Quebec Skilled Worker Program - Themillenniumimmigration

Quebec Immigration: Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Quebec holds a unique position in the Canadian immigration landscape because of its French language and cultural heritage. The province operates its own permanent immigration programs.

One of the key immigration routes for individuals looking to establish themselves in Quebec is the Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

The selection process for the QSWP evaluates candidates based on their profiles, including factors such as educational qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, and any connections to Quebec. For a detailed overview of the QSWP and its requirements, visit themillenniumimmigration.com.

Overview
Immigration Process Under the QWSP
QWSP Eligibility
QWSP Selection Factors
QWSP Processing Fees
Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a long-established pathway for skilled workers aiming to settle in Quebec.

Similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) under the Express Entry system, individuals wishing to immigrate through the QSWP must first express their interest by completing an online expression of interest (EOI) form. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) regularly selects candidates from this pool and invites them to apply for permanent selection.

As of November 2023, proficiency in French has become mandatory for both principal applicants and their sponsors.

On November 29, 2024, the QSWP will transition to the Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP), which will operate similarly.

Recent Improvements in Application Processing Under the QWSP

Previously, applications for the QWSP were submitted in paper format and subject to a quota, limiting the number of applications accepted each year. This “first come, first served” system often led to backlogs and waiting times that extended for years.

To address these inefficiencies, the Quebec Immigration Ministry revamped the application process in 2018, moving away from the quota system and introducing an online EOI system via the Arrima platform.

This new system ensures equal opportunity for all candidates interested in permanent selection. Anyone aged 18 or older can submit an EOI to immigrate to Quebec at any time.

Quebec’s Expression of Interest System

The EOI system consists of two steps for selecting skilled immigrants, whether they are overseas or already in Quebec.

1. Submission of EOI: Candidates submit an electronic expression of interest through Arrima. This pre-screening allows the government to rank applicants based on their human capital and labour market criteria.

2. Invitation to Apply: The government invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent immigration during regular draws. The likelihood of receiving an invitation depends on various factors, including annual admission targets, processing capacity, candidates’ ranking scores, job offers, and targeted occupations at the time of each draw.

Immigration Process Under the QSWP

Candidates must first submit an expression of interest through the Arrima pool. Profiles are scored based on criteria such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Those with the highest scores may receive invitations to apply for permanent selection from the Government of Quebec during regular draws.

Once invited to apply under the QSWP, candidates will utilize the Mon Projet Quebec portal to complete and submit their application for permanent selection. This portal offers a user-friendly interface, allowing candidates to fill out their application, make online payments, track application status, modify their application, and maintain personal communication throughout the process.

Successful candidates under the QWSP will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), enabling them to apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will then conduct medical examinations and criminal background checks as part of their approval process.

QSWP Eligibility

To qualify for a CSQ under the QSWP, candidates must accumulate enough points according to the Quebec Immigration selection grid. This grid includes nine factors:

1. Education
2. Work Experience
3. Age
4. Knowledge of French
5. Stay and Family in Quebec
6. Validated Job Offer
7. Spouse’s Characteristics
8. Presence of Children
9. Ability to be Financially Independent

An unmarried candidate needs to achieve a minimum of 50 points, while candidates with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points.

QWSP Selection Factors

The Quebec Immigration selection factors are as follows:

Factors	Points
Education	Up to 14 points (Cutoff Score = 2 points)
Area Of Training	Up to 12 points
Validated Employment Offer	Up to 14 points
Work Experience	Up to 8 points
Age	Up to 16 points
Language Proficiency	Up to 22 points
Stay And Family In Quebec	Up to 8 points
Spouse/Common-law partner Characteristics	Up to 17 points
Presence Of Accompanying Children	Up to 8 points
Financial Self-Sufficiency	1 point

Many of the documents required in order to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program must be certified true copies. Click here to learn more.

Language test results must be submitted along with immigration applications to be awarded points for language proficiency.

Note as of November 2023, principal applicants will have to demonstrate a level 7 proficiency in French, while spouses of principal applicants must demonstrate a minimum of level 4 proficiency in spoken French (listening and speaking), according to the Quebec scale of French Proficiency levels.

For more information on approved French tests, see Proving French Language Ability (Quebec Skilled Worker Program).
For more information on the approved English test, see Proving English Language Ability – International English Language Testing System (IELTS).