Resumption of invitations in the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program for candidates without a validated job offer
Since the beginning of the year 2021, only candidates with a validated job offer and having submitted an expression of interest on the Arrima platform were receiving invitations to submit their CSQ applications in the Regular Program. On August 12, the government resumed issuing invitations to applicants without a job offer. Applicants’ scores are ranked according to a new point grid based on several criteria. The lowest scores in the last two rounds of invitations were 591 and 548 points.
To assess your score, you can use the MIFI’s new self-assessment tool: https://arrima.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/monespacepublic/calculette/accueil.
Creation of a Bridging Open Work Permit for permanent residence applicants in Quebec
Since August 31, 2021, people who reside in Quebec and who have received their CSQ as skilled workers have, under certain conditions, the possibility to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This permit will allow them to work in a job of their choice while waiting to obtain their permanent residence. To access this permit, workers must have applied for permanent residence and received an acknowledgement of receipt from IRCC.
Issuance of 7,000 work permits for CSQ holders still abroad
The Government of Quebec and the Federal Government have agreed to implement in the short term a new avenue under the International Mobility Program (IMP) called IMP+, which provides for the issuance of 7,000 work permits per year exempt from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to certain CSQ holders still abroad.