areas of expertise, reflecting Québec’s diverse labor market needs.

Application Process

The QWSP will be integrated into an immigration application management system based on an expression of interest model. Candidates must complete this expression of interest and await an invitation to apply for permanent selection.

French Language Proficiency Requirements

In addition to professional qualifications, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French. For Stream 3, those in TEER categories 0, 1, or 2 must achieve at least a level 7 in oral French and a level 5 in written French. For TEER categories 3, 4, or 5, a minimum oral proficiency level of 5 is required.These amendments reflect Québec’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that immigrants can effectively integrate into the province’s workforce while maintaining its linguistic and cultural heritage.