The Quebec government has decided to give preference to candidates who are already working in the province.
Applications for participation in the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)’s Quebec Graduate Category are no longer accepted. The Government of Quebec announced the suspension of applications until November 1, 2019.
The Quebec Graduate Category has been created for people who graduated from a college or university of Quebec and received a diploma and speak oral French at a level above average.
Immigration and Diversity Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette has noted that there are two exceptions to the new decree:
- Graduates residing in Quebec and having a work permit that is valid from July 10, 2019 to November 1, 2019
- Candidates whose application for a Quebec Selection Certificate was canceled on June 16, 2019, but who were either temporary residents of Quebec at the time of application or were working or studying in Quebec when their application was canceled
Moreover, on June 16, 2019, it was decided to cancel approximately 16,000 applications pending under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
The provincial government has noted that they are targeting candidates who are currently working in Quebec. In recent years, the number of international graduates selected within the Quebec Experience Program has increased significantly. Thus, the government is focusing on selecting candidates with work experience or training in the area that is currently in demand in Quebec, especially in the regions with the most acute shortage of labour force.
In total, the province is planning to welcome 40,000 new immigrants this year.
The Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion has stated that Quebec graduates who wish to stay in the province can still apply for a work permit after graduation.