The Province of Quebec has autonomy in its immigration process. Like other provinces in Canada, they do not have any provincial nominee program (PNP). They have their immigration programs with different requirements. Quebec has designed its immigration program in such a way that it can select and identify immigrants who will help the province in the overall development.
For any skilled immigrants or international students to live and work in the Quebec province, they have to apply under the program started by the government of Quebec for immigrants – Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) or the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
Check Your Eligibility
What is the eligibility to apply under Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)?
To apply under Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), immigrants eligibility is checked based on nine factors. Points are awarded based on these eligibility selection factors. For a single applicant to be able to apply under this program they need to have a minimum of 50 points and in case immigrants apply with a spouse or common-law partner they need to have a minimum of 59 points.
These points are awarded based on the following selection factors:
- Training (Maximum 26 points)
- Education – 14 points
- Areas of Training – 12 points
- Work Experience (Maximum 8 points)
- Age (Maximum 16 points)
- Language Proficiency (Maximum 22 points)
- Quebec connection (Maximum 8 points)
- Characteristics of Spouse (maximum 17 points)
- Validates job offer (maximum 10 points)
- Accompanying Children (maximum 8 points)
- Financial Self-Sufficiency (maximum 1 point)
Every immigrant needs to get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) to be selected for permanent resident status in Quebec. Following are the minimum requirements to obtain the CSQ:
- Applicants must be of a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Must be proficient in English or French language and must be able to showcase the same through taking a language examination.
- Having a job offer from the province is an ideal situation.
- Must have minimum work experience required within the past 5 years.
- Immigrants need to have job-relevant diplomas, degrees, and certifications and must be able to require submitting the same to relevant authorities.
- Immigrants must be able to provide the legal evidence of possessing enough funds to settle and sustain themselves and accompanying family members in Quebec.
What are the different pathways to apply for permanent residence in Quebec?
Quebec province has different pathways/portals that allow immigrants to apply for permanent residency in the province. Some of the major portals are as follows:
Expression of interest System – This system was introduced to streamline the application processing for QSWP. Introduced on August 2, 2018, immigrants interested in moving to the province will have to begin the process by declaring their interest by entering a profile in the Quebec Expression of Interest.
Your EOI is valid for 12 months from the date of submission. You need to provide the following information in your EOI form:
- Personal information
- Contact details
- Family situation
- Education
- Work Experience
- Status in Quebec
- Language proficiency
- Job-offer letter (If applicable)
- Other additional information
Arrima portal – The Ministere de I’Immigration, de la Diversite et de I’Inclusion (MIDI) started accepting expressions of interest to apply under QSWP applications via the Arrima portal from September 18, 2018. First, interested immigrants must submit an expression of interest (EOI) for free by their profile in the Arrima portal. Arrima portal will open year-round and immigrants who want to move to the province will be able to submit their EOI profile at any point.
Non Projet Quebec – For immigrants to move to the Quebec province they can also apply via the secure Mon Projet Quebec portal. This portal provides the candidates with the following features:
- Complete their application for CSQ
- Make payments online
- Check their application status
- Make changes in the application
- Access electronic messaging throughout the process
What are the steps for immigrating to Quebec Province?
Two major steps need to be followed to to get a permanent residence in Quebec province:
Step 1: First, an interested immigrant needs to have a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Getting this certification means that the Quebec Immigration Office has selected the immigrant to live and work in the province. Immigrants’ applications will be evaluated based on various eligibility factors by the Quebec Immigration office.
Step 2: Second, step is to apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the CSQ.
What are the documents required for Quebec Immigration?When you submit your EOI through the Arrima portal, it is submitted into the EOI pool. If your profile is selected, you’ll get a notification in your Arrima message center to submit your application for the selection certificate. Youll have 60 days from the day of getting an invitation to submit your application. Once you get your CSQ certificate, you can apply for a Canada PR Visa to the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What are the Quebec Skilled Worker Program Processing Fees?
Following are the application processing fees for QSWP:
| Applicant | Fees (in CAD) |
| Principal applicant | $822 |
| Spouse, de facto spouse | $176 |
| Each dependent child | $176 |
If you have submitted your complete application, it will take approximately 6 months. It can be extended if there is a need for an interview.
What are the documents required for Quebec Immigration?
Following are the set of documents that are required for an applicant to submit with their application for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP):
- Financial Self-Sufficiency contract (Quebec immigration form A-0522-OA)
- Photocopy of Birth certificate
- Photocopy of valid passport showing issue date and expiry date
- Original passport sized photos of all family members accompanying to Quebec
- Certified true copy of all internship agreements completed as part of a study program
- Photocopy of documentation supporting your work as self-employed person or contractor
- Original declaration of parental consent if child below 18 years of age will be accompanying the applicant to Canada without the other parent
- Photocopy of French language testing: TEF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada, TCF, TCFQ, DELF or DALF
- Photocopy of English language testing: IELTS
- Original or certified true copy of income tax return to prove legality of work experience
