Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), also called the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), is a top immigration pathway for professionals aiming to settle in Quebec, Canada, for employment. This program evaluates applicants on several criteria to facilitate their integration into the Quebec job market. Here’s a complete guide to help you understand the eligibility, application process, and requirements.
To increase your chances of being selected, it is important to possess relevant training and professional skills that will facilitate your integration into the job market in Québec. Additionally, various factors are taken into consideration during the selection process, including your proficiency in the language, your age, the characteristics of your spouse, and the presence of children. The assessment of these factors and their respective criteria is conducted using a selection grid (PDF 136 Kb) which is available in French.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)| What should you know and how does it work?
What You Should Know About the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The QSWP selects candidates based on a points-based selection grid, evaluating factors such as education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Here’s an overview of the key points:
- Selection Grid: Detailed selection factors include Education (max 26 points), Work Experience (max 8 points), Age (max 16 points), and more.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must intend to live and work in Quebec and meet the selection criteria.
- Points-Based System: Selection is based on points for various factors like language proficiency, age, and experience. Applicants without a spouse must score at least 43 points, while those with a spouse need 59.
Are you curious about your eligibility to get in Canada? →
How to Apply for Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
1. Create an Account on the Arrima Platform
To submit an expression of interest for the QSWP, create an account on Quebec’s Arrima platform. You’ll have 90 days to complete and submit the form after creation. Key information required includes:
- Personal and Contact Details: Includes family, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Validated Job Offer (if applicable): Validated by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Note: Spouses can submit their expression of interest separately, while children under 18 must be included in the applicant’s form.
If invited to apply, use the Mon projet Québec portal to complete your application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This portal allows you to track your application, make payments, and receive updates.
Tip: Applicants with validated job offers or temporary residents eligible for a CSQ can apply any time outside the usual intake limits.
Eligibility Criteria for Quebec’s Expression of Interest
To complete the expression of interest form, you are required to provide the following information:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Residency and Employment Intent: Candidates must intend to live and work in Quebec.
- Language Proficiency: French proficiency is particularly important, especially for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
Supporting Documents
It is possible to update your expression of interest form at any time, even after you have submitted it. Have these documents on hand to assist in your application process:
- Academic Diplomas
- Language Proficiency Test Results (French and English)
- Comparative Evaluation of Studies (if education completed outside Quebec)
- Validated Job Offer
Quebec Values Test Requirement
All applicants must demonstrate understanding of Quebec values by passing a Quebec values test or completing a values course. This test has been mandatory since January 2020 and is integral to the selection process.
Processing Steps and Times for Quebec Immigration
The QSWP application process involves two main stages:
- Application for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ):
- Submit your application to the Government of Quebec, which will assess your eligibility based on its own selection grid.
- Application for Permanent Residence:
- If selected, submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Processing Time: The current estimated time to process applications is 15 to 17 months.
Mon Projet Québec
Candidates invited to apply for immigration to Quebec through the QSWP must use the secure Mon projet Québec portal to apply. Mon projet Québec allows candidates to complete their application for a CSQ, make their payment online, follow the status of their application, make changes to their application, and access personal electronic messaging throughout the process.
To be among those who are selected, you must have the training and professional skills that will facilitate your job integration in Québec, such as:
Are you curious about your eligibility to get in Canada? →
People can also apply for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), with expedited processing times at the CSQ application stage. It should be noted that French proficiency is required under the PEQ.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)s requirements
As of January 1, 2020, all applicants for permanent residence through Quebec immigration programs are required to show they understand Quebec values. This can be done by passing a Quebec values test or completing a course in Quebec values.
People who intend to apply for applicants must meet the minimum required scores on the eligibility points of a selection grid as shown below. There are different eligibility factors for single applicants unlike applicants with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, and all applicants have to pass two points factors to become eligible.
Single applicants & Applicants with a spouse/common-law partner
A single (unmarried) applicant must score at least 43 points based on this system. While an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must score a minimum of 59 points, based on the following factors:
Selection Grid for Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
| Factors | Marking scheme | Max | Pts |
| 1. Education | Points 103 Max | Max 120 26 | |
| 1.1 Level of Education | Max | 14 | |
| a) General Secondary | 2 | ||
| b) Professional Secondary | 6 | ||
| c) General Post Secondary – CEGEP- (2 years) | 4 | ||
| d) Technical Post Secondary -College– 1 or 2 year | 6 | ||
| e) Technical Post Secondary -College– 3 years | 8 | ||
| f) Undergraduate University – 1 year | 4 | ||
| g) Undergraduate University – 2 years | 6 | ||
| 1. Education & Training Cut-off score =2 | h) Undergraduate University – 3 years + | 10 | |
| i) Graduated Diploma-Master Degree – 1 year + | 12 | ||
| j) Doctoral Degree | 14 | ||
| 1.2 Area of training | Max | 12 | |
| (Quebec diploma or equivalent) from the list | |||
| a) Section A – part I or II | 12 | ||
| b) Section B – part I or II | 9 | ||
| c) Section C – part I or II | 6 | ||
| d) Section D – part II | 2 | ||
| e) Section E – part I | 0 | ||
| 2. Professional Experience | Max | 8 | |
| a) Less than 6 months | |||
| 2. Experience | b) 6 to 23 months | 4 | |
| c) 24 to 35 months | 6 | ||
| d) 36 to 47 months | 6 | ||
| e) 48 months or more | 8 | ||
| 3. Age | Max | 16 | |
| 18 to 35 years old | 16 | ||
| 36 years old | 14 | ||
| 37 years old | 12 | ||
| 3. Age | 38 years old | 10 | |
| 39 years old | 8 | ||
| 40 years old | 6 | ||
| 41 years old | 4 | ||
| 42 years old | 2 | ||
| 43+ years old | 0 | ||
| 4. Languages | Max | 22 | |
| 4.1 French | Max | 16 | |
| a) Listening (Compréhension orale) | 7 | ||
| b) Speaking (Expression orale) | 7 | ||
| b) Reading (Compréhension écrite) | 1 | ||
| 4. Languages | b) Writing (Expression écrite) | 1 | |
| 4.2 English | Max | 6 | |
| a) Listening | 2 | ||
| b) Speaking | 2 | ||
| b) Reading | 1 | ||
| b) Writing | 1 | ||
| 5.1 Stay in Quebec & Family in Quebec | Max | 8 | |
| 5.1 Stay in Quebec | Max | 5 | |
| a) Study + diploma DEP/AEC 900 h +work experience 6 months in the area of training | 5 | ||
| 5. Stay in Quebec and Family in Quebec | b) Study + diploma DEC/university undergraduate and graduate degrees | 5 | |
| c) Work permit 1 year + work experience 6 months | 5 | ||
| d) Other stay 3 months + | 2 | ||
| e) Other stays 2 weeks to 3 months | 1 | ||
| 5.2 Family in Quebec | Max | 3 | |
| a)Father/mother/sibling/children /spouse | 3 | ||
| b) Grand-parents | 3 | ||
| 6. Spouse’s Characteristics | Max | 17 | |
| 6.1 Education | Max | 8 | |
| 6.1.1 Level of Education | Max | 4 | |
| a) General Secondary | 1 | ||
| b) Professional Secondary | 2 | ||
| c) General Post Secondary – CEGEP- (2 years) | 1 | ||
| d) Technical Post Secondary -College– 1 or 2 year | 2 | ||
| e) Technical Post Secondary -College– 3 years | 3 | ||
| g) Undergraduate University – 2 years | 1 | ||
| h) Undergraduate University – 3 years + | 3 | ||
| i) Graduated Diploma-Master Degree – 1 year + | 4 | ||
| j) Doctoral Degree | 4 | ||
| 6. Spouse’s Characteristic | 6.1.2 Area of training | Max | 4 |
| a) Section A – part I or II | 4 | ||
| b) Section B – part I or II | 3 | ||
| c) Section C – part I or II | 2 | ||
| d) Section D – part II | 1 | ||
| e) Section E – part I | 0 | ||
| 6.2 Age | Max | 3 | |
| 18 to 35 years old | 3 | ||
| 36 to 39 years old | 2 | ||
| 40 to 42 years old | 1 | ||
| 43+ years old | 0 | ||
| 6.3 French | Max | 6 | |
| Listening | 3 | ||
| Speaking | 3 | ||
| 7. Job Offer | Max | 14 | |
| a) Validated job offer in GMR | 8 | ||
| a) Validated job offer outside GMR | 14 | ||
| Gaspésie | 10 | ||
| Bas-St-Laurent | |||
| Côte Nord | |||
| Laurentides | |||
| Mauricie | |||
| 7. Job Offer | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean | 12 | |
| Abitibi-Témiscamingue | |||
| Centre-de-Québec | |||
| Estrie | |||
| Lanaudière | |||
| Outaouais | 13 | ||
| Capital-Nationale | |||
| Chaudière-Appalaches | |||
| Montérégie | |||
| Single applicants without suppose | 43 or 52 | ||
| 8. Children | Max | 8 | |
| 8. Children | 12 years old and less – per child | 4 | |
| 13 to 21 years old – per child | 2 | ||
| 9. Financial Self-Sufficiency | 9. Financial Self-Sufficiency | Max | 1 |
| Contractual subscription | 1 |