Why Skilled Workers and International Graduates in Quebec Should Consider Express Entry

Temporary residents living in Quebec have several choices should they wish to settle elsewhere in Canada. For those skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec seeking permanent residency in Canada, Express Entry presents a fast, straightforward pathway. But what makes this program so advantageous for Quebec residents, especially if they are considering moving to other regions of Canada? In this detailed guide, let’s explore the reasons, process, and benefits.

Introduction to Express Entry

Looking for an efficient way to Canadian residency? Skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec may find Express Entry a good option. It’s designed for fast processing and presents flexibility to applicants who may want to settle outside Quebec’s provincial immigration program. Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residency, specially tailored to attract skilled employees. This express entry program is structured to respond to the labour requirements of Canadian provinces and territories.

Why use Express Entry?

You cannot simply be involved in Canadian permanent residency; you must first be invited.

Canada’s federal government operates the Express Entry system to issue invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residence to top-ranking prospects for three federal immigration programs, for candidates who intend to settle in provinces and regions other than Quebec.

According to the most recent Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government plans to welcome 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2025.

If you wish to settle outside Quebec and are eligible for one of these programs, you can make a profile in the Express Entry system—the federal government’s equivalent of Arrima.

Priority categories under the Express Entry system

In the announcement of the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government reached out the three areas of focus for category-based draws in 2025:

• French language proficiency;
• Healthcare; and
•  

Step-by-Step Process to Apply through Express Entry

The Express Entry system of proposing a profile and if a candidate has received an ITA or an application for PR is similar to Quebec’s use of the Arrima system to request skilled immigration candidates to the region.

Eligibility Check: Determine if a prospect meets the conditions for one of the Express Entry programs, as well as basic admissibility requirements.

Language Testing and Credential Assessment: Complete language tests and, if needed, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for evaluation of foreign educational certifications.

Profile Submission: Submit an Express Entry draw profile on the IRCC website.

Wait for an ITA: If your profile is eligible, you’ll be joined into the Express Entry pool. Roughly every two weeks, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws, and sends ITAs to the top-ranking prospects meeting the clerical instructions for that round. If selected, candidates will obtain an ITA to apply for PR.

Complete Application for PR: Submit a completed application for PR within 60 days of receiving an ITA, including medical exams and police certificates, along with the needed fees. IRCC will issue an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) once the application has been received.

Final Decision and Confirmation: IRCC aims to process applications within six months. Approved applicants obtain a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if needed, a permanent resident visa for travel to Canada.

How does Express Entry draw work?

There are three types of invitation rounds, or draws, under Express Entry Draw:

General Rounds: IRCC invites prospects with the highest CRS scores from across all schedules.

Program-Specific Rounds: IRCC invites top-scoring prospects eligible for a specific program within Express Entry. These also contain Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

Category-Based Rounds: IRCC invites prospects who meet specific criteria that align with Canada’s financial and demographic preferences.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry

Candidates must meet eligibility requirements under one of the following:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

A high ranking on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score significantly boosts the chances of receiving an ITA.

Why Express Entry is a Good Option for Quebec Residents

For residents of Quebec considering a move, Express Entry provides flexibility to live and work in other provinces. It’s ideal for skilled professionals and graduates looking for career growth, better job opportunities, or simply a change of environment.

Conclusion

For skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec, Express Entry offers an accessible, flexible pathway to Canadian residency. It enables individuals to explore job markets and opportunities across Canada, providing a broader scope for career growth and lifestyle improvements.

FAQs

1. What is the main benefit of Express Entry for Quebec residents?

Express Entry provides flexibility for Quebec residents to live and work in any Canadian province, offering diverse career opportunities.

2. Can international graduates in Quebec apply through Express Entry?

Yes, international graduates can apply, and their Canadian education can improve their CRS scores.

3. How does Express Entry compare to Quebec’s immigration programme?

While Quebec has its own system, Express Entry offers nationwide access to jobs and communities, appealing to those interested in moving outside Quebec.

4. What factors influence CRS scores?

Factors include age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and provincial nominations.

5. How long does the Express Entry process take?

The process typically takes around six months, from profile creation to final decision, if an ITA is received.