Quebec Immigration Applications: What You Should Know About the Changes Applied in 2021

Will I be accepted? Have I filled my application correctly? When will I receive my response? Because immigration applications are such a pivotal point in a newcomer’s journey, it is normal that they are often met with anticipation and that the news of each change makes you a little nervous.

A few changes to the processing of immigration applications in Quebec happened in 2021, but don’t panic! The immigrant-serving organization PROMIS can help you sort it all out.

Every year, the fees for processing immigration applications vary based on the average consumer price index. 2021 was the same. Claims for skilled workers increased by $10 (from $812 to $822), while that for each accompanying family member increased by $2 (from $174 to $176). The validation of permanent job offer went from $202 to $205. As for them, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers in the business immigration class must pay $15,962 (an increase of $199) and $1,113 (an increase of $14), respectively. Finally, the costs for temporary worker and international student applications fell from $202 to $205, and from $121 to $123 for comparative assessments of studies outside Quebec. However, keep in mind that these amounts are not final: other fees apply to the submission of claims.

Since the beginning of the year, applications for the Foreign Student Program and the Quebec Experience Program must be submitted online. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration even added the service to its e-portal Arrima. Electronic sending also applies to the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies, the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in the Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies and Visual Effects Sectors, and the Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers.

Quebec has also set a range of 27,500 to 29,300 new admissions for its Economic Immigration Programs, in addition to providing a maximum of 4,300 admissions for its Business Immigration Programs. A maximum of 800 admissions is planned for other economic categories, such as the Live-In Caregiver Program.

Recent Changes

Although changes generally fall into operation at the start of the year, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada have announced new ones this summer, such as increasing the quota from 10% to 20% for temporary foreign workers in Quebec companies (PTET). Skilled workers awaiting permanent residence will be happy to benefit from simplified access to the Transitional Open Work Permit (PTOT). Finally, the International Mobility Program (PMI) will be enhanced each year in order to speed up the arrival of 7,000 foreign workers in possession of the CSQ.

At PROMIS, you can benefit from free personalized support and follow-up, regardless of your status once you arrive in Quebec (student, temporary worker, permanent resident, refugee, sponsored, etc.). Make an appointment now!