When it comes to immigration, MIDI of Quebec is infamous with their lack of transparency in their selection process. MIDI is a government organization and bureaucracy plays a huge role in their operations. We have seen various instances where MIDI have failed miserably and now there are class action suits against them.
Since MIDI is perceived to be a black box, no one really knows (atleast I didnt) how to get information out of MIDI about your application status.Traditionally everyone calls their customer service and gets to hear the same reply "Wait".or they login to Mon Project and see their status. This is all what you can know about your file up
until now.
I have done some research on utilizing an "Act respecting Access to documents". Think of it as GCMS notes equivalent at the Federal level.When you ask for your information with this method, they cannot get rude or play their bureaucracy games, because they are legally bound to give out this information within 30 days.
This is what the law is about in short:
https://www.educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/access-documents-public-bodies
In 1982, a Quebec law called the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information was adopted. Since then, organizations in the public sector have had to give citizens access to certain kinds of information.
Many countries have this kind of law.
In US, its called FOIA, Freedom of Information Act.
In India, its called RTI , Right to Information
Recently someone asked for number of CSQs issued by years and MIDI provided them with the information because they are legally bound to provide it within 30 days.
Here is the full link to the PDF. And its from MIDI's own website where they are legally bound to publish it for the public, this proves it's authentic, transparent & verifiable.
http://www.midi.gouv.qc.ca/publications/fr/ministere/acces-information/14142_lettre.pdf
From the above PDF its clear that they have a huge backlog and they have cut down processing applications in 2017 and 2018 as compared to 2016. So expect huge delays, unless they do something about this problem.
Here is the link where anyone can ask for information. Since most applicants do not know French, no one knows or bothers to ask MIDI. It is something equivalent of GCMS notes in Express Entry. You can ask MIDI about the notes on your file and all the information related to it. Again, its in French so that many people don't know how to use it. Take some effort, use a translator and do it if you really want to know about your file.
Steps:
1. Introduction:
http://www.midi.gouv.qc.ca/fr/ministere/acces-protection-info/index.html
2. Various forms to get information about your CSQ Application or general CSQ statistics
http://www.midi.gouv.qc.ca/fr/formulaires.html
3. The exact PDF to order your CSQ information
http://www.midi.gouv.qc.ca/publications/fr/ministere/acces-information/Acces-Renseignements-dyn.pdf
FAQs
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1. Can I ask information about my CSQ application.
Yes ! Dont forget to quote your CSQ file number and all the correct information and your contact information for them to reply.
2. Can non Canadian citizens and non-residents apply for this ?
Yes, because its your file, it doesnt matter if you are not a citizen or non-resident. They are bound to give information to you.
3. Can I ask any other information ?
It depends, you cannot ask for other people's personal information, or something they are not legally required to give. They will mention it in the reply if they cannot give it.
4. What are some examples of information that people have asked for ?
Many types, here is the full PDFs of information that people have asked for. ( No personal information files are here as they are only given to the person who asks for it, like gcms notes are given only to you.)
But all the public information about MIDI's process is published here. Its just that you need some patience to go thru the documents.
All PDFs can be accessed here:
http://www.midi.gouv.qc.ca/publications/fr/ministere/acces-information/
5. Will it affect my application in anyway like slow it down ?
No, they cannot do anything to your application like slow it down or speed it up if you ask for information. You can know if anything is wrong with your file and take corrective actions, there by speeding up your process.
So, go ahead and order your information from MIDI and know the exact status of your file rather than the uncertainty & stress.This process much easier and authentic than asking "updates" and comparing other applicant's timelines with yours.
Finally, I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice.
Don't forget to spread this information and like this post if you found this information useful
