Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) for Immigration

Quebec is one of the fastest-growing economies in Canada. Quebec is known for its predominantly French-speaking population. Moreover, when compared to other Canadian provinces, the cost of living in Quebec is low. Due to the decline in its population, Quebec is welcoming immigrants in high numbers. Eligible applicants can also bring their family members along and enjoy the same benefits and privileges as Canadian citizens.

If you are a skilled worker interested in immigrating to the province of Quebec, you can opt for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program!

Types of Quebec Immigration Programs

Various programs available for immigration to Quebec are:

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program
• Quebec Business Immigration
• Quebec Experience Program

Overview of the Quebec Immigration Programs 

1. Quebec Skilled Worker Program

• The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is for skilled people who can easily find a job in the Quebec job market and contribute to the provincial labour market needs. 
• Applicants must meet the qualifying conditions in order to be considered for this program.

2. Quebec Business Immigration 

Investors and entrepreneurs are eligible for Quebec Business Immigration. Through several programs handled under Quebec business immigration, the Quebec government promotes businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and investors to settle in Canada. These programs are:

• Quebec Immigration Investor Program
• Quebec Immigration Entrepreneurs Program
• Quebec Immigration Self-Employment Program

The applications of various business programs are evaluated according to the selection criteria of the program through which they apply. The core eligibility criteria, such as age, language competence, and a variety of other factors, are, nevertheless, the same for all.

3. Quebec Experience Program

• The Quebec Experience Program is designed for those foreign nationals who are already living, working, or studying in Quebec. 
• Under these categories, there are two sub-programs: Quebec Graduate (for students) and Temporary Foreign Worker (for workers). 
• Since the applicants already live and work in Canada, this is the fastest route to permanent residency in all immigration categories. 
• Applicants must, however, meet all eligibility conditions in order to be considered for this program.

What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is an immigration program for skilled, experienced professionals who wish to reside in the province of Quebec. Applicants who score enough QSW points get shortlisted and receive the Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ) to get permanent residence in Quebec.

How to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

Applicants must apply for immigration through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program using the government of Quebec’s website (Arrima portal) and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in order to get a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ). Applicants must apply for permanent residency through Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after clearing the QSW points and getting the CSQ.

What is the Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ)?

It is an official document provided by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) that confirms the province’s selection of a particular candidate. Chosen candidates must file a permanent residency application with the Immigration and Refugee Canada Council (IRCC) within 24 months of receiving the CSQ.

Validity of the Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ)

2nd August 2018 Regulation states that CSQ is valid for only 24 months or until decisions have been rendered by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How to obtain the Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ)?

Currently, there is no official list of qualifying jobs for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Therefore you may have to look at the list of occupations that are currently in great demand in Quebec. Applicants will be chosen if Quebec’s immigration standards are satisfied, regardless of their prior employment or field of expertise.

To be eligible for a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ), candidates must get at least 50 points based on Quebec’s selection criteria. Applicants who are accompanied by their spouse or common-law partner, on the other hand, must earn at least 59 points out of 99 points.

What is Arrima Online Portal?

The MIFI authorities of Quebec launched Arrima in July 2019 as an online gateway for sending invitations to Quebec Skilled Worker candidates. Those interested in applying for the QSW program must first fill an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Candidates that apply using the Arrima portal can anticipate their application to be processed within 6 months.

What are the requirements for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program application involves:

• Work Experience
• Language proficiency
• Education
• Age
• Connections in Quebec
• Valid Job Offer
• Accompanying Spouse/Common-law partner
• Employability Eligibility Score
• Children
• Settlement Funds (Optional)

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Points Grid

Quebec CSQ Rules

Work Experience 

Applicants must have 5 years of work experience prior to submitting their application. Both paid and unpaid jobs are considered valid under this program. However, voluntary work and internships that are done while pursuing training or educational programs are not considered.

Language Proficiency 

Immigration Quebec prefers French language abilities in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Therefore, candidates who know the French language better than the English language are given more points. Candidates who are fluent in French can earn up to 16 points, while students who are fluent in English can earn up to 6 points.

The tests that are approved by the Immigration Quebec authorities are:

For French

• Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP)
• Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP-IDF)

For English

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Education & Area of Training

To be eligible for the QSW program, candidates must have completed at least a secondary school general education diploma. The level of education is required to be completed in the five years before applying for this program.

Age

Connections in Quebec

Applicants can get extra points if they have family relatives in the Quebec province.

Applicants can also get points under this category if they have previously visited Quebec.

Accompanying Spouse/Common-law partner

The applicant can get points based on the spouse’s/common-law partner’s educational level, age, and language competence. All candidates and their accompanying partners receive the same point distribution.

Valid Job Offer

Applicants who have obtained a valid permanent employment offer get 10 points. However, if the valid employment offer is in the Montreal area, then applicants get 8 points.

Children

Applicants who bring children to Quebec are eligible for an additional 8 points.

Why can’t applicants apply for immigration to Quebec through the common immigration programs of Canada?

The province of Quebec runs its own immigration program, with its own selection procedure and criteria that are distinct from those used by other provinces.

The Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) generally selects applicants who like to settle in French-speaking provinces.

Settlement Funds

• The Quebec government requires potential immigrants to have a certain amount of money, which is determined by the number of family members who would be immigrating and their ages. 
• The selection criteria will provide a point to applicants who sign the Quebec Immigration Skilled Worker Program financial agreement, confirming that they have the necessary money. 
• You can obtain 1 point in this area if you are qualified for the Skilled Worker Program. Prospective immigrants who do not sign a statement stating that they meet the minimum financial criteria for Quebec Skilled Workers will be unable to participate in the program.

Required Documents for the Quebec Immigration Programs

• Proof of funds contract (Form A-0522-OA).
• A photocopy of your current passport (showing issue date and expiry date).
• Birth certificate photocopy.
• Photocopy of marriage certificate or divorce judgment (if applicable)
• Photocopy of two or more civil status documents attesting to de facto spouse status, such as a utility bill, joint bank account statements, mortgage or lease, or other similar documents. Both names must be included in the documents. (if relevant)
• If you are residing in a nation where you are not a citizen, a photocopy of your valid residency permit is required. (if applicable)
• A photocopy of an international student’s proof of enrollment. (if applicable)
• A photocopy of a letter from an educational institution specifying the start and finish dates for a foreign student application. (if applicable)
• If you’re bringing a child under the age of 18 to Quebec without the other parent, you’ll need an original declaration of parental permission. Your consent must be given in front of a judge, magistrate, court officer, notary, government official, or diplomatic representative from your home country. A death certificate for the other parent or a court order awarding the accompanying parent exclusive custody of the kid will also qualify. (if appropriate)
• Adoption papers photocopies for accompanying child (if applicable)
• Original medical certificate demonstrating physical or mental impairment. (if applicable)
• Original passport-sized photos of all family members immigrating to Quebec.
• Original certificate copy of all degrees and diplomas. (if applicable)
• A photocopy of the official work attestation is required for each employment included on your Quebec Skilled Worker application. It must be written on business letterhead and include specific details regarding the employment tenure, roles held, duties done, and weekly hours worked. (if applicable)
• Supporting documentation photocopies of your work as a self-employed person or contractor.
• A photocopy of the company’s registration certificate. (if applicable)
• To establish the validity of work experience, provide an original or certified genuine copy of your income tax return.
• A photocopy of a professional work permit in Quebec and authorisation from a local regulatory authority to perform a regulated trade in Quebec. (if applicable)
• Photocopy of French language testing: TEF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada, TCF, TCFQ, DELF or DALF (if applicable)
• Photocopy of English language testing: IELTS (if applicable)
• Photocopy of evidence of Quebec connection. Either a Quebec work or study permit, evidence of exemption, or passport stamps indicating a trip to Quebec. (if appropriate)
• Photocopy of family evidence in Quebec. Family members who live in the province must have their birth certificates, as well as a valid Quebec healthcare card and a Canadian passport or residency card. (if appropriate)

Cost of Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Qualified individuals submitting profiles through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program have to pay the mandatory government processing fees.

The processing price is $1,065, which comprises the main application fee, $773, and application fees for spouse and children, $166.

Overall, the Quebec government offers a variety of immigration options to foreign people seeking to settle in the province of Quebec. Besides that, all the recent changes in the Quebec immigration rules and requirements are updated through the Arrima portal of the Quebec government.