The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a popular immigration pattern for all who would like to become permanent residents of Quebec. If you would like to immigrate to Canada, this is a good immigration process, as it supports you taking your common-law partner and dependent children for you. As a single applicant, you will need to fulfill some eligibility criteria, but if not immigrating alone, the eligibility criteria may change.
However you may travel, Canada has a lot to offer and immigration to Quebec is the right answer for all who may not be satisfied with their chances and options in their home country. This way, you can enjoy a stable political system, good healthcare, great education, and amazing nature: all the perks that Canada has to offer. As there are over 80 immigration pathway options that you can choose from, it is best to select a few, and the QSWP (Quebec Skilled Worker Program) may be the right thing for you.
What Is Immigration Under the QSWP?
Getting Quebec permanent residency is not as difficult as it may seem. The QSWP program is one way to do so. If you speak French and would like to move to a French-speaking region, or if you believe that Quebec is the best place to immigrate to, then this program is perfect for you. For as long as you fulfill the eligibility criteria or are willing to work on fulfilling them, it is easy to join one of many immigration applicants and maybe settle in Canada.
The QSWP allows internationals who are desired by the Canadian immigration system to become Canadian permanent residents. It is available to you whether you are a foreign national and have never been to Canada or if you are a temporary resident in Canada. For as long as you can follow the Canadian immigration rule, the selection criteria, and rules of good conduct, you are good to go and apply for the program. Let’s go and consider the program in more detail.
Requirements for Quebec Skilled Workers
Quebec’s regular skilled worker program is one of many Canadian immigration options that allow skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and secure a spot for themselves and their families in this beautiful country. The program is available only to those who would like to settle in Quebec and do so permanently – this program is not intended for temporary immigration. If temporary immigration is your goal, you are much better off joining the TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) program, a much cheaper alternative.
Quebec skilled worker program requirements are straightforward, but you will need to go through them one by one and make sure that you can fulfill them. Applying when the basic requirements have not been satisfied is a waste of time, as the Canadian immigration visa office will not take incomplete immigration applications into account. With this in mind, fill out every immigration form to the best of your knowledge (and be truthful about this) and make sure that you have the right documents to back up your story.
The QSWP is a points-based immigration system that allows you to easily check how many points you can get for each prerequisite when applying. These points may not always follow the best logic but always bear in mind that they reflect the current needs of the province of Quebec and not other systems. Here are some prerequisites for the QSWP program and the points that you can get for each level of completion:
Education
| Education Level | Points (max 14 Points) |
| High school general diploma (secondary school diploma) | 2 |
| Undergraduate diploma (1 + years of full-time studies) | 4 |
| Postsecondary school general diploma (2 years of full-time studies) | 4 |
| Undergraduate diploma (2 + years of full-time studies) | 6 |
| Postsecondary school technical diploma (1–2 years of full-time studies) | 6 |
| High school vocational training diploma | 6 |
| Postsecondary school technical diploma (3 years of full-time studies) | 8 |
| Bachelors’ Degree | 10 |
| Master’s Degree | 12 |
| Doctorate Degree | 14 |
Area of Training
| Area of Training | Points (Max 12 Points) |
| Section E, F, or G | 0 |
| Section D | 2 |
| Section C | 6 |
| Section B | 9 |
| Section A | 12 |
The sections division may not be the easiest to understand, so it is important to understand what each of these sections covers. The sections reflect the need for particular skills that skilled immigrants should have, and some of these include only university diplomas, while others apply to more than one schooling institution that can issue them. Let’s consider these areas of training sections in more detail:
Section A
| DCS | Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians | 3213 |
| DVS | Butchers and Meat Cutters – Retail and Wholesale | 6251 |
| DCS | Cardiology Technologists and Technologists in Diagnostic Electrophysiology | 3217 |
| PhD | Chiropractors | 3122 |
| MA | Community and Social Service Workers | 4212 |
| BA | Computer Engineers | 2147 |
| BA | Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers | 2174 |
| DCS | Denturists | 3221 |
| BA | Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 2133 |
| DVS | Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 7312 |
| DVS | Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 7316 |
| BA | Information Systems Analysts and Consultants | 2171 |
| DCS | Opticians | 3231 |
| PhD | Optometrists | 3121 |
| PhD | Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 3125 |
| DCS | Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers | 6563 |
| BA | Software Engineers and Designers | 2173 |
| DCS | Systems Testing Technicians | 2283 |
| DCS | User support technicians | 2282 |
| DCS | Web Designers and Developers | 2175 |
Section B
| BA | Aerospace Engineers | 2146 |
| MA | Architects | 2151 |
| MA | Architecture and science managers | 212 |
| BA | Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 3141 |
| BA | Civil Engineers | 2131 |
| BA | Computer and Information Systems Managers | 213 |
| DCS | Drafting Technologists and Technicians | 2253 |
| BA | Head Nurses and Supervisors | 3151 |
| BA | Human Resources Managers | 112 |
| BA | Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers | 2141 |
| MA | Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety | 2263 |
| BA | Landscape Architects | 2152 |
| BA | Marriage and Other Related Counsellors | 4153 |
| DCS | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 2232 |
| BA | Probation and Parole Officers and Related Occupations | 4155 |
| BA | Registered Nurses | 3152 |
| MA | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses / registered psychiatric nurses | 3012 |
| BA | Social Workers | 4152 |
| BA | Systems Testing Technicians | 2283 |
| BA | Web Designers and Developers | 2175 |
Section C
| DCS | Agricultural and fish products inspectors | 2222 |
| DVS | Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors | 9521 |
| DCS | Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors | 2244 |
| DVS | Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors | 2244 |
| DCS | Architects | 2151 |
| DCS | Biological technologists and technicians | 2221 |
| DCS | Biologists and Associated Scientists | 2121 |
| MA | Biologists and Related Scientists | 2121 |
| DCS | Chemical technologists and technicians | 2211 |
| PhD | Community and Social Service Workers | 4212 |
| MA | Community and Social Service Workers | 4212 |
| DCS | Computer Network Technicians | 2281 |
| DCS | Drafting Technologists and Technicians | 2253 |
| DVS | Estheticians, Electrologists, and Related Occupations | 6562 |
| DCS | Financial and Investment Analysts | 1112 |
| DVS | Food and Beverage Servers | 6453 |
| MA | Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists | 2113 |
| MA | Health Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers | 4165 |
| MA | Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries | 2161 |
| PhD | Psychologists | 4151 |
Source: Immigration.ca
Work Experience
| Work Experience in Years | Points (max 8 points) |
| 6 months or less | 0 points |
| 6 months – 2 years | 4 points |
| 2-4 years | 6 points |
| 4 years and more | 8 points |
Age
| Age | Points (max 16 points) |
| 18-35 | 16 |
| 36 | 14 |
| 37 | 12 |
| 38 | 10 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 6 |
| 41 | 4 |
| 42 | 2 |
| 43 and more | 0 |
Language Ability
French Language Level – Max 16 points
| Level | Listening | Speaking | Reading | Writing |
| A1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| A2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| B1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| B2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| C1 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| C2 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
English Language Level – Max 6 points
| Level | Listening | Speaking | Reading | Writing |
| Beginner (A-level) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Intermediate (B-level) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Advanced (C-level) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Previous Stays in Quebec
| Previous Stay Nature | Points (max 5 points) |
| Staying in Quebec to study and get a diploma or a degree with full-time work experience of at least 6 months after studies | 5 |
| Working in Quebec with a valid work permit for at least 18 months | 5 |
| Stay between 2 weeks and 3 months long | 1 |
| Stay longer than 3 months | 2 |
Family in Quebec
| Family in Quebec | Points (Max points) |
| Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner | 3 |
| Siblings, children, parents or grandparents | 3 |
Valid Job Offer
When it comes to the job offer, it has to be valid, for paid work. When it comes to the points that are awarded with your job offer, they differ based on the region within the province of Quebec that you would like to go to. Here is the breakdown:
| Region within Quebec Province | Points (max 14 points) |
| Abitibi-Témiscamingue | 13 |
| Bas-Saint-Laurent | 12 |
| Capitale-Nationale | 14 |
| Centre-du-Québec | 13 |
| Chaudière-Appalaches | 14 |
| Côte-Nord | 12 |
| Estrie | 13 |
| Gaspésie | 10 |
| Lanaudière | 13 |
| Laurentides | 12 |
| Mauricie | 12 |
| Montérégie | 14 |
| Montreal | 8 |
| Nord-du-Québec | 12 |
| Outaouais | 13 |
| Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean | 12 |
Applying with a Spouse
When it comes to applying with a spouse, it is important to note that applying as a sole applicant means that you have to score at least 43 points out of 99 to be considered. However, applying with a spouse can bring in an additional 17 points, so the maximum number of points goes up to 116. You will need to obtain at least 52 to be considered. Weigh your options: sometimes it may be better to apply with your spouse right away, and sometimes, it may be better to make a sole application and then use a family-sponsorship program to bring the spouse to Canada. Here are points that you can receive for applying with your spouse (points applicable to a spouse only):
Education
| Education Level | Points (max 4 Points) |
| High school general diploma (secondary school diploma) | 1 |
| Undergraduate diploma (1 + years of full-time studies) | 2 |
| Postsecondary school general diploma (2 years of full-time studies) | 1 |
| Undergraduate diploma (2 + years of full-time studies) | 2 |
| Postsecondary school technical diploma (1–2 years of full-time studies) | 3 |
| High school vocational training diploma | 1 |
| Postsecondary school technical diploma (3 years of full-time studies) | 2 |
| Bachelors’ Degree | 3 |
| Master’s Degree | 4 |
| Doctorate Degree | 4 |
Area of Training
| Area of Training | Points (Max 4 Points) |
| Section E, F, or G | 0 |
| Section D | 1 |
| Section C | 2 |
| Section B | 3 |
| Section A | 4 |
Age
| Age | Points (max 16 points) |
| 18-35 | 3 |
| 36-39 | 2 |
| 40-42 | 1 |
| 43 and more | 0 |
French Ability
| Oral Comprehension | 0, 2, or 3 |
| Oral Expression | 0, 2, or 3 |
Additional Points
Children
| Child – Age | Points (max 8 points) |
| 12 years of age or younger – per child | 4 |
| 13-19 years of age – per child | 2 |
Having settlement funds
When it comes to the settlement funds, it is important to note that this is an essential prerequisite. Even if you have a maximum number of points on all other factors, not having sufficient funds and money for the application processing fee will mean that you will not receive your permanent selection certificate and that you will be declined for the Canadian PR (at least in Quebec). Here are the settlement funds for your migration to Quebec for sole applicants and applicants with families:
| Details | 1 Applicant – Amount in CAD | 2 Applicants- Amount in CAD |
| Sole | 3,188 | 4,676 |
| and 1 child under 18 | 4,284 | 5,238 |
| and 2 children under 18 | 4,836 | 5,653 |
| and 3 children under 18 | 5,388 | 6,068 |
| each following child under 18 | 522 | 416 |
| each following child 18 or older | 1,487 | 1,487 |
Please bear in mind that these numbers were true at the time of writing this article. They may change at any time, so contact your local Canadian Visa Office or Consular Office for more specific details and updated amounts of settlement funds.
Applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
If you want to apply for CSQ, you should know that the procedure is not complex, although you may want to find expert advice (through an immigration consultant), to make sure that you’ve got every official document and to make sure that your application has a higher chance for to be selected from a pool of candidates. When it comes to the CSQ, this is one way to migrate to Canada, and it is intended for those with experience in Canada.
Get a Certificate
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a very similar program, which allows you to immigrate as a skilled professional or a skilled worker, and the application process is very similar to that of the CSQ within the PEQ program: you apply for the certificate of selection and when you get it, you further apply for the PR status in Canada, with the federal government. The reason you may want professional help during the application process is that you will need to apply for both these steps separately, which some may find confusing or too time-consuming.
Apply for PR
You can do this through Express Entry or paper application. When it comes to the first option, you will need to wait around 6 months and you will need to make an Express Entry account. Once all of these are done, you will be contacted by the federal government if you get selected. Your profile will be based on a points-based system which has nothing to do with the eligibility score in the first round of the CSQ application. Your CRS score can be as high as 1,200, but the CRS latest draw sees scores as low as 400 regularly get the PR. Understand that you will have different eligibility for residents to satisfy.
Eligibility Criteria for Quebec Skilled Worker Program
As has been described above, there is strict eligibility criteria for the Quebec skilled worker program. When it comes to these, you will be scored on several factors, including:
- your education (the degree and the field of training)
- your work experience
- age
- knowledge of French (the official language) and English
- previous stays in Quebec – all stays longer than 2 weeks count
- having a valid job offer as a foreign worker trying to move to Quebec
- the profile of your spouse, common-law partner, or even a conjugal partner
- whether you have any children that you would take to Quebec with you
- owning settlement funds or not
What Is CSQ?
what is CSQ is a common question, and not too difficult to answer. The CSQ is a certificate that is issued to complete applications in the QSWP and PEQ programs, and this certificate allows you to ask for a permanent resident visa with the federal government. When being considered for the CSQ, the provincial government takes into consideration the factors described above and allows you to join one of their immigration programs. If you are still in confusion about the program or your application did not go through the first time, you may want to contact immigration experts or a good immigration lawyer to help with your Quebec immigration.
CSQ Quebec Points
You will need to score a minimum of 50 CSQ points as a sole applicant, or 59 when applying with a spouse. This may seem like too much, but in reality, you will need to score 50/99 or 59/116 possible points. The minimum score is around 50% of the total score needed, which is not unachievable, and this could be the passing score as well, depending on the profile of people looking to immigrate to Canada.
So, the CSQ Quebec points are important, and without them, you will not be able to move on and get the certificate. While you are waiting for the typical processing time, you can work on your employability factors, and seek employment in Quebec. A Quebec-validated job offer is seen as a great step forward in all CSQ programs and is likely to push your application to the top of the pool.
With paper applications (PR applications, the second step), the process is a bit longer, as it can take 1-2 years for the average processing time alone, and this is only if everything is OK with your application and your paperwork. The long wait times are normal, and we encourage you to work on your profile at all times, as this can give you better chances of getting elected for both the CSQ certificate and for Express Entry – Canada wants to accept people who are willing to work on themselves, and this is no way a bad thing.
Point System of Quebec Regular Skilled Worker
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program uses two different points systems when it comes to checking the eligibility and the ranking of potential candidates. The first system awards points based on the details you enter and this program is supposed to check your eligibility for the program.
Once you have enough points, the program will allow you to enter the pool of candidates. At this time, the program will dismiss the old points system and will use the second one – this one is used to compare candidates and help the Quebec government choose the best candidates for immigration to its province.
Selection Factor for Quebec Skilled Worker Program
To be eligible to apply, you must meet a minimum eligibility score. The score changes depending on whether you have a spouse that you would like to immigrate with or not. To be eligible, you have to score a minimum of 50 points as a solar applicant, and 59 at least, when applying with a spouse.
Processing Time for Quebec Regular Skilled Workers After
The first step on your way to Quebec through the QSWP program is to apply on the Arrima portal. You need to express interest in going to Quebec. When you do so, you will have to enter some of your information and your application will be valid for 12 months. If you get elected during this time, the Quebec government will contact you, and if not, you can reapply after the initial 12 months have passed. You can use this time to gain more work experience, more education or to improve your language skills.
This will make for a better profile, that is likely to score better in the assessment grid and to bring you a chance for a Canadian PR. When it comes to the selection grid, it is very transparent and straightforward, but it can be difficult to say who will get elected, as the process depends on the total pool of candidates, rather than a single application. However, if you do get selected, it is time to make a PR under the QSWP application.
Regular Fees for Skilled Workers
Once you know that all the immigration to Quebec requirements have been fulfilled, it is time to pay the fees. As with all other skilled worker immigration programs, the QSWP also has its fees that have to be paid. Skilled worker applications will only be processed when the fees have been paid. Currently, the fees as as follows:
| Applicant | Fee Amount in CAD |
| Principal Applicant | 844 |
| Spouse, Conjugal Partner, or Common-Law Spouse | 181 |
| Dependent Children, per Child | 181 |
Besides these, you also have to pay the fees for the PR application. Every Canadian immigration process has its fees, so you will have to check the fees for the Canadian immigration programs that you would like to join. Currently, if you are applying for the permanent residency through the Express Entry program, here is how much you will have to pay:
| Applicant | Fee Amount in CAD |
| Principal Applicant | 1,325 |
| Spouse, Conjugal Partner, or a Common-Law Union Partner | 1,325 |
| Dependent Children, per Child | 225 |
| Biometrics Fee, per Person | 85 |
| Biometric Fee, Group of 3 or more | 170 |
Please bear in mind that candidates for immigration will also have to make sure that they have other funds available. The fees above do not include the settlement fees (to prove financial self-sufficiency), the cost of airplane tickets, the language proficiency tests (such as TEF Canada for French proficiency, IELTS for English language proficiency, etc.), study program proof (for students on PEQ – Programme de l’expérience québécoise – The Canadian Experience Program), getting a valid passport, taking out documents such as birth certificates for children, marriage certificates, printing out the application form, parental consent if children are traveling with a single parent,
Check Out Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Lowest Proof of Funds! No Job Needed:
FAQs
Is Quebec Cheaper to Live?
When compared to some other developed countries, Canada is not very expensive to live in. When it comes to Quebec, the same is true, as the province in general has a relatively low cost of living excluding the rent – around CAD1,050 per month per adult person. When it comes to moving here, as long as you meet eligibility requirements and have sufficient settlement funds, you will be all right.
Is Quebec Safe to Live?
Yes, Quebec is very safe to live in. Canada is among the top safest countries in the world, for both children and adults. In Canada itself, Quebec is the safest province there is and is likely to stay that way – relatively low prices, low crime rates, and stable job prospects all provide a safe and supportive environment for all.
How Can I Get a Job Offer in Quebec?
Before even considering moving to Quebec, check if you have eligible job experience that could be accepted there. If yes, you can also start looking for ways to migrate to Quebec. There are several ways to do so, including JobBank Canada, Journées Québec, Quebec corporate portals and websites, and the Québec Emploi website. In addition to this, you can also network using LinkedIn, social networks, etc.
Why Must Applicants for The Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program Submit Paper Applications Only During the Federal Stage?
As the Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program is a two-step program, you should send electronic applications for the first step of the application process, while the second stage will mean that you need to submit a paper application. This is done because the provincial government cannot issue a PR and the federal government cannot issue the CSQ certificate for you to be invited into Quebec.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to economic and family immigration programs, there are several ways to go to Canada, and more specifically, Quebec. Among these, the QSWP (Quebec Skilled Worker Program) is a very popular solution, but besides skills and eligible work experience, you need to be prepared for French language proficiency and English language testing, as well as collecting documents to make a separate application every year that you do not join the selection of applicants. Still, the skilled worker selection program is a big immigration pathway and one chosen regularly. It is a good way for you to start your life abroad, so follow our guide to make sure you get to reap all the benefits the program has to offer.