Quebec introduces new reforms to QEP, 2 new pilot programs

The Quebec government has announced reforms to the Quebec Experience Program (QEP). There will also be 2 new pilot programs launched.

The QEP provides a permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign workers who have stayed in Quebec. This program works on a fast track basis.

The latest reforms have 4 objectives:

• Strong program integrity
• French-language proficiency to facilitate economic and social integration
• More efficiency in the selection process to meet the province’s labor market needs
• Better integration into the labor market

The work experience requirements for temporary foreign workers and international students who come to study in Canada will be increased now under the QEP.

A temporary foreign worker (TFW) will need to get a minimum of 36 months of full-time work experience. This shall be in the 48 months before their application for permanent residence.

The existing TFWs with a valid work permit Canada will be accommodated into the new scenario with a smooth transitional process.

International students will now need either 12 or 24 months of work experience in Quebec to be eligible for the QEP. Students who earn a university degree in Quebec or a Quebec diploma of college studies will need 12 months of work experience in Quebec.

These jobs must fall within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0, A, and B.

International students who earn a Quebec diploma of professional studies will now need 24 months of work experience in Quebec in NOC 0, A, B, and C level jobs.

Also, spouses of principal applicants under the QEP must demonstrate spoken knowledge in French when the new reforms take effect.

Completion certificates of advanced intermediate level French courses issued by Quebec’s educational institutions will not be admissible as proof of knowledge of French any longer under the new reform.

In a bid to treat Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and QEP candidates equally, the application processing time will be extended from 20 days to 6 months.

There will be 2 new immigration pilot programs that Quebec will be introducing under the new reform. These will be for tech workers and nurse’s aides.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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