Ok, now that I have started looking into this, I decided to end this debate about "Preliminary Processing", and I went straight to the official guide of Quebec immigration processing. The below section is from the official guide's google translated version, from here:
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=hu&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca%2FdynamicSearch%2Ftelecharge.php%3Ftype%3D7%26file%3DGPI-3-1.pdf&act=url
By DCS they refer to a CSQ application. If you read it, you will clearly see, that preliminary processing immediately ends with one of these 4 outcomes:
- the acceptance;
- the intention of refusal and denial;
- for rejection and rejection;
- suspense
After preliminary processing, based on decision, they immediately send the corresponding letter:
If the applicant meets the statutory requirements, the case will proceed to step selection, the letter PERM 111 (file selection), PERM 121 (Invitation to the interview) or PERM 124 (pending interview) is sent to candidate, depending on the situation that applies to it (SEE GPI 3-2 SECTIONS 4.4.1 and 4.4.2). For candidates holding a job validated , see section 5.5.1.1 of this chapter (SEE GPI 3-1 SECTION5.5.1.1)
Also, they send refusal letter, if that is the decision after preliminary processing: If the candidate does not meet the regulatory conditions, a letter PERM 401 (intention to refuse the preliminary examination) is sent, along with the evaluation sheet (FEVAL). The applicant has 60 days from the date Shipping to respond. If the applicant responds to this letter and its request should nevertheless be denied, a letter PERM 401 (refusal to review Preliminary) is transmitted, if necessary, together with the FEVAL. If the applicant does not comply with the letter of intent to deny his application is denied the expiry of 60 days without further notice.
All in all, I think this is a bad news. Since preliminary processing is almost immediately followed by an official communication from them, if you have not get one of these letter, it means that with high probability, your application is still BEFORE preliminary processing, ergo will be processed under the new rules...
The original document is below:
4.2 Stage of preliminary examination
4.2.1 Objectives of the preliminary examination
The stage of the screening function is to:
- Allow the identification of candidates to be selected on record, based on the results obtained at this stage of the process;
- Manage access to the selection interview by removing applications that not meet the qualifying thresholds or threshold crossing the stage screening.
4.2.2 Requirements to the stage of preliminary examination
Under Article 7 of RSFN, the DCS worker is qualified candidate subject to a preliminary examination in accordance with the factors set out in the grid selection of candidates for this sub-category, except for the factor Adaptability. At this stage, the score is assigned to the candidate from the information contained in the DCS. The candidate must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- get at least 2 points to the criterion level of education factor Training, ie minimally hold a diploma secondary or vocational (SEE GPI 3-1 SECTION 3.3.1.1);
- meet the cutoff score employability.
The threshold applies to this step is as follows:
- 42 points for a single applicant;
- 50 points for an applicant with his spouse or partner.
This threshold applies to factors Training, Experience, Age, Knowledge language, Stay and family in Quebec Job validated and, if necessary features of the spouse or de facto spouse accompanying.
- meet the threshold of transition to the stage of preliminary examination .
The threshold that applies to this step is the following:
- A minimum of 49 points for a single applicant;
- A minimum of 57 points for an applicant with his husbandor partner.
All factors are taken into account at the stage of preliminary examination in except Adaptability factor.
- get 1 point capacity factor of financial autonomy , that is to say duly completed, signed and attached to the application the Agreement to financial self-sufficiency.
The immigration counselor must ensure that the amount of the Contract on financial autonomy corresponds to the amount prescribed in Annex C RSFN. To do this, check the amount on the contract taking into account the number of persons in the family unit. In If the immigration officer finds upon examination Preliminary certain documents or information is missing or the amount listed on the contract does not meet the minimum required under of Annex C RSFN, it transmits the candidate's letter PERM 115 (document missing) and the list of missing exhibits.
Remarks:
- Two contracts may apply to skilled candidates make an immigration application in the regular program selection:
- the Agreement on the financial self-sufficiency - Applicantprincipal (excluding the caregiver and the person allowed to apply for permanent residence in Canada for humanitarian reasons);
- the Agreement on the financial self-sufficiency - Family Helpresident and person authorized to apply for a residence permanently in Canada on humanitarian grounds.
In the case of the first contract, the signature of both spouses is required if is a skilled worker applicant with a spouse who accompanies.
- If the candidate demonstrates language skills in French with the support of his application for immigration, the result of a test assessment issued by the two organizations recognized by the Ministry (See Section 3.3.4.1), the immigration officer may ensure the validity of using the validation means at his provided by the issuers.
4.2.3 Results at the stage of preliminary examination After preliminary examination, the possible outcomes are:
- the acceptance;
- the intention of refusal and denial;
- for rejection and rejection;
- suspense.
4.2.3.1 Acceptance
If the applicant meets the statutory requirements, the case will proceed to step selection, the letter PERM 111 (file selection), PERM 121 (Invitation to the interview) or PERM 124 (pending interview) is sent to candidate, depending on the situation that applies to it (SEE GPI 3-2 SECTIONS 4.4.1 and 4.4.2). For candidates holding a job validated , see section 5.5.1.1 of this chapter (SEE GPI 3-1 SECTION5.5.1.1).
4.2.3.2 Intention of refusal and denial
If the candidate does not meet the regulatory conditions, a letter PERM 401 (intention to refuse the preliminary examination) is sent, along with the evaluation sheet (FEVAL). The applicant has 60 days from the date Shipping to respond. If the applicant responds to this letter and its request should nevertheless be denied, a letter PERM 401 (refusal to review Preliminary) is transmitted, if necessary, together with the FEVAL. If the applicant does not comply with the letter of intent to deny his application is denied the expiry of 60 days without further notice.
The code for the formation of the principal applicant and spouse must appear FEVAL on the candidate.
Remarks:
- Is designated as the principal applicant, the person whose situation is most advantageous in terms of the allocation of points provided for the weighting in the assessment of an application by a couple. Thus, when a candidate accompanied by a spouse or partner does not qualify the preliminary examination there instead of checking if the spouse or common law could possibly meet the threshold of passage. The immigration counselor examines the chances of the spouse to qualify as the main applicant and forwards, if necessary, a letter PERM 115 (Missing documents) to complete the assessment. If the examination is successful, the advisor opens a new folder in the system computer and continued evaluation as usual. If the spouse can not qualify as a principal applicant, the counselor says FEVAL on this option was considered but the spouse does not respond not meet the requirements to be selected as the principal applicant.
- Exceptionally, a candidate who does not meet the requirements preliminary examination may be accepted at this stage if the official believes that the grid does not reflect the capacity of the latter to successfully establish or appears to be of particular distress. The procedures for the use of ministerial discretion (Article 40 of RSFN) are discussed in Chapter 5 of the component 3 (SEE GPI 3-5).
4.2.3.3 Intended rejection and rejection
When the immigration officer has reasonable grounds to doubt the authenticity of documents or accuracy of information submitted to support of the application for immigration, documents and evidence into the record Immigration information and documents.
If the evidence is sufficient, the officer prepares a letter PERM 399 (For release) in which he outlines the information or document whose veracity or authenticity has not been proven satisfactorily. The applicant has 60 days from the date of receipt of the letter of intention to reject, to forward its comments and any document to review the decision, otherwise the application will be rejected, in which case the rejection of his request is confirmed by another letter PERM 399a (letter rejection), signed by the manager, and an administrative penalty applies, preventing reapply during the five subsequent years, in accordance with Article 3.2.2.1 of the Act.
If the immigration officer believes that the evidence must be completed, it may call the candidate for an interview, if it reaches the threshold crossing required.
4.2.3.4 Suspense
It may happen that the immigration officer can not make a decision, especially occurs when one or more of the following situations:
- the fees payable have not been paid in full;
- information, explanations or additional documents are required;
- additional checks are necessary.
In the latter case, the immigration officer may, after approval its manager, request a review by the Directorate of Security, the Surveys and Registrar of Immigration Consultants (DSERCI) service responsible for the authentication of documents submitted or use the expertise others.
In cases where the immigration officer must suspend processing a request, it logs the progress in the computer system and gives the candidate the letter that applies to their situation
So anyone who intends to try to improve their French score, I think it is time to quickly apply for an exam, as places will be filled very soon for the next 60-90 days...