Quebec Skilled Worker Program

What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)?

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a popular immigration program in Canada that allows skilled workers to settle and work in Quebec. The QSWP is designed specifically for individuals who wish to live and work in Quebec. This program is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in collaboration with the government of Quebec.

The QSWP works by selecting foreign skilled workers who meet the immigration eligibility requirements set by Quebec. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. If selected, applicants receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which allows them to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

How to Qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

To be eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), applicants must meet certain requirements. Your eligibility to apply for the QSWP is assessed based on a selection grid of factors, which evaluates your:

• Level of educational achievement,
• Age,
• Language proficiency in French,
• Qualifying Work experience,
• Characteristics of Spouse,
• Financial self-sufficiency in Quebec,
• A job offer in Quebec, and
• Connections in Quebec.

The maximum points you can achieve for each of the selection criteria is highlighted below:

Please Note

To be eligible to immigrate to Canada as a Quebec-selected foreign skilled worker, you must gain a minimum score of 50 points as an individual applicant. If you wish to apply with a spouse or common-law partner, you must get at least 59 points.

Let’s look at the QSWP selection factors below. All information on the points grid system is obtained from the provincial immigration site.

QSWP Education Criteria

The education criteria for the QSWP is a minimum score of 2 points for a General High Diploma. This means you have to obtain at least a non-vocational secondary school general diploma to be eligible to become a Quebec-selected skilled worker. Ensure to obtain your level of education in the five years before applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

The maximum points you can obtain for your level of education is 14 points, awarded to graduates who graduated with a doctorate. If you have a foreign educational credential, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes from a designated organization.

An ECA demonstrates that your educational credential is equivalent to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

Age Criteria for QSWP

The QSWP is designed to attract potential Quebec skilled workers who will have long and prosperous careers in Quebec. Consequently, the QSWP age selection factor awards young prospective immigrants with up to 16 points toward their eligibility score.

Therefore, to achieve the maximum score of 16 reward points, you have to be between 18 and 35 years of age. Applicants above 43 years of age receive 0 points, which means they have to achieve a higher score in the other selection criteria for the QSWP to improve their chances of being nominated to apply for Canada PR.

Learn more about how points are awarded according to the QSWP age criteria below.

Language Proficiency in English or French

Quebec is majority French-speaking. Therefore Immigration Quebec prefers applicants who are more proficient in speaking French than English. Applicants fluent in French can score a maximum of 16 points compared to 6 points for English-speaking applicants. Your language proficiency in French or English will be assessed based on your:

• Written comprehension,
• Written production,
• Oral comprehension, and
• Oral production.

The approved language proficiency tests that you can take and submit your results according to the IRCC are:

For English:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP),
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS),

For French

• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada),
• Test de connaissance du français (TFC Canada),

Amount of Work Experience for QSWP

A maximum of 8 points are available under the QSWP Work Experience category. Only work experience received in the last five years is eligible for submission.

Eligible work experience encompasses both paid and unpaid employment. However, you must ensure that your unremunerated employment and internship are undertaken according to a training or educational program.

You can view how points are for work experience below:

Characteristics of Spouse for QSWP

A maximum of 17 points are awarded under the Characteristics of Spouse category. The minimum score required for applicants with a spouse or common-law partner is higher than for a single applicant. Consequently, although unmarried applicants cannot receive points under this category, they won’t be disadvantaged overall.

For a breakdown of the maximum points awarded for spouses’s characteristics, you can take a look below.

Finacial self-sufficiency in Quebec

As a Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicant, you are eligible to receive 1 point if you’re able to meet the Quebec immigration minimum settlement funds requirement. The Quebec government requires applicants to have a minimum amount of money, determined by the number of family members immigrating and their ages.

You must be able to sign the Quebec Skilled Worker Program financial agreement to demonstrate that you have the funds needed to receive a point for this selection factor. If you can’t sign this declaration, you won’t be eligible to participate in the QSWP.

Connections in Quebec

If you have spent time in Quebec or have family members in the province, you are eligible to receive a maximum of 8 points under this selection factor. The family member in the Quebec subcategory offers a maximum of 3 points, while the Visiting Quebec sub-category provides a maximum of 5 points.

You can learn more about how points are awarded for connections in Quebec below.

If you have family members in Quebec

If you’re visiting Quebec, not for school or work.

Please Note

Family members living in Canada but not Quebec do not count. Points are only awarded to relatives actively residing in recognized cities, towns, villages, and areas in Quebec.

Get a Valid Offer of Employment in Quebec

Although it is not mandatory to have a valid offer of employment to apply for the QSWP, having a job offer in Quebec can significantly increase your chances of being selected. A valid offer of employment shows that you have the skills and qualifications that are in demand in the province, making you a valuable asset to the Quebec labor market.

If you received a validated offer of employment in Quebec, you can receive a maximum of 10 points depending on the job location. If the job offer is in the Greater Montreal Area (GMA), you can receive 8 points. Job offers located outside the GMA can receive a maximum of 10 points.

If you Have Accompanying Children

If you bring your children to Canada, you can receive up to 8 points under this selection factor.

If you have any accompanying children, you can take a look at how points are awarded below.

How Can I Apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

Applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:

Step 1:Submit an Expression of Interest

The first thing you must do before applying is to submit an expression of interest online. Your expression of interest (EOI) will be valid for 12 months from the day you submit it. If you don’t receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent selection within this period, your EOI will become invalid. You are allowed to declare your EOI anytime.

Step 2: Create an Account on the IRCC Online Portal

The first step in the application process is to create a permanent residence online application account on the IRCC online portal. This account will allow you to access and submit your application electronically. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information during the registration process.

Step 3: Fill in All Relevant Application Forms

Once you have created your account, you will need to fill in all the relevant application forms. These forms will require you to provide detailed information about your:

• Personal background,
• Education,
• Age,
• Work experience,
• Language proficiency, and
• and other relevant details.

You must fill out the following digital forms.

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)

After filling out these forms, ensure to also complete, sign, and submit the following PDF forms.

• Document Checklist [IMM 5690]
• Schedule 5: Economic Classes—Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec [IMM 0008 Schedule 5]
• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409]
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 648.31 KB)

Step 4: Gather the Required Documentation

In addition to the application forms, you will need to gather the required documentation to support your application. For the QSWP, the list of mandatory supporting documents includes:

• Financial self-sufficiency contract (Quebec immigration form A-0522-OA)
• Copy of a valid passport (showing issue date and expiry date)
• Power of attorney mandate (if you’re using a legal representative)
• Copy of your birth certificate
• Passport-sized photos of family members immigrating to Quebec
• Certified copy of all internship agreements completed for your study program
• Copy of documentation supporting your work as a self-employed person or contractor
• Copy of French language testing: Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF), TCF
• Photocopy of English language testing: International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Original or certified true copy of income tax return to prove legality of work experience

You can find the full list of supporting documents on Quebec’s immigration site.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Pay the Application Processing Fee

After completing the application forms and gathering all the required documentation, you can submit your application through the IRCC online portal. Before submitting your application, always ensure to:

• Answer all relevant questions,
• Sign your application electronically,
• Attach your receipt for the processing fee, and
• Upload supporting documentation.

Along with your application, you will need to pay the application processing fee. The fee is non-refundable and is required to process your application.

What Happens After I am Selected by Quebec and Obtain a CSQ?

Once you have obtained your CSQ, you must submit your permanent residency application to the IRCC. The IRCC will process this application, and you will be requested to:

• Undergo a medical examinations,
• Get a Biometrics test,
• Get your photo taken, and
• Submit a police certificate.

Your application will be delayed if you’re unable to provide:

• Provide additional documents,
• and pay the necessary fees.

Taking into account your submission of the above information and documents, the processing times for QSWP can take approximately 13 months. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa. Your COPR contains your personal information and photographs.

With the above information in mind, you can begin your journey to becoming a permanent resident in Quebec!

FAQs

Do I Need to be Fluent in French to Apply for the QSWP?

While knowledge of French is not mandatory to apply for the QSWP, it is highly recommended. Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province, and having proficiency in French can significantly increase your chances of being selected for the program. However, English proficiency is also valued, as it is the second official language of Canada.

What is the Arrima Portal?

The Arrima portal is an online platform where foreign nationals who want to immigrate to Quebec under the QSWP can submit an Expression of Interest. Only candidates who have received an invitation from the Ministère de l’immigration, de la diversité et de l’inclusion (Ministry of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion (MIDI)) after having submitted an Expression of Interest through the Arrima portal can apply to Mon Project Québec.