Quebec Skilled
Worker Program
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a provincial immigration pathway managed by the Government of Quebec alongside the Federal Government of Canada. It allows qualified foreign nationals to immigrate to Quebec as skilled workers and obtain Canadian Permanent Residence.
Applicants are assessed using a points-based selection grid that considers education, work experience, age, language proficiency (especially in French), and adaptability. Those who meet the score requirements receive a CSQ – Certificat de sélection du Québec (Quebec Selection Certificate) to apply for Permanent Residence federally.
Quebec has its own immigration system and does not participate in the federal Express Entry program, selecting skilled immigrants directly.
Quebec’s Independent Immigration System
Quebec independently manages its immigration programs and selection criteria. Applicants who wish to permanently settle in Quebec must first apply directly to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration – MIFI).
Interested candidates are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Quebec’s online immigration portal. If their profile aligns with Quebec’s labor market and demographic needs, they may receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection.
Notably, French language proficiency carries significantly higher weight than English in Quebec’s selection process, reflecting the province’s commitment to preserving its linguistic and cultural identity.
Quebec Immigration Programs
The Quebec Immigration Act (2016) and Immigration Regulation (2018) brought significant reforms to modernize the immigration system. Here are the key highlights:
- •ARRIMA was introduced as an Expression of Interest system, replacing the previous first-come, first-served model.
- •A revised selection grid now awards extra points for valid job offers in various Quebec regions.
- •The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has been expanded to include workers of all skill levels
- •A new Entrepreneur Pathway has been launched, supported by incubators, accelerators, and university entrepreneurship centers.
- •The net worth and investment thresholds have been increased under the Quebec Investor Program.
- •Security and startup deposits have been introduced for the Self-Employed Worker and Entrepreneur Programs.
Economic Immigration Programs in Quebec
Quebec selects most of its immigrants under the Economic Class, which includes the following major program
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
- •Temporary workers with at least 12 months of work experience in Quebec within the last 24 months, or
- •International graduates who completed an eligible diploma in Quebec within the past 3 years, with at least 50% of the program completed in Quebec
Applicants must demonstrate intermediate-advanced proficiency in French.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Designed for skilled foreign workers who can successfully integrate into Quebec’s labor market based on their education, training, and professional experience.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Applicants under the Quebec Entrepreneur Program must demonstrate the intent and capacity to operate a business in Quebec. Eligibility includes:
- •Operating a business alone or with partners, supported by a university entrepreneurship center, business incubator, or accelerator, or
- •Owning at least 25% of a newly created business, or Acquiring an existing Quebec business with a minimum 51% ownership stake
Quebec Investor Program
The Quebec Investor Program targets experienced business professionals who can contribute economically through passive investment.
Eligibility requirements include:
- •At least 2 years of eligible management experience within the last 5 years
- •A legally acquired net worth of at least CAD $2 million, excluding gifted assets
- •A commitment to invest CAD $1.2 million for 5 years through an approved financial intermediary
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
This program is designed for individuals who intend to create their own employment in Quebec by practicing a recognized profession listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Selection Authority & Annual Immigration Targets
Quebec’s immigration selection process is governed by Ministerial Orders issued by MIFI, which determine:
- •Maximum points allocated per selection factor
- •Minimum cut-off scores for each immigration class
- •The authority to amend selection criteria retrospectively
Quebec admits approximately 50,000 immigrants annually, including nearly 30,000 economic immigrants, making it one of the largest provincial immigration programs in Canada. Annual immigration targets are presented to the National Assembly of Quebec.
Quebec Immigration Process – Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Obtaining the CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate)
- •Submit an EOI via the ARRIMA portal
- •Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if selected
- •Submit a complete application through Mon Projet Québec within the specified deadline
- •Upon approval, receive the CSQ
Phase 2: Applying for Canadian Permanent Residence
- •Apply to IRCC as a Quebec-selected skilled worker
- •Federal assessment focuses on medical, security, and criminal admissibility
- •Upon approval, receive Canadian Permanent Residence status
Expression of Interest (EOI) & ARRIMA Portal
The ARRIMA portal allows candidates to submit an EOI free of charge, year-round. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to create a profile.
Invitations are issued based on:
- •Human Capital (education, age, language proficiency)
- •Employability in Quebec (job offer, Quebec education, work experience)
- •Labor Market Needs (training in high-demand fields)
Candidates with strong occupational demand may still qualify even with limited French proficiency.
Mon Projet Québec Portal
Invited candidates submit their complete application via Mon Projet Québec, including fees and documentation, within the given deadline. The portal also enables applicants to track application progress and receive a personalized document checklist.
Quebec Immigration Points Requirement
Single applicants:
- oEmployability threshold: 43 points
- oSelection threshold: 50 points
Applicants with a spouse:
- oEmployability threshold: 52 points
- oSelection threshold: 59 points
Points are awarded for financial self-sufficiency, having children, and the spouse's education, age, and proficiency in French.
In-Demand Occupations in Quebec
Quebec regularly updates its Areas of Training List, which plays a crucial role in selection under QSWP. Applicants trained in high-demand occupations may receive additional points.
High-demand occupational categories include:
- •Management roles
- •Business, finance, and administration
- •Engineering, IT, and applied sciences
- •Healthcare professions
- •Education, social sciences, and public service
- •Arts, culture, sports, and recreation
- •Sales and customer service
- •Skilled trades, transport, and equipment operation
- •Manufacturing, utilities, and processing occupation
Processing Time for Quebec Immigration
Processing includes two stages:
- •CSQ processing by Quebec authorities
- •Federal PR processing by IRCC
Total estimated processing time: 15–17 months
