Quebec Skilled Worker
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is one of the pathways for foreign skilled workers who want to obtain permanent residency in Canada. This program operates based on a points system, meaning you need to score a minimum number of points to be selected. Applicants for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program must meet conditions such as having at least a certain amount of specialized work experience and a French language certificate.
To apply for this program, both you and your spouse must have knowledge of the French language. The main applicant needs to have at least NCLC level 7 in French, while their spouse must have NCLC level 4.
In this program, you must first express your interest in Quebec through the Arrima portal. If you qualify, you will receive an invitation to submit your application for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Once selected by Quebec and obtaining the CSQ, you can apply for permanent residency through Canada’s immigration office.
In this blog, we will review the conditions, steps, costs, and scoring methods of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program together.
The issuance of new invitations in this program has been paused until June 25, 2025.
Conditions for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
To receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ):
– Achieve the minimum required score in the Quebec points system:
Minimum score for a single person: 50 points
Minimum score for a married person: 59 points
– Have sufficient financial means (ability to be financially independent)
– Hold at least a high school diploma
– Have knowledge of the French language (NCLC 7 for the main applicant and NCLC 4 for the spouse)
– Have at least 1 year of specialized work experience
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have an interest in working and living in Quebec
For applying for permanent residency:
– Have a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
– No criminal record
– Sufficient financial means
– Equivalency assessment of educational credentials
– Having specialized work experience
Required documents for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Identity documents
Valid passport
Birth certificate
Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
Passport-sized photos
Educational documents
Educational documents
Transcripts
French language certificate
English language certificate
Financial documents
Independence (self-sufficiency) financial capability contract
Bank statements
Account balance
Financial capability documents
Property or land documents (if any)
Documents indicating financial stability
Employment documents
Certified copies of internship documents
Documents related to your business or a letter from your employer (and former employers)
Pay slip
Original or certified copy of the tax declaration to prove the legality of work experience
Official work certificate for any job you mentioned in the skilled worker application for Quebec.
Other documents
Power of attorney (if using a legal representative)
Valid residence permit if residing in a country where you are not a citizen.
Proof of connection to Quebec
Study permit
Work permit
Other documents
Criminal record check
Invoices for application fees
The following immigration forms:
Generic Application Form for Canada – IMM 0008
Schedule A – Background / Declaration
FORM IMM 5406
Travel Information Form – IMM 5562
Document Checklist – IMM 5690
Immigration applicant’s declaration
Declaration of the Candidate for Immigration
Declaration of intent to live in Quebec – IMM 0008 – Schedule 5
Application for permanent selection
Link to Application for Selection Certificate – Skilled Worker
Declaration by Spouse (if your spouse is accompanying you to Quebec)
Supporting documents for CSQ application
Declaration regarding democratic values and Quebec values
Link to Declaration on the democratic Values and the Québec values
Declaration forms for graduates of various professions
Declaration form for graduates in early childhood, elementary or high school teaching
Declaration for international medical graduates
Applicant declaration for regulated trade
Link to Declaration by a Candidate Practising a Regulated Trade
Quebec Skilled Worker Points System
The Quebec Skilled Worker program operates using two points scoring systems: the QSW Points Grid and the Arrima Expression of Interest Points Grid.
The QSW Points Grid is for determining individuals who are eligible to submit an Arrima profile. To register a profile in Arrima, you need to score at least the minimum required points in the QSW scoring criteria.
Minimum QSW points for single applicants
A minimum of 43 points in employability criteria
In total, you must earn at least 50 points.
Minimum QSW score for married applicants
At least 52 points in employability factors
You must achieve a total of at least 59 points.
What is the Arrima portal?
The Arrima portal has been created by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIDI) to receive Expressions of Interest (EOI) in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Applicants must register their interest by completing a profile on the portal. Then, qualified individuals are selected to submit a CSQ application.
This portal is open year-round, and you can submit your EOI at any time.
Selection factors of the QSW points system
| Factors | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Married | Single | ||
| Employability Factors | Education | 26 | 26 |
| Work Experience | 8 | 8 | |
| Age | 16 | 16 | |
| Language Proficiency | 22 | 22 | |
| Connection to Quebec | 8 | 8 | |
| Spouse Accompanying Factors | 17 | 0 | |
| Valid Job Offer | 14 | 14 | |
| Minimum Employability Score | Minimum score: 52 | Minimum score: 43 | |
| Child | 8 | 8 | |
| Ability for Financial Independence | 1 | 1 | |
| Minimum Score to Pass | 59 | 50 |
Factor 1: Education
High School Diploma 2
Vocational Diploma 6
General College Diploma (2 years) 4
Technical College Diploma (1 or 2 years) 6
Technical College Diploma (3 years) 8
Bachelor’s Degree (1 year) 4
Bachelor’s Degree (2 years) 6
Bachelor’s Degree (3 years or more) 10
Master’s Degree (1 year or more) 12
Doctorate 14
Field of Study
The field of study refers to your latest diploma and is evaluated based on the category from the list of study programs.
Section A 12
Section B 9
Section C 6
Section D 2
Section E 0
Factor 2: Work Experience
Less than 6 months 0
6 to 11 months 4
12 to 23 months 4
24 to 35 months 6
36 to 47 months 6
48 months and more 8
Maximum Score 8 points
Factor 3: Age
18 to 35 years 16
36 years 14
37 years 12
38 years 10
39 years 8
40 years 6
41 years 4
42 years 2
43 and older 0
Maximum Score 16 points
Factor 4: Language Proficiency
| Maximum 22 points | Listening | Speaking | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French | 0; 5; 6 or 7 | 0; 5; 6 or 7 | 0 or 1 | 0 or 1 |
| English | 0; 1 or 2 | 0; 1 or 2 | 0 or 1 | 0 or 1 |
Factor 5: Connection to Quebec (having residency or family in Quebec)
Educational Residence: An educational residency in Quebec lasting between 900 to 1800 hours leads to obtaining a DEP or AEC degree, along with at least 6 months of full-time work experience in Quebec related to the field of study. 5
An educational residency in Quebec lasting 1800 hours or more leads to obtaining a DEP, AEC, or DEC degree, a university degree, or diploma. 5
Work Residence: A work residency in Quebec with a minimum one-year work permit, along with at least 6 months of full-time work experience or more. 5
Other Residencies: Other residencies lasting 3 months or more. 2
Other residencies lasting 2 weeks to less than 3 months. 1
Having Family in Quebec
First-degree family in Quebec (spouse, parents, sister, brother, child, grandparents). 3
Maximum: 8 points
Factor 6: Spouse Accompanying Factors
High School Diploma. 1
Vocational Diploma. 2
General College Diploma (2 years). 1
Technical College Diploma (1 or 2 years). 2
Technical College Diploma (3 years). 3
University Bachelor’s Degree (1 year). 1
University Bachelor’s Degree (2 years). 2
University Bachelor’s Degree (3 years or more). 3
University Master’s Degree (1 year or more). 4
PhD. 4
Maximum Score: 17 points
Field of Study
Field of Study Score
Section A. 4
Section B. 3
Section C. 2
Section D. 1
Section E. 0
Age
Age Score
Under 18 years. 0
18 to 35 years. 3
36 years. 2
37 years. 2
38 years. 2
39 years. 2
40 years. 1
41 years. 1
42 years. 1
43 and older. 0
French Language Skills Score
Listening: 0, 2, or 3
Speaking: 0, 2, or 3
Factor 7: Valid Job Offer
Region where a valid job offer was issued
Inside the Montreal Metropolitan Area (CMM). 8
Outside the Montreal Metropolitan Area:
Capitale-Nationale. 14
Chaudière-Appalaches. 14
Montérégie. 14
Abitibi-Témiscamingue. 13
Centre-du-Québec. 13
Estrie. 13
Lanaudière. 13
Outaouais. 13
Bas-Saint-Laurent. 12
Côte-Nord. 12
Laurentides. 12
Mauricie. 12
Nord-du-Québec. 12
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. 12
Gaspésie. 10
Maximum: 14 points
Factor 8: Child
12 years or less. 4
13 to 21 years. 2
Maximum score: 8 points
Factor 9: Ability for Financial Independence
Ability for Financial Independence (mandatory). 1
Receiving points for the financial independence (self-sufficiency) section is mandatory. This score assures the Government of Quebec that the applicant can financially support themselves and all family members for immigration to Canada.
Skilled Worker Program Scoring Tool for Quebec
You can estimate your score for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program through the two forms below.
Online Tool for Calculating Immigration Points to Quebec
Quebec Skilled Worker Scoring Tool
Steps to Apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
For Quebec immigration applications, you need to go through two stages: provincial selection and federal admission.
1. Provincial Selection
The provincial selection stage is carried out by the Quebec provincial government. At this stage, the applicant must meet the requirements to obtain approval from Quebec. If selected by Quebec, you will receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec or CSQ).
Step 1: Check if you have enough points to enter the program.
Check the eligibility criteria for the program to see if your work experience, education, language skills, and financial resources align with the program’s needs. To enter the program, you must achieve a minimum score in the Quebec score system (QSW) as follows:
Minimum score required for singles to enter the program is 50 points.
Minimum score required for married individuals to enter the program is 59 points.
Step 2: Create an Arrima profile and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
At this stage, you need to create an Arrima profile online.
Link to access the Arrima platform
In your profile, you must enter the following; no documents are required at this stage:
All details about yourself
Education
Language skills
Family
And your work history
By completing your profile, submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) for free. You will then be assigned a score from 1 to 1300, and your application will be placed in the Expression of Interest Bank (EOI Bank).
You can allow your profile to be visible in the employer portal search tool for companies in Quebec, so they can contact you if they’re interested in hiring you.
Requirements for submitting an EOI in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
– You must be at least 18 years old.
– You must intend to live and work in Quebec, Canada.
Deadline to complete the EOI form in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
You have 90 days from the date the interest declaration form is created to complete and submit it; otherwise, your form will be deleted.
Validity period of the EOI form in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
The Expression of Interest (EOI) form is valid for 12 months after submission, and if you don’t receive an invitation during this period, your application will expire.
Step 3: Lottery; receive an invitation to apply for the CSQ.
The Quebec government holds periodic draws among applicants. Eligible candidates from the EOI bank receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) to submit for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
If you receive an invitation, a message will be sent to you in the Arrima Message Center containing the necessary information to access the application form.
Deadline to submit the CSQ application in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
From the date of receiving the invitation, you have a maximum of 60 days to submit your application and pay the processing fees. After this deadline expires, your application will no longer be valid.
Deadline for accepting employer applications in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
If an employer who has seen your details in the interest declaration bank sends you a request, you have 5 days to either accept or decline it.
Step 4: Submit your documents on the Mon Projet Québec portal.
After receiving the invitation, you must proceed through the Mon Projet Québec portal for the next steps in applying for the Quebec Selection Certificate.
At this stage, you need to submit a complete application for the Quebec Selection Certificate (Permanent Selection Application) along with all required documents to the Quebec government.
Deadline for submitting documents in the CSQ application
After sending the CSQ application, you will receive a specific list of documents you need to provide, and you have a maximum of 60 days to submit the requested documents.
What is the Mon Projet Québec portal?
Step 5: Take the test on democratic values and Quebec values.
After submitting your CSQ application, you’ll receive an email that includes the process for the Democratic Values and Quebec Values Test, along with a certificate related to this test. You have a maximum of 60 days from the submission of your CSQ application to obtain this test certificate.
Without this certificate, you are not allowed to receive a CSQ.
The applicant and all family members over 18 must participate in this test and score at least 75%.
Step 6: Receive the result of your CSQ application.
At this stage, applicants with the highest scores are selected, and their applications are reviewed. Once your application has been reviewed, three possible outcomes can arise:
1. You are selected
If you are selected, you will receive:
– A Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
– Information regarding the next steps
2. You need to submit additional documents or have an interview
In some cases, your application may not be accepted, and you will receive a letter indicating that your application was not accepted. In this case, a deadline will be set for you to fulfill the requirements. These requirements are as follows:
– You have not fully met the program conditions.
– You have not submitted the requested documents in the proper format or within the specified time.
What happens after the deadline?
If you meet the conditions by the deadline:
Once you fulfill the conditions within the specified time, the review of your application will continue, and you will be informed of the final decision regarding whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
If you do not respond by the deadline:
If you do not fulfill the conditions in the specified time or do not respond, your application will be rejected. However, there is an option to appeal.
Selection Interview
You may be required to attend an interview to verify details such as statements, information, and documents related to your CSQ application. In such cases, you will receive a notice specifying the date, location, time of the interview, and the documents you need to bring.
3. Your application is rejected.
Under the following circumstances, you will receive a letter rejecting your application:
The Immigration Department has doubts about the accuracy of some of your statements or documents.
You have provided false or misleading information or documents.
You did not meet the program requirements within the specified deadline and did not submit additional documents.
You failed to appear for the scheduled interview.
Step 7: Receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
At this stage, you will receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This certificate is usually valid for 2 years. After that, you move on to the next phase, which is federal acceptance.
2. Federal acceptance
After receiving the Quebec Selection Certificate, you enter the admission phase, which is handled by the Government of Canada, and you must meet its conditions.
Step 1: Apply for permanent residency with the federal government of Canada.
Now that you have the CSQ, you can submit your application for permanent residency (PR) to the federal government of Canada through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Step 2: While waiting for your PR result, apply for a work permit.
With the CSQ, you can apply for a Canadian work permit and come to Canada to work while waiting for your PR result.
If you are outside Canada
Apply for an open work permit under the +IMP program
You can apply for an open work permit through the +IMP program and come to Canada to work while waiting for your permanent residency result.
Conditions for applying for an open work permit under the +IMP program
You have the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
You have an invitation from Quebec.
You are residing outside of Quebec or Canada.
You are either in Canada or not eligible for +IMP.
You are waiting for your PR result in Quebec.
Application for bridging open work permit
If you have a CSQ and have applied for permanent residency, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit (BOWP), allowing you to work in Quebec while you wait.
Conditions for applying for a bridging open work permit
– You must be in Canada and intend to live in Quebec.
– You must have the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
– You must have one of the following:
A valid work permit.
An expired work permit but maintaining status as a worker.
Eligible to restore your status and obtain a work permit.
Application for a work permit for a specific employer in Canada.
If you have a CSQ and have received a job offer from an employer in Quebec, you may qualify for an Employer-specific work permit that is exempt from an LMIA.
Conditions for applying for an Employer-specific work permit:
– You have a CSQ under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
– You have a valid job offer from an employer in Quebec.
– You are the principal applicant in your permanent residency application.
– You currently live in Quebec.
– You have one of the following:
A valid work permit
An expired work permit but maintaining status as a worker
Eligible to restore your status and obtain a work permit
Eligible to apply for a work permit in Canada
Previous draws for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program:
| Date of invitations | Number of invitations | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|
| September 19/ 2024 | 1650 | 573 |
| August 8/ 2024 | 1415 | 576 |
| August 1/ 2024 | 1490 | 580 |
| July 25/ 2024 | 1560 | 579 |
| June 27/ 2024 | 1528 | 581 |
| June 20/ 2024 | 1470 | 585 |
| June 6/ 2024 | 1281 | 587 |
| May 30/ 2024 | 1441 | 591 |
| May 23/ 2024 | 1350 | 593 |
Costs for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program:
| Provincial application fees | |
|---|---|
| Quebec Skilled Worker application | $895 CAD |
| Spouse application | $192 CAD |
| Child | $192 CAD for each child |
| Biometrics (1 person) | $85 CAD |
| Additional costs: Language test; Credential evaluation ;Police clearance certificate ;Document translation ;Medical exams And so on | Variable |
| Federal application fees | |
| Canada permanent residency application | $950 CAD |
| Permanent residency fee | $575 CAD |
| Including spouse in the permanent residency application (with permanent residency fee) | $1525 CAD |
| Including child in the permanent residency application | $260 CAD |
| PR card | $50 CAD |
| Additional costs: Language test; Credential evaluation ;Police clearance certificate ;Document translation ;Medical exams ;And so on | Variable |
Financial capacity for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program:
When submitting your application for a CSQ, you must sign the financial independence commitment form specific to the skilled worker program in Quebec. By signing this agreement, you commit to support your needs and those of your accompanying family members for at least three months after your arrival in Quebec.
The amounts below reflect the amount you need to have in 2024 as a skilled worker. This amount varies depending on the number and type of dependent individuals accompanying you.
| Number of children under 18 years old | 1 adult | 2 adults |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $3770 CAD | $5529 CAD |
| 1 | $5066 CAD | $6193 CAD |
| 2 | $5719 CAD | $6684 CAD |
| 3 | $6371 CAD | $7176 CAD |
*For each dependent child aged 18 and older, add $1,758 CAD.
Processing time for Quebec Skilled Worker applications
It currently takes 9 months to process applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker program.
There are two processing times for the Quebec Skilled Worker program:
Processing time for CSQ
Processing time for permanent residency application in Canada
If your application is incomplete or requires an interview, the processing time may be longer.
Accepted French language tests in Quebec
To earn points for French language proficiency, you must provide proof of one of the tests accepted by the Quebec Immigration Ministry. These include:
TCF test
TEF test
DALF test
DELF test
As of November 2023, having French language skills at a minimum of NCLC 7 for the main applicant and at least NCLC 4 for their spouse is mandatory.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)?
The Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is a document that shows the applicant has been officially selected by the province of Quebec for immigration.
Immigration for skilled workers to Quebec happens in two stages. First, you have to apply for approval from the Quebec immigration authorities. If you’re approved by Quebec, you receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and then need to submit a second application for permanent residency to the federal immigration authorities in Canada.
What is the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec or CAQ)?
Some of the temporary residence programs in Quebec require a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) to allow temporary residence in Quebec. The CAQ is issued by the Quebec government and serves as an official approval for foreign nationals to work or study temporarily in Quebec. This certificate is for individuals who want to study or work in the province for more than six months.
What is the Expression of Interest system for Quebec?
To express your interest in the province of Quebec, you need to use the Arrima portal and complete the information in this portal to declare your interest in Quebec.
What’s the difference between CAQ and CSQ?
The CAQ allows for temporary residence in the province of Quebec and should not be confused with the CSQ, which grants permanent residence in the province.
Is French language essential for the Quebec Skilled Worker program?
Yes, both the main applicant and their spouse must have French language proficiency. The main applicant must have at least an NCLC 7, while the spouse is required to have a minimum of NCLC 4.
What do I need to do for permanent immigration to Quebec?
To obtain permanent residence in Quebec, you must first receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which is issued by the Quebec Immigration Ministry. Then, you can apply for permanent residence in Canada through IRCC.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Quebec as a Skilled Worker?
No, you do not need a job offer to immigrate to Quebec through the Skilled Worker program. However, having a valid job offer can increase your points.
What is Arrima?
Arrima is the online portal that the Quebec Immigration Office uses to manage and select applicants for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). This system is similar to the portal used for the federal Express Entry system. Applicants in Arrima can create a profile to participate in the QSW program and send their expression of interest to the province.
What is Mon Projet Quebec?
Mon Projet Quebec was the online portal used to manage and review applicants for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program before the Arrima portal launched. It is now used to receive CSQ application documents from individuals who have received an invitation.