On July 15, 2024 the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration of Québec, issued Order 2024-004, amending the Immigration Procedure Regulation under the Québec Immigration Act (chapter I-0.2.1). This order introduces new guidelines and conditions for filing immigration applications to Québec, reflecting the government’s efforts to streamline and improve its immigration procedures. The Québec Immigration Act serves as a legislative framework for managing immigration applications in the province. Section 41 of the Act outlines that conditions related to application filings are determined through ministerial regulations, while section 43 allows the Minister to enter expressions of interest from foreign nationals into an expressions-of-interest bank, provided they meet specific submission criteria.

Importantly, the new regulation does not require the publication processes mandated by section 8 of the Regulations Act (chapter R-18.1), allowing for more immediate implementation. The regulation becomes effective upon its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on a specified later date. The primary amendments outlined in the Regulation include several key changes. First, section 1 of the Immigration Procedure Regulation has been revised to clarify that applicants must attach the required documents supplied by the Minister when filing their applications. Additionally, section 1.1 has been updated for clarity, changing “filed pursuant to referred to” to simply “referred to.”

Moreover, section 5 addresses application processing timelines. The amendment states that if an application is filed under component 3 of the program and the foreign national has not indicated that they meet certain professional requirements, the processing period extends to 12 months. These requirements include having authorization to practice their occupation in Québec or possessing training or a diploma recognized by the appropriate regulatory authority in Québec. This amendment aims to better evaluate the qualifications of foreign nationals based on their professional backgrounds.

The amended section 7 specifies the eligibility criteria for foreign nationals wishing to submit expressions of interest, requiring individuals to be at least 18 years old and express an intention to settle in Québec for employment that meets the standards set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2 of section 31 of the Québec Immigration Regulation.

By emphasizing qualifications and ensuring that applicants meet specific professional standards, the government aims to attract skilled workers who can contribute effectively to the local economy. The changes also reflect a trend toward a more structured immigration process, with clearly outlined documentation and eligibility criteria that reduce ambiguities that could hinder applicants’ success.

Through these amendments, the government aims to better manage applications while ensuring that incoming immigrants are well-qualified for the job market. Ultimately, these changes underscore Québec’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and adapting to the evolving needs of its economy and society.

Quebec (2024-004) September 4, 2024