Quebec, Canada’s unique francophone province, has long attracted skilled workers and international graduates due to its vibrant culture, top-tier education institutions, and economic opportunities. However, recent policy shifts, such as the pause of Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the Graduate component of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), have left many in Quebec’s temporary resident community uncertain about their paths to permanent residency (PR). For these individuals, Canada’s Express Entry system presents a viable alternative for establishing roots in Canada outside Quebec.
This article delves into why skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec should consider the Express Entry system, its advantages, and pathways to increase their chances of securing PR status.
Understanding the Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary immigration application system, targeting candidates who wish to live and work in provinces and territories outside Quebec. Launched in 2015, it manages three federal economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Each program within Express Entry has specific eligibility criteria, and candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS score is based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English and French. Candidates with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR through regular draws.
Why Consider Express Entry Outside Quebec?
Due to recent policy changes in Quebec, such as the suspension of PRTQ and PEQ, temporary residents may find their PR options limited if they intend to stay in Quebec. By exploring Express Entry, candidates can apply for PR to live and work in other Canadian provinces. This is also timely, as Canada’s immigration target under the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome over 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry alonepansion aligns with Canada’s economic and demographic needs, creating a ripe opportunity for those with valuable skills and Canadian work experience.
Key Programs under Express Entry
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class program is designed for candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, which can include temporary residents in Quebec. Notably, the CEC pathway awards extra CRS points for Canadian work experience, increasing candidates’ chances of securing an ITA. Recent trends show that the majority of CEC candidates tend to receive invitations due to their Canadian experience, especially when coupled with strong language proficiency.
Eligibility for CEC:
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience within the past three years, not counting work as a student or self-employment.
- Language Proficiency: At least CLB 5 for certain occupations (TEER 2 or 3 jobs) and CLB 7 for higher-level roles (TEER 0 or 1).
- Intent to Settle Outside Quebec: CEC candidates must intend to live outside Quebec.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is ideal for skilled professionals without Canadian work experience who meet the specific selection criteria, including high levels of education, work experience, and language ability. Applicants must achieve at least 67 points out of a possible 100 in categories such as education, language, work experience, and adaptability.
Eligibility for FSWP:
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous, full-time experience in a skilled occupation.
- Language: CLB level 7 or higher.
- Education: Canadian or foreign credential equivalent verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Settlement Funds: Required unless the candidate has arranged employment.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program targets candidates with experience in skilled trades. This path is particularly valuable for individuals in fields such as construction, industrial services, and transportation, which are in demand in Canada.
Eligibility for FSTP:
- Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer or a qualification certificate from a Canadian regulatory body.
- Experience: Two years of full-time experience in a trade within the last five years.
- Language: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Enhancing Your CRS Score
The CRS is highly competitive, and recent draws show cut-off scores generally above 490, making it crucial for candidates to maximize their scores . Here a strategies:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A provincial nomination offers a 600-point boost, effectively guaranteeing an ITA. Provinces periodically invite candidates with specific skills, work experience, or language proficiency to settle in their region.
- Category-Based Draws: Express Entry now includes draws for specific fields such as healthcare, STEM, and trades. For example, candidates with healthcare or STEM experience may qualify for category-specific draws with lower CRS cut-offs.
- Language Proficiency: French-speaking applicants can earn additional points, especially relevant for those in Quebec who may already have advanced French skills. Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 or higher in all abilities is required for the French-language draw.
- Spousal Points: If a candidate has a spouse, their language ability, education, or work experience can contribute up to 40 additional points to the CRS score.
How Express Entry Draws Work
IRCC conducts various rounds of invitations under Express Entry:
- General Draws: Invite candidates with the highest CRS scores across all programs.
- Program-Specific Draws: Target candidates from specific Express Entry programs, like CEC or FSWP.
- Category-Based Draws: Focus on specific occupations or skills, aligned with Canada’s labor needs.
Candidates are ranked by CRS score, and the highest-ranked candidates receive ITAs, which they must respond to within 60 days. The application processing time for PR is approximately six months.
A Path to Permanent Residency for Quebec’s Skilled Workers
For international graduates and skilled workers in Quebec, the temporary halt of local PR programs has highlighted the importance of federal pathways like Express Entry. This is also part of Canada’s broader strategy to attract talent across the country. By leveraging Express Entry, skilled workers and graduates in Quebec can diversify their PR options and position themselves competitively within Canada’s immigration framework.
Express Entry remains a powerful tool for skilled immigrants aiming to contribute to Canada’s economy, and with the recent expansion in immigration targets, the system will continue playing a vital role. Whether through the CEC, FSWP, or FSTP, international graduates and temporary residents in Quebec have strong prospects for permanent residency if they’re open to moving outside Quebec.
