The effects of a change in the point system on immigration: evidence from the 2001 Quebec reform

Matthieu Chemin () and Nagham Sayour

Journal of Population Economics, 2016, vol. 29, issue 4, No 9, 1217-1247

Abstract: Abstract In 2001, Quebec changed its point system, a system that selects immigrants based on specific observable characteristics. The explicit objective was to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants, with no deterioration in overall labor market performance. To achieve this, points for French and education (specifically bachelor’s degrees) were increased. In parallel, points for a subjective assessment of “adaptability” were decreased. In line with the initial objective, we find more French-speaking immigrants with bachelor’s degrees, and no worsening in labor market outcomes after the reform. These results hold in a difference-in-differences and triple differences analysis. This paper shows how point systems can be used to shape the immigrant workforce according to policy goals.

Keywords: Immigration; Point system; Labor market integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J61 J68 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00148-016-0594-z

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