Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Quebec is the second-most populous province of Canada, located in the eastern part. Quebec is well-known for its large French-speaking population. Natural resources have always been an integral part of the province’s economy but, other sectors of its knowledge economy including, aerospace, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, and the pharmaceutical industry, also contribute significantly.

The government of Quebec assesses foreign workers under a different immigration system. These foreign workers are those candidates, who want to live and work in the Canadian province of Quebec as permanent residents.

The Quebec Immigration system invites skilled workers who can settle themselves economically. Skilled workers or international graduates, who are currently living in Quebec can also apply for the Canadian permanent residency under the provincial government’s Regular Skilled Worker Program, also known as the Quebec Experience Program, or the QSWP.

The QSWP is a points-based system; it is independent of other skilled workers’ program run by the Canadian government. Qualifying applicants can apply for immigration to Canada in the province, with or without a job offer.

Quebec’s Expression of Interest System and the Arrima portal

In 2018, Quebec introduced the Expression of Interest System with the purpose to manage the processing of the QSWP applications. Through the EOI system, individuals willing to immigrate to Quebec under the QSWP have to first create an EOI profile through the Arrmia portal.

The Arrima portal

Anyone above 18 years of age, who is willing to apply for permanent residency in Canada through QSWP can create an EOI profile in the online Arrima portal without any fee. This portal stays active throughout the year and a candidate can submit his or her EOI profile anytime.

Mon Projet Québec

Nominated candidates or let us say, candidates who are invited to apply for immigration to Quebec, have to apply through the secure Mon Projet Québec portal. This portal enables applicants to submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), pay online, check the application status, edit application, and get notified through electronic messaging.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Requirements

To be eligible under the QSWP, applicants have to meet certain criteria. Also, the QSWP is a bit complex than any other immigration program, and separate thresholds have been determined for single applicants and applicants with a spouse or common-law partner.

From January 1, 2020, all the potential immigrants have to demonstrate Quebec values to obtain permanent resident status in the province. To show this, applicants have to either pass a Quebec’s value test or complete a course based on Quebec values.

Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination through the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). These potential immigrants can submit an application for permanent residence to the Government of Canada. To complete the process, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will perform a medical and criminal background check.

To obtain a CSQ, applicants have to score minimum points in a series of factors. An individual or single applicant has to score at least 50 points. While a candidate, who is applying with a spouse has to score at least 59 points.

Various selection factors for the Quebec Immigration Selection Program are as follows:

To apply with the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, candidates have to submit many of the documents as certified true copies. 

Also, while applying candidates have to submit their language test results, so they can be rewarded with the equivalent points in the language proficiency factor.

Candidates have to take an approved English language test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to prove their English language ability. While there a number of approved French language test under QSWP, applicants can take any one of these:

• Test d`Evaluation du Français (TEF/TEF Canada)
• Test d`Evaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFaQ)
• Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ)
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
• Diplôme d`études en langue française (DELF/DALF)

Processing Times

Processing times of an application under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program varies across different Canadian Immigration Visa Offices.

Processing Fees

Processing fees for different applicants for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program for 2020 are:

Still, have doubts about the application process with the QSWP? Do not worry, MakeHomeCanada is here to address all of your queries. Our expert immigration consultants will guide you about various pathways for Canadian immigration including the federal Express Entry system and different provincial nominee programs. Get a brief about different streams to apply for Canadian residency to save your time and efforts. Let us assist you with the immigration process to help you become a permanent resident of Canada.