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

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  • Matthieu Chemin

    (McGill University)

  • Nagham Sayour

    (McGill University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthieu Chemin & Nagham Sayour, 2016. "The effects of a change in the point system on immigration: evidence from the 2001 Quebec reform," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 29(4), pages 1217-1247, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:29:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s00148-016-0594-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-016-0594-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Mostafa Harakeh & Ghida Matar & Nagham Sayour, 2020. "Information asymmetry and dividend policy of Sarbanes-Oxley Act," Journal of Economic Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 47(6), pages 1507-1532, April.
    2. Ayoung Kim & Brigitte S. Waldorf & Natasha T. Duncan, 2021. "US immigration policy and brain waste," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 66(2), pages 209-236, April.
    3. Irakli Japaridze & Uma Kaplan, 2023. "Cultural and economic integration of immigrants in Canada: “Do you play Hockey?”," Journal for Labour Market Research, Springer;Institute for Employment Research/ Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), vol. 57(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Irastorza, Nahikari & Emilsson, Henrik, 2020. "The Effects of the 2008 Labour-Migration Reform in Sweden: An Analysis of Income," GLO Discussion Paper Series 680, Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; Point system; Labor market integration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy

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