Quebec holds an excellent position in the Canadian immigration landscape because of its French language and cultural heritage. The province operates its permanent immigration programs. Well, here’s all you need to know about the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. 

Quebec Skilled Worker Program is one of the prominent pathways available to those wishing to settle in the province. Selection under the program is based on the applicant’s profile, their level of education, language skills, work experience, and possible ties to the province. 

Quebec Skilled Worker Program – Overview 

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a well-established permanent immigration program for skilled workers. 

Similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, foreign nationals who wish to immigrate via QSWP must first demonstrate their interest in immigrating to Quebec by completing an EOI form through an online portal. 

Well, as of November 2023, French proficiency is mandatory for both principal and sponsored applicants in the program. 

On November 29th, 2024, the QSWP will be replaced by the Qualified Worker Selection Program, which will function the same way. 

Recent Application Processing Improvements Under The Quebec Skilled Worker Program 

Earlier, applications under QSWP were submitted in the paper format and were subject to a quota. The province set a maximum number of applications it could get for the year and a deadline for obtaining applications. Once the maximum number of applications was reached, the province closed the program to further new applications. The ‘first come, first serve’ selection system was deemed inefficient and the large inventory of applications received at once resulted in endless backlogs. 

In simpler terms, under the old application model, the applications submitted was far more than the number of spots available every year for skilled workers. As a result, the waiting time for successful applicants has spanned over many years. 

For this specific reason, in 2018, the Quebec Immigration Ministry proceeded with a ‘reboot’ removing the ‘first come, first serve’ approach, backlogged applications and introduced an online EOI system hosted on Arrima. 

Immigration Process Under The Quebec Skilled Worker Program

First, applicants need to submit an EOI through the Arrima pool. Submitted profiles are scored based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, etc. The top-scoring applicants in the pool might be invited to apply for permanent selection by the Government of Quebec in regularly held draws. 

Moreover, applicants invited to apply to immigrate to Quebec under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program will use the Mon Projet Quebec Portal in order to complete and submit an application form for permanent selection. The portal enables applicants to complete their application, track the status of their application, make their payment online, make changes to their application, and access a personal email throughout the process. 

Applicants who are successful under the program are issued a Quebec Selection Certificate and further can apply to the Canadian Government for permanent residence. IRCC will conduct a medical and criminal background check as part of its approval process. 

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Eligibility 

To be eligible for the QSWP, i.e., the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, applicants must obtain enough points based on the Quebec Immigration selection grid. 

The grid has nine factors: 

• Education
• Work Experience
• Age
• French Language Proficiency 
• Stay and Family Is In Quebec
• Validated Job Offer
• Spouse’s Characteristics
• Presence Of Children
• Ability To Be Financially Independent

A single unmarried applicant must score a minimum of 50 points based on this system. On the other hand, an applicant with a spouse/ common-law partner must score a minimum of 59 points. 

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Selection Factors 

The Quebec Immigration selection factors are: 

Factors	Points
Education	Up to 14 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’s Characteristics	Up to 17 points
Presence Of Accompanying Children	Up to 8 points
Financial Self-Sufficiency	1 point

 

Many of the documents needed to apply for the program must be certified true copies. 

Applicants should submit language test results along with their immigration applications to receive points for language proficiency.

QSWP Processing Fees 

Processing fees for Quebec Qualified Worker Selection Program, effective January 1, 2022, are as follows: 

Applicant	Fees
Principal Applicant	CAD 844
Spouse, de facto spouse	CAD 181
Each Dependent Child	CAD 181

 

Conclusion 

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program stands as a gateway to opportunities for skilled professionals seeking to establish themselves in the dynamic province of Quebec. With its emphasis on selecting applicants based on their ability to contribute to the province’s economy, the program offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants. 

Moreover, by attracting talent from across the globe, the QSWP enriches Quebec’s natural landscape, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth. As Quebec continues to welcome skilled workers, the program underscores the province’s commitment to building a diverse and prosperous future for all its residents.