The QSW program is an immigration program for the skilled immigrant who has the intention of settling in Quebec and becoming a permanent resident.
Since August 2018, the new Expression of Interest System came into effect for the QSW program. This means that candidates interested in applying for immigration in Quebec must now start the process by submitting a free profile in the Arima portal. All QSW applicants can submit an expression of interest at any time.
After being assessed and invited to apply for immigration through the QSW program, the applicant must use the Mon projet Québec portal to complete the application for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This is the official document that shows that the Government of Quebec has assessed you against their own selection criteria and accepted you for immigration to their province.
Once the candidate has been selected by Quebec and obtained a CSQ, the applicant must submit a separate application to CIC for Permanent Residency. A CIC officer will then assess your application based on Canadian immigration regulations. You will need to pass medical, security and criminality checks.
Eligibility for the CSQ
To qualify for a CSQ, the candidate has to score enough points under the Quebec Immigration selection factors. Selection is made using a point grid which assesses several selection criteria. Points are awarded for each of these selection factors. A single applicant must score at least 50 points, while an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points in the points grid.
Selection factors in the points grid
The following factors are taken into consideration in the points grid:
- Level of education and area of training (Maximum 14 points)
- Area of training (Maximum 12 points)
- Work experience (Maximum 8 points)
- Age (Maximum 16 points)
- Knowledge of English and French (Maximum 22 points)
- Stays in Quebec and family relationship with a Canadian citizen or a permanent Quebec resident (Maximum 8 points)
- Characteristics regarding your accompanying spouse or common-law spouse, if applicable (Maximum 17 points)
- Valid employment offer (Maximum 14 points)
- Number of children aged 21 or under who will be accompanying you to Quebec (Maximum 8 points)
- Capacity for financial self-sufficiency(Maximum 1 point)
Eligibility for the Permanent Residency
The Government of Canada has jurisdiction over the final admission of applicants. After obtaining your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec Selection Certificate), you must apply to the Centralized Intake Office in Canada, in Sydney, Nova Scotia for Permanent Residency as a skilled worker selected by Quebec.
The Government of Canada will evaluate your medical records, and those of your family members, and conduct a security check. If you meet all the requirements, you will be issued a permanent residence visa by the Government of Canada.
Individuals interested in applying under Quebec Skilled Worker may obtain an assessment of their eligibility by completing our free online evaluation.