Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program, jointly administered by the Government of Quebec and the Canadian Federal Government, allows highly educated or trained foreign nationals to immigrate to that province as skilled workers. Skilled Worker Quebec Program applicants are evaluated according to a selection grid of factors. Those who score enough points are given a certificate enabling them to apply for permanent residency.
Overview
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a favourite of immigrants to Canada, with many applying for the opportunity to live and work in Quebec. The Quebec government administers the program, providing a path to permanent residency for candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and are selected through an applicant-selection process based on points.
To qualify for QSWP, candidates must have a postsecondary degree and at least one year of experience in their chosen skilled occupation. They also must be proficient in either French or English.
In addition to meeting the usual requirements for housing, such as income level and criminal background checks, they must also satisfy other eligibility requirements—for example, age limits or financial stability. The QSWP application process begins with creating an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile, which officials review to determine eligibility requirements.
If a candidate is deemed eligible, they can submit a complete application. Their eligibility and submission quality will be evaluated using points-based criteria.
The system evaluates various factors, including education, work experience, age and language proficiency, to determine which candidates are most likely to succeed in Quebec’s job market.
Immigration Process Under the QSWP
Candidates submit an expression of interest through Arrima’s online application system and are scored based on several factors such as their age, educational background and language skills.
Candidates who score highest in the pool may be invited to apply for permanent jobs with the Government of Quebec during regularly held draws.
Candidates invited to apply under the QSWP will use Mon Projet Quebec, a portal that provides information on how and where to complete an application form for permanent selection.
The portal allows candidates to complete their application, make their payment online in real-time and track the status of that process. Candidates can also make changes or updates at any point before submitting a finalized version of the form. Lastly, applicants can access a personal email account associated with this filing period—allowing them to contact an agency representative directly if necessary.
Applicants who are thriving under the QSWP receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent resident status.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will perform a medical screening and criminal history check on applicants during approval.
Quebec Skilled Worker Eligibility
Immigration Quebec uses nine selection factors to determine eligibility for the Quebec Immigration Skilled Worker Program. The points awarded according to these criteria identify which possible immigrants are most likely, once in the province, to flourish economically and integrate into French-Canadian society.
To qualify for immigration to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, solo applicants must score at least 50 points. Applicants who apply with spouses or common-law partners will be awarded extra points if their combined total is 59 when added together.
We have provided a detailed overview of the skilled worker immigration Quebec requirements below.
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Training (maximum 26 points)
As many as 26 points are awarded under the Training category of the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration Program. These points are given across two sub-categories: Education (up to 14 points) and Areas of Training (up to 12 points).
The Education sub-factor has a minimum cutoff score of 2 points, meaning applicants must have obtained at least a secondary school general diploma to be eligible to become a Quebec-selected skilled worker. If they don’t meet this requirement, they must have worked in a field directly related to their degree or diploma for at least 12 months in the five years before submitting their application.
Education (maximum 14 points):
- General high school diploma – 2 points
- Vocational high school diploma – 6 points
- General postsecondary school diploma (full-time for two years) – 4 points
- Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for one year) – 6 points
- Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for two years) – 6 points
- Technical postsecondary school diploma in section A or B training area (full-time for 1 or 2 years) – 10 points
- Technical postsecondary school diploma (full-time for three years) – 8 points
- Technical postsecondary school diploma in section A or B training area (full-time for three years) – 10 points
- Undergraduate degree (full-time for 1+ years) – 4 points
- Undergraduate degree (full-time for 2+ years) – 6 points
- Undergraduate degree (full-time for 3+ years) – 10 points
- Master’s degree – 12 points
- Doctorate – 14 points
The Areas of Training sub-category is intended to identify prospective immigrants professionally trained in areas with substantial employment opportunities. A detailed list of Quebec Skilled Worker Program Areas of Training helps prospective applicants determine which section their degree or diploma falls under.
Areas of Training (maximum 12 points):
- Section A – 12 points
- Section B – 9 points
- Quarter C – 6 points
- Section D – 2 points
- Section E – 0 points
- Section F – 0 points
- Section G – 0 points
Work Experience (maximum 8 points)
As many as 8 points are available under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program Work Experience category. Eligible work experience must have been gathered in the five years preceding the Skilled Worker Program Quebec application submission. Qualified job experience includes both paid and unpaid employment. However, unremunerated work and internships must have been undertaken by a training or educational program.
Job Experience Points Grid:
- Less than six months – 0 points
- Six months to 1 year – 4 points
- 1 to 2 years – 4 points
- 2 to 3 years – 6 points
- 3 to 4 years – 6 points
- More than four years – 8 points
Age (maximum 16 points)
The Quebec skilled workers program is designed to attract people who will work in the province for many years and make essential contributions. The Quebec Skilled Worker Programme rewards young prospective immigrants up to 16 points toward their eligibility score if they are between 18 and 35.
Age Points Grid:
- 18 to 35 years old – 16 points
- 36 years old – 14 points
- 37 years old – 12 points
- 38 years old – 10 points
- 39 years old – 8 points
- 40 years old – 6 points
- 41 years old – 4 points
- 42 years old – 2 points
- 43+ years of age – 0 points
Language Proficiency (maximum 22 points)
As many as 22 Quebec Skilled Worker Program points are available under this selection factor. Immigration Quebec prefers French language skills. Consequently, French language proficiency is weighted more strongly than English, allowing the applicant to score 16 points for French compared to 6 points for English.
Immigration Quebec accepts several different English and French evaluation tests and diplomas from the Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP), Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP-IDF), and International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Candidates may not submit standardized test results from any other organization. They are judged on their ability to comprehend and produce written material, as well as speak in an intelligible manner under oral examination.
Recognized French Knowledge Evaluations:
- CIEP: Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
- CIEP: Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ)
- CIEP: Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)
- CIEP: Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
- CCIP-IDF: Test d’évaluation du français (TEF)
- CCIP-IDF: Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ)
- CCIP-IDF: Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
Recognized English Knowledge Evaluations:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
If someone is a “Low Beginner,” they can understand short or common phrases and express simple things. Someone who is considered to be a “High Beginner” would be able to comprehend basic day-to-day information and speak effectively in everyday situations.
A person is considered a “Low Intermediate” if they can understand most information they hear in typical situations but struggle to communicate effectively with people outside their immediate circle.
A “High Intermediate” is a person who can understand complex information about many subjects, both ordinary and unusual. They may not all be experts, but they can explain these topics to others easily. An “Advanced” level of English comprehension means that a person can understand complex information in both professional and casual settings—and express themselves clearly on many different topics.
French Language Proficiency (maximum 16 points):
- Reading – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (1 point), C1 Advanced (1 point), C2 Advanced (1 point)
- Writing – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (1 point), C1 Advanced (1 point), C2 Advanced (1 point)
- Listening – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (5 points), C1 Advanced (6 points), C2 Advanced (7 points)
- Speaking – A1 Low Beginner (0 points), A2 High Beginner (0 points), B1 Low Intermediate (0 points), B2 High Intermediate (5 points), C1 Advanced (6 points), C2 Advanced (7 points)
English Language Proficiency (maximum 6 points):
- Reading – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (1 point)
- Writing – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (1 point)
- Listening – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (2 points)
- Speaking – CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginner (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (2 points)
Please note: while it is significantly more complex, it is possible to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker without speaking French or English.
Quebec Connection (maximum 8 points)
Quebec skilled immigration applicants who have spent time in Quebec or have family in the province can be awarded as many as 8 points under this selection factor. The sub-category for having family members in Quebec offers up to 3 points, while the Stay in Quebec sub-category can provide up to 5 points.
Please note that family members residing in Canada but not Quebec do not count under this category. Points are only awarded to relatives actively living in Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivieres (Three Rivers), Saguenay, Drummondville, or any other city, town, village, or area in the Province of Quebec.
