Quebec Immigration via Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)

The Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a points-based immigration pathway designed for skilled workers who want to settle permanently in Québec. Candidates submit an expression of interest through the Arrima portal, where their profiles are assessed based on Québec’s selection grid. Factors such as education, work experience, age, language proficiency (especially French), and adaptability are evaluated. Applicants with the highest scores and aligned with Québec’s labour market needs may receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection. Successful candidates are then issued a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which is required to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

What is the Eligibility Factors for the Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

To qualify under the Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), candidates are evaluated on a points-based selection grid. The following factors determine eligibility:

• Education: Points are awarded for the highest level of education completed. Diplomas that are relevant to Québec’s labour market, especially those obtained in Québec, may receive additional points.
• Age: Younger candidates receive higher points, as they are seen to contribute longer to Québec’s workforce.
• Work Experience: Skilled work experience, whether in Québec or abroad, is assessed based on duration and skill level. More years of relevant work experience increase the score.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in French is a key selection factor. Oral and written abilities in French are highly valued, while English skills may also contribute additional points.
• Valid Job Offer: A confirmed job offer from an employer in Québec can significantly boost the score, especially if the position is outside the Montréal metropolitan area.
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Contribution: If accompanying, a spouse’s education, work experience, and language skills can add to the applicant’s total points.
• Other Adaptability Factors: Additional elements, such as having studied or worked in Québec, family ties in the province, or dependent children, can also contribute to eligibility.

Quebec Selection Grid – Points Breakdown

The table below has complete information on the maximum points that can be scored via the above-listed factors:

Eligibility Requirements for Quebec RSWP

Candidates can score the minimum points required via nine testing factors.

Given below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements to apply for Quebec RSWP:

Training:

The Training factor considers your level of training and educational qualifications.

You must have completed a diploma equivalent to Quebec's high school or general vocational education.

Points under this category will be given depending on the Quebec level of education:

• Vocational high school
• Technical postsecondary
• University

The "Areas of Training" includes a list of study programs that are most in demand in the labor market of Quebec. Your training level will be evaluated based on the List of Areas of training.

Points under this category will be given depending on the Areas of Training:

• In-demand qualifications in Québec's labour market
• Job probabilities in Québec
• Requirements to practice the occupations
• Type of diploma (Québec diploma or a foreign equivalent)

Note: The training you take up must be the same as the ones in the list of Areas of training. Points cannot be allocated if your diploma is not on the list.

Work experience

The work experience factor considers the duration of employment. Both full-time and part-time paid job roles and full-time or part-time work internships to acquire a diploma can be considered under work experience.

Points under this category will be given if the work experience:

• Was gained five years before submitting the application
• Is in any of the categories of A, B, or C occupation (as per the NOC 2016 list)
• Is legal in the concerned country

Age

You must be between 18 and 42 years old to obtain points on the grid.

Language proficiency

You must have proficiency in either French or English languages.

Knowledge of the French language:

A minimum level of 7 must be scored via the selection points grid, and the results must be at least two years old when applying.

Points will be given for French proficiency through the selection grid that is based on the following:

• Listening comprehension
• Oral production
• Written comprehension
• Written production

To score points under French language proficiency, you must either have an Attestations of French evaluation diploma or a high school diploma accepted by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration.

Candidates with a high school diploma that is accepted and approved by the Ministère, can acquire level 9 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes (Quebec scale of French proficiency).

Note: The spouse accompanying the applicant will be examined in a similar way, while the dependent children do not require undergoing this test.

Knowledge of the English language:

To score points under the English language proficiency requirement, you must submit proof of test results or a diploma accepted by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration.

Points will be given for English proficiency through the selection grid that is based on:

• Listening comprehension
• Oral production
• Written comprehension
• Written production

Stays and family in Québec

The “stay in Quebec” criteria are based on:

• Nature of the stay
• Length of the stay
• The date that you entered Quebec 

To be eligible for the points, you must:

• Have resided in the province for a minimum of 2 weeks or more in the last 10 years of submitting the application
• You must have followed the temporary stay rules of Quebec in the last five years following the application date.
• For the “family in Quebec” criteria, one can score points if one or more than one family is a citizen or PR holder of Quebec:

• The child
• The parent
• The sibling
• The grandparent
• The wife, husband, spouse, or common-law partner

Characteristics of your spouse 

The selection grid applies to the accompanying spouse:

• Level of education
• Area of training
• Age
• Language proficiency

Validated job offer 

You must have a valid job offer from an employer in Quebec. The offer should fulfill specific criteria to be validated. Points will be allotted based on the region of the job location. 

Children

The evaluation for children will be based on the below criteria:

• Total number of your dependent children accompanying you
• The number of dependent children of the accompanying spouse
• Age

Capacity for financial self-sufficiency

You must sign and submit the Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract - Skilled Workers to prove that you have sufficient funds to support you and your accompanying family for at least the first three months.

The funds for a three-month period, dated from January 1 to December 31, 2024, are given below.

Each dependent child above 18 years old accompanying the applicant must pay $1,758.

Checklist of documents required for RSWP

Given below is a list of additional documents that are to be submitted for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP):

• Financial self-sufficiency contract (Form A-0522-OA)
• Power of attorney or Mandate (Required if using a legal representative)
• Declaration for practicing a regulated trade or profession
• Declaration for being a teacher
• Declaration for having attended Medical School in Canada or USA
• Valid passport
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of marriage certificate
• Documents related to civil status
• Valid residence permit
• Proof of enrolment as a foreign student
• Transcripts from an educational institution
• Parental consent if children under 18 years of age are accompanying you to Canada in the absence of the other parent
• Educational transcripts, including degrees or diplomas
• Documents supporting your work experience
• Documents supporting your work as a contractor or self-employed person
• Proof of company registration
• Copy of income tax return
• Documents supporting your legal permit to practice in Quebec, as well as authorization to work from a local regulatory body
• Proof of language proficiency (French or English)
• Documents supporting your family in Quebec (if applicable)

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Application Process

Step 1: Create an Arrima Profile
Register on the Arrima portal and complete your profile by providing details on education, work experience, language skills, and family situation.

Step 2: Enter the Arrima Pool
Your profile will be placed into the pool of candidates and evaluated based on the Quebec selection grid.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) conducts draws and invites high-scoring candidates to apply for selection.

Step 4: Apply for the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
If invited, submit a full application with supporting documents. Once approved, you will be issued a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence (PR)
With the CSQ, apply to the Government of Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. At this stage, federal authorities check your health, security, and criminal admissibility before granting PR.

Some of the other conditions may include: 

If you have a CSQ and live abroad:

If you have a valid and active CSQ but currently reside abroad, you may qualify for the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+). Under the IMP+ program, you can receive an open work permit to enter and work in Quebec.  

If you are already employed in Quebec and want to renew your work permit:

If you are already employed in Quebec and are looking to extend your stay in Canada and work there, you must have a work permit that should be renewed upon expiration.

If you do not submit a PR application:

You can submit an LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit to the Canadian government. You will be given a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) which is a Quebec Acceptation Certificate.
 

Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program Fees

Applicants to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program must pay government processing fees when submitting their application.

Below is the official fee structure set by Quebec’s immigration authority (MIFI).

To know more about the RSWP Fee Payment:

• The PR processing fees are updated every year on the 1st of January.

• Candidates are given 30 days to pay the processing fee after submitting the PR application.
• The fee payment must only be made in Canadian dollars (CAD), either by you or a third party
• Once paid, the fee cannot be refunded even if the application is rejected or denied.
• Online applications can complete their payments with a credit card while paper the paper options include:

• A Cheque from a bank in Canada
• Cheque that is issued by a Canadian bank, currency exchange broker or a Canada-based company
• Money order
• Bank draft from a bank in Canada 
   

Quebec Skilled Worker Program Processing Time

The total processing time for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program varies depending on individual circumstances, demand, and government workload. On average, applicants can expect the process to take around 12 to 18 months from submission to final decision.

• Quebec Stage (Arrima + CSQ): After creating a profile and receiving an invitation, the processing of the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) usually takes several months.
• Federal Stage (PR with IRCC): Once the CSQ is issued, the federal government conducts medical, security, and criminality checks, which typically take additional months to finalize.

Note: Applicants are advised to plan well in advance, as timelines can fluctuate based on profile volume, completeness of documents, and updated immigration priorities.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) vs. Express Entry