The province of Quebec in Canada recently adjusted their Skilled Worker Program in an effort to address their shortage of skilled nurses. The new program makes it easier for foreign nurses to qualify.

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is also based on points system which rates applicants according to skills, qualifications and attributes. A minimum score of 49 qualifies an applicant with single status while a score of 57 is required for married applicants.

The score for professional training is 12 but those belonging in the priority occupation (for industries with labor shortages) list is given 16 points which is the maximum points. Under the old Skilled Worker Program of Quebec, nursing graduates are given 12 points. However, the new system now awards 16 points to nursing professionals.

The French-speaking province in Canada announced that nurses are one of the highly in-demand occupations. According to the Canadian Nurses Associations, an estimated 60,000 nurses will be needed by 2022 in order to fill labor shortages.

The changes in the Skilled Worker Program of Quebec would now make it possible for nurses with limited knowledge in the French language to qualify.

Other requirements/qualifications for nurse-applicants are as follows:

• Must complete a three year degree in nursing

• Full time work experience within the last 5 years

• Applicants ages 18-25 will be awarded top points (less points if you are older)

• If married, spouse’s age and education will add bonus points

• Additional for applicants with children

• Be self-sufficient and have minimum funds

Nurses who will qualify under the Quebec Immigration system will be given certificates which they can use to obtain permanent residence or immigrant visas from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Taken from: http://www.nursingguide.ph/article_item-941/Nurses_Are_In-Demand_in_Quebec_Canada.html