Quebec to impose a ‘values’ test for immigration candidates

Candidates will have to “adequately answer” a minimum of 75 per cent of questions on a test that they will need to complete within 60 days of submitting their application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ). (Pixabay Photo)

Starting January 1, 2020, foreign nationals and their family members who wish to settle in Quebec will have to pass a test on democratic values and Quebec values as defined by the province’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

Information on the values test was published in the Government of Quebec’s Official Gazette today.

Candidates will have to “adequately answer” a minimum of 75 per cent of questions on a test that they will need to complete within 60 days of submitting their application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ).

If they don’t meet this 75 per cent threshold, the assessment may be repeated. Candidates who fail a second time may choose to participate in a course administered by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration.

Dependents under 18 years of age or individuals with a medical condition will be exempt from this certification process.

Details on the type of examination questions, evaluation criteria or how candidates can prepare for the test were not provided.

Individuals selected by Quebec apply for permanent residence to the federal government, which conducts a medical and criminal background check as part of its approval process.

In order to be considered for a CSQ, the first step is to submit an expression of interest through the online Arrima platform.

The ministry reviews expression of interest submissions and issues invitations to apply for a CSQ to candidates who meet specific criteria based on the labour market needs of the province.

The province’s Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government came to power in October 2018 on a platform of temporarily reducing the number of immigrants admitted to Quebec and testing immigrants on their values and abilities in French.

The CAQ has said these measures are necessary in order to ensure immigrants are better integrated into Quebec society.