Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) Guide

What Is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Programme regulier des travailleurs qualifies, or PRTQ) is Quebec's primary economic immigration program for skilled workers who want to settle permanently in the province. Unlike the federal Express Entry system, the QSWP uses Quebec's own selection criteria and is managed through the Arrima portal, Quebec's online Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from creating your Arrima profile to receiving your permanent residence.

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

See also: Express Entry CRS Score Guide

Understanding how the QSWP works is essential because the program operates very differently from federal immigration programs. Quebec has its own selection priorities, its own points system, and its own processing timelines. Being well-prepared before you start can save you months of delays and significantly improve your chances of success.

The Arrima Portal: How It Works

Arrima is Quebec's online immigration platform where prospective skilled workers submit their Expression of Interest. Here is how the process works step by step:

1. Create an Arrima account: Visit the Arrima portal and create an account. You will need a valid email address and will create a secure password.
2. Submit your Expression of Interest: Complete the online form with your personal information, education details, work experience, language test results, family details, and any connections to Quebec. Be thorough and accurate, as this information determines whether you will be invited.
3. Wait for an invitation: Quebec regularly reviews profiles in Arrima and sends invitations to candidates who best match the province's labor market needs and selection criteria. You cannot apply to the QSWP directly without being invited first.
4. Submit your formal application: If you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with all required supporting documents. This deadline is strict, so have your documents ready in advance.
5. Application review: MIFI reviews your application, verifies your documents, and may request additional information or schedule an interview.
6. Receive your CSQ: If your application is approved, you receive a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ), confirming that Quebec has selected you as an immigrant.
7. Apply for federal permanent residence: With your CSQ, apply to IRCC for permanent residence, including medical exams, police certificates, and the federal application fee.

Selection Criteria and Points Grid

Quebec uses a detailed selection grid to evaluate QSWP candidates. Understanding each factor in the grid is essential for maximizing your score and improving your chances of being invited. The main factors and their approximate point allocations are as follows:

Education (up to 14 points)

Points are awarded based on your highest level of education:

• Doctoral degree: 14 points
• Master's degree: 12 points
• Bachelor's degree (4 years): 10 points
• Bachelor's degree (3 years): 8 points
• Two-year diploma or trade certificate: 6 points
• One-year diploma: 4 points
• Secondary school diploma: 2 points

Your field of training also plays a significant role. Quebec maintains a list of priority fields of training (Areas of Training) that receive additional points. Fields that align closely with Quebec's labor market needs, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, education, and certain skilled trades, receive higher scores. You should check the current list of priority areas on the MIFI website before submitting your Arrima profile.

Work Experience (up to 8 points)

Points are based on your years of qualifying work experience in skilled occupations:

• 4 or more years: 8 points
• 3 years: 6 points
• 2 years: 4 points
• 1 year: 2 points
• Less than 1 year: 0 points

Work experience must be in a skilled occupation, typically at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupational Classification. The experience does not need to be in Canada or Quebec, though Quebec work experience may receive additional consideration. Your work experience should be documented with detailed reference letters from your employers.

See also: How to Find Your NOC Code

Age (up to 16 points)

Younger applicants receive more points, reflecting Quebec's interest in immigrants who will contribute to the labor market for many years:

• 18 to 35 years: 16 points
• 36 years: 14 points
• 37 years: 12 points
• 38 years: 10 points
• 39 years: 8 points
• 40 years: 6 points
• 41 years: 4 points
• 42 years: 2 points
• 43 or older: 0 points

Language Proficiency (up to 22 points)

Language is one of the highest-weighted factors in the QSWP selection grid, and French language skills are particularly important given Quebec's francophone identity:

• French oral (listening and speaking): Up to 16 points for high proficiency. This is the single most valuable language component.
• French written (reading and writing): Up to 6 points for high proficiency
• English: Up to 6 points for oral and written combined

French proficiency is strongly prioritized in the QSWP. A high French score can significantly boost your overall score and dramatically improve your chances of being invited. If you are serious about immigrating to Quebec, investing in French language preparation should be your top priority.

Stays and Family in Quebec (up to 8 points)

You can earn additional points for previous stays in Quebec, such as work or study visits, or for having close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Quebec. These connections demonstrate your familiarity with and commitment to the province.

Spouse or Partner Characteristics (up to 17 points)

If you are applying with a spouse or common-law partner, their education level, language skills (particularly French), and age contribute additional points to your application. A spouse with strong French skills and a relevant education can meaningfully boost your overall score.

Valid Job Offer (up to 10 points)

Having a validated job offer from a Quebec employer adds significant points to your application. The offer must be validated by MIFI, which involves the employer demonstrating that the position is genuine and that they were unable to fill it with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. While not required, a validated job offer is a powerful advantage.

Children and Financial Self-Sufficiency

Dependent children who will accompany you to Quebec add points to your application, with more points for children under 12 years old. You must also sign a declaration confirming you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family for at least three months after arriving in Quebec.

Required Documents

When invited to apply, you must submit the following documents within the 60-day deadline:

• Valid passport for all applicants (principal applicant, spouse, and dependents)
• Birth certificates for all family members included in the application
• Educational credentials, diplomas, and official transcripts
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was obtained outside Canada, from an organization recognized by MIFI
• Detailed work experience letters from employers, on company letterhead, including job title, main duties, dates of employment, hours worked per week, and salary
• French and/or English language test results (TEFaQ, TCF Quebec, TEF Canada, TCF Canada, IELTS, or CELPIP)
• Proof of previous stays in Quebec, such as study permits, work permits, or travel records (if applicable)
• Proof of family in Quebec, such as identity documents of relatives and proof of their status (if applicable)
• Validated job offer documentation (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (if applicable)
• Financial self-sufficiency declaration signed by the principal applicant
• Passport-sized photos meeting Quebec's specific technical requirements

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times for the QSWP vary based on application volumes and the complexity of individual cases. After submitting your application following an invitation, you can generally expect:

See also: Canada Student Visa Guide

• CSQ processing by MIFI: Approximately 6 to 12 months, though this can vary significantly
• Federal permanent residence processing by IRCC: Approximately 6 to 12 months after CSQ issuance

The total process from Arrima submission to permanent residence can take 18 months to 3 years or more, depending on various factors. Application fees include the MIFI application fee (currently CAD $851 for the principal applicant, with additional fees for a spouse at CAD $186 and dependents at CAD $186 each) and the federal permanent residence application fee (CAD $850 per adult, CAD $230 per dependent child, plus the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of CAD $515 per adult).

Tips for Success

1. Invest in French: French language proficiency is the single most impactful factor you can control. Take courses, practice regularly, immerse yourself in French media, and aim for the highest possible test scores. Even a small improvement in your French score can significantly boost your overall points.
2. Get your credentials assessed early: If your education is from outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment from an approved organization well before submitting your Arrima profile. This process can take several weeks.
3. Obtain detailed work reference letters: Letters should be on company letterhead and include your job title, a comprehensive list of main duties, exact dates of employment, hours worked per week, and salary. Generic or vague letters will not be accepted.
4. Check priority fields of training: If your field of study aligns with Quebec's priority list, make sure this is clearly indicated in your application with supporting documentation.
5. Consider a validated job offer: While not required, a validated job offer adds significant points and demonstrates your integration potential. Network with Quebec employers and explore job opportunities before and during your application process.

For information on another pathway to immigration in Quebec, see our guide on Programme de l'Experience Quebecoise (PEQ) Guide.

Next Steps

Start by taking an approved French language test and getting your educational credentials assessed. Then create your Arrima account and submit a complete and accurate Expression of Interest. Keep your profile updated if your circumstances change, and respond quickly and thoroughly if you receive an invitation. Preparation, attention to detail, and strong French skills are the keys to success in the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.