Quebec Completes Picture of Revised Skilled Worker Program

Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada
Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Flag of . Color converted to RGB from...
English: Flag of . Color converted to RGB from the EPS file from the Government of Quebec which you'd have to assume is as authoritative as you can get. Français : Drapeau du Québec. Couleurs converties en RGB à partir du fichier EPS du Gouvernement du Québec. Русский: Флаг Квебека (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Following up on last month’s news article, the Quebec Government has released the 2013 list of Areas of Training (domaines de formation) for the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) Program. This list is in effect as of August 1st and includes many significant changes. These new details, in addition to the updated language rules announced last month, now provide a complete picture of the revised Skilled Worker Program for the province of Quebec.
The New Area of Training List
The revised QSW Program continues to use a points-based system. The 2013 Area of Training list, which awards extra points for 146 Areas of Training, is one of the significant revisions to the program. Some of the more notable differences between the previous (2009) and current (2013) lists are outlined in the chart below. Please note that the points indicated are conferred for degrees or diplomas obtained outside of Canada; degrees or diplomas obtained within Canada may receive a different number of points.
Area of TrainingPoints received
prior to August 1, 2013
Points received
as of August 1, 2013
Nursing1216
Civil, Construction or Transportation Engineering612
Computer Engineering612
Computer Support612
Dental Hygiene Techniques06
Industrial Engineering Technology06
The list also includes several new Areas of Training which did not previously receive extra points, such as Mineral Technology (6 points) and Banking and Financial Operations (6 points), to name a few.
What this means for Applicants
“This is fantastic news for nurses,” says Attorney David Cohen. “They were left off the occupation list for the Federal Skilled Worker Program this year, but the increase in points for this Area of Training demonstrates that the province of Quebec still has its doors open for nurses. However,” he added, “there is still a cap on the intake of applications, so interested applicants should apply as soon as possible.”
Computer engineers and civil engineers also benefit from a more accessible QSW program. While computer and civil engineers are also on the Federal list of occupations, the overall cap accepted by Quebec is much higher than the Federal cap, and the caps for the latter program are filling fast. As these two professions now receive 12 points for their Area of Training, many more applicants may be eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program without needing to submit the results of a French test with their application.
The new Area of Training list continues to demonstrate that the province is targeting foreign skilled workers whose academic qualifications will help them find work in the occupations which are in greatest demand in Quebec.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program Moving Forward
The much anticipated Quebec announcement has provided many skilled workers with a way to come to Canada and become permanent residents. The QSW Program revisions are great news for nurses, computer engineers, civil engineers, and the other 143 professions on the Area of Training list. The QSW Program is also now an option for applicants from many other backgrounds, even those who do not get extra points for their Area of Training.
To find out if you are eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program or any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, fill out a free online assessment today. 
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Changes to Labour Market Opinion Rules for Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The government of Canada has announced changes to the process for obtaining a labour market opinion (LMO) for applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker program, effective immediately, although a grace period has been granted for applications where recruitment has been completed and the LMO application is made prior to 28 August 2013.

Introduction of Processing Fee

Effective 31 July 2013, employers applying to hire TFWs must pay a processing fee of CAD$275 for each position requested to cover the cost of the Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Some agricultural positions are exempt from the fee.

New Advertising Requirement

Advertising must now run for four weeks (previously, two weeks was sufficient) before the employer can apply for an LMO. There are some exceptions, for live-in caregivers and workers in agriculture.
Employers must advertise on the national Job Bank website or the equivalent provincial/territorial websites, and, additionally, must prove that they have used at least two other recruitment methods that are consistent with the advertising practices for the occupation.
  1. If hiring for a higher skilled occupation—one of the methods must be national in scope;
  2. If hiring for a lower-skilled occupation—employers must demonstrate that they made efforts to target under-represented groups in the labour force.
Employers must also continue to actively seek qualified Canadians to fill the advertised positions until an LMO has been issued. The additional expense of this should be considered when budgeting for new applications.

Additional Questions on the LMO Form

The LMO application form has been updated and includes extensive new questions designed to ensure that Canadian employers are making their best efforts to hire resident workers.

Applications in Process

Applications already submitted are not affected. Applications where the recruitment efforts have been complete in line with the previous rules will be accepted, provided they are submitted to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSC) prior to 28 August 2013.

Action Items

  • Note the new fee of CAD$275 per employee for an LMO application
  • Note that advertising must run for at least four weeks and then must continue while the LMO application is in process; plan and budget accordingly
  • Note the new advertising criteria and ensure your Canadian colleagues are aware

This news alert was prepared using information provided by the Canadian government.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this immigration alert has been abridged from laws, court decisions, and administrative rulings and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice. If you have specific questions regarding the applicability of this information, please contact us.

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