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

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Population Economics
Year: 2016
Volume: 29
Issue: 4
Pages: 1217-1247

Authors (2)

Matthieu Chemin (not in RePEc) Nagham Sayour (Zayed University)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

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.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:spr:jopoec:v:29:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s00148-016-0594-z
Journal Field
Growth
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25