Major news has emerged from Quebec, Canada. During a press conference on immigration, Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Simon Jolin-Barrette, introduced the latest provincial legislation, Bill 9. This bill plans to discard all 18,000 currently backlogged skilled worker immigration applications and require those applicants to start the process from scratch.
I. Why did Quebec, Canada suddenly make this decision?
Quebec previously had an excessive backlog of skilled worker immigration applications, with the earliest dating back five or six years. The immigration requirements and conditions at that time were significantly different from those of today, particularly regarding the changes in high-demand occupations. Therefore, the authorities believe that previous applicants can no longer meet the original intent of the immigration legislation. Consequently, they plan to scrap all backlogged skilled worker applications, specifically those submitted before August 2, 2018.
Under the current policy conditions, Quebec has put forward the latest requirements for skilled workers, mainly reflected in the following three major aspects:
1. Improving the ability of immigrants to understand and integrate into French culture;
2. Increasing language requirements for applicants regarding the French language;
3. Aligning the occupations of immigration applicants more closely with the local labor market.
For the Quebec immigration authorities, the current proposed amendment aims primarily at "clarification," requiring immigrants to learn French and ensuring they understand and integrate the Quebec values expressed in the "Democratic Values" and the "Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms." Although the "one-size-fits-all" approach to all skilled worker applications will bring many negative impacts to the province's immigration policy, the authorities stated that Quebec still welcomes people from all over the world to work and live there. However, those who wish to live there must learn French and have a deep understanding of local values. In addition, the current Quebec immigration policy is based on a first-come, first-served strategy rather than labor market needs. Future new immigration legislation is expected to change this status quo by closely combining the actual circumstances of applicants with the labor needs of Quebec, thereby achieving a high degree of matching.
II. What are the subsequent changes to Quebec's skilled worker immigration?
According to the requirements of the Quebec immigration authorities, all skilled worker immigration applications submitted before August 2, 2018, will be cancelled, affecting more than 18,000 people. Some of these applicants submitted their applications as early as 2005. However, these applicants can receive a refund of the application fees they have already paid. It is estimated that Quebec, Canada will need to refund approximately 19 million Canadian dollars. Although applicants can get their application fees back, the time lost seems to be irrecoverable, which is why this plan has been heavily criticized.
Relevant parties have criticized this move, stating that it will seriously damage Quebec's image on the international stage, and that the news is very negative. Many people cannot believe that the authorities would use such a simple method to scrap the years of waiting by skilled worker applicants. The blow to many is devastating; after all, compared to immigration, money is a minor issue, while the time lost and opportunities missed are immeasurable.
In addition, since the new government took office in Quebec, its members have made many startling remarks regarding immigration policy, such as criticizing many Quebec immigrants as unqualified, strongly calling for tightening borders, taking a tough stance on cross-border travelers, and strengthening the independence of Quebec culture.