Quebec Introduces New Personalized Support Program For Newcomers
Quebec introduces new personalized support program for newcomers. Prospective newcomers will have support available before they even land in the province.
As a part of Quebec’s new support program, new migrants will be assigned an immigration assistant officer that will follow their case all through the process.
Details on the personalized support program were released on August 8 by Simon Jolin-Barrette, the Quebec’s Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion Minister.
The new innitiative, which is a part of the provincial government’s immigration law reforms that passed legislation in June, is created to “implement the best possible tools” to help new migrants “successfully settle into Quebec society,” according to news reports from the ministry.
In order to come to Quebec as permanent residents, migrants must first get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) granted by the Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion (MIDI). Quebec checks and selects immigrants according to their own requirements. After obtaining a CSQ, applicants must apply to the federal government to become permanent residents.
As soon as immigrants prospects receive their CSQ, they will have access to information and a designated immigration officer. Applicants will be provided with details on the regions of Quebec, recognition of their professional and educational qualifications, and the option to take an online French course.
Upon arrival, new migrants will be welcomed at the airport and introduced to the designated integration assistance officer within five working days to establish an individualized action plan.
There are four steps to the new integration process:
- Arrival
- Francization
- Integration into the job market
- Community integration
There is an optional course program for those who wish to learn about the social and cultural realities, as well as the job market in Quebec. The Province is also offering incentives of $185 for those who participate in the course.
The New Personalized integration program takes into record the fact that there is not only one support trajectory, but each newcomer also has unique needs and experience,” Jolin-Barrette stated in the French media reports. “ The [new] program enables us to take this into account and direct people to the right resources where they will find adapted and individualized support and services.”
Jolin-Barrette reiterated, the initiative represents a Twenty (20) million dollar annual investment and will include the establishment of Eighty-four (84) new government jobs; Seven- eight (78) Integration Support Officers and Six (6) Coordinators.
We know that adequate support is crucial to the success of the integration process for newcomers,” Jolin-Barrette said in the release. “With this new innitiative, the provincial government is taking concrete steps to promote and ensure the successful integration of new migrants into Quebec society.”
