The Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) is an immigration program run by the government of Quebec in Canada. It is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the Quebec economy by meeting the province’s labour market needs.
To be eligible for the QSWP, applicants must first meet the minimum requirements set out by the government of Quebec. These requirements include education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors that demonstrate an ability to successfully integrate into Quebec society.
The application process for the QSWP has two stages.
The first stage is submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima platform. The EOI requires applicants to provide information about their education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. Once an EOI is submitted, it is entered into a pool of candidates and ranked according to a points-based system. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
The second stage of the application process involves submitting a complete application for permanent residence to the government of Quebec. This application includes documentation to support the information provided in the EOI, such as language test results, educational credentials, and work experience letters.
The QSWP is unique among Canadian immigration programs in that it is based on Quebec’s selection criteria, rather than the federal government. The program is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Quebec’s economy and society, and who have a strong connection to the province through language, culture, or family ties.
Successful applicants under the QSWP are granted a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which they can use to apply for permanent residence with the federal government. Once granted permanent residence, applicants can live and work anywhere in Canada but must maintain their residency in Quebec.
The Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) has two application streams:
Regular Skilled Worker Program: This program is for skilled workers who are living outside of Quebec and who want to immigrate to the province. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before they can apply for permanent residency with the federal government.
This program is further divided into two categories:
Arima Express Entry: This category is for candidates who are already in the federal Express Entry pool and who meet Quebec’s immigration requirements. The candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and be eligible for at least one of the federal economic immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
Regular Skilled Worker Program: This category is for candidates who are not in the Express Entry pool and who meet Quebec’s immigration requirements. The candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Arrima portal and receive an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Quebec Experience Program: This program is for individuals who are already living in Quebec on a valid work or study permit and who want to become permanent residents. It has two subcategories:
Quebec Graduate: For individuals who have graduated from an eligible Quebec educational institution and who meet the other eligibility requirements.
Temporary Foreign Worker: For individuals who have been working in Quebec for at least one year in an eligible occupation and who meet the other eligibility requirements.