Quebec to Cancel Pending Immigration Applications Affecting More than 50,000

February 7, 2019 – On February 7, 2019, the Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness tabled proposed legislation that will cancel all pending skilled worker applications that have not reached a decision prior to August 2, 2018. Bill 9 titled "To increase Québec's socio-economic prosperity and to respond adequately to the needs of the labor market through the successful integration of immigrants", will undergo further study in the Quebec National Assembly. Once passed by MP's and approved by the Quebec Lieutenant Governor, it will become law.

The new legislation proposes to return government fees to all affected applicants.

Quebec is mired in controversy as more than 50,000 individuals representing 18,000 main applicants, plus their dependents, who applied under the Quebec Skilled Worker program, await processing of their pending applications. Some date as far back as 10 years.