Canadian Immigration Criteria Changes to Quebec Skilled Worker Program Challenged
On August 1st, 2013, the Quebec government implemented significant changes to the selection criteria for its Quebec Skilled Worker program. The changes are controversial, as they not only apply to applications submitted after August 1st, but also to applications that were submitted before August 1st, 2013. As a result, thousands of applicants will be affected and many we will no longer qualify, despite having already waiting years for application processing. Further, most applicants will not be refunded their Quebec Immigration processing fee.
Legal proceedings to declare the new regulations as null have been brought against the Quebec Government and the Minister responsible for Quebec Immigration, as it is argued the Quebec Government never had the right to implement the retroactive changes. Further, the legal proceedings are also requesting that all Quebec immigration processing fees be reimbursed to the applicants in the event the new regulations are not declared null.
Similar controversial Canadian immigration measures have been enacted recently. Last year the Federal government retroactively terminated nearly 280,000 applications from individuals who had applied for Canadian permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker program. These actions have also been challenged in the Federal Court of Appeal and we can expect the trial to begin before next summer.
Canadian immigration lawyers across the country are denouncing actions taken by the two levels of government. Most Canadian immigration representatives contend it is insensitive and unfair to retroactively apply new criteria to applicants who have been waiting years for application processing.
For a free consultation with a Canadian immigration lawyer, contact First Immigration Law Firm toll-free in North America @ 1 (855) 360-4333 or 1 (514) 360-4333 internationally.