Quebec is the largest of the 13 provinces in Canada, known for its diverse culture and world-class facilities. Being an immigration hub, Quebec has a strong economy and offers a relatively easy migration process from the whole of Canada. The region runs Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, allowing investors and entrepreneurs to invest in Quebec’s economy and offers them citizenship in return. However, many foreign skilled workers moving to Quebec are confused about the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. To help them with it, we have gathered information about what the Quebec Skilled Worker Program is.
What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
The vibrant Canadian province runs an immigration program for skilled workers known as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW). It has been started by the Canadian Federal Government in tandem with the Quebec government. The Quebec Ministry of Immigration selects applicants based on a point system that takes into consideration the work experience, age, language proficiency, spouse, children, financial ability, and qualification. The QSW is a two-step process-
Applicant should meet the eligibility to compete for CSQ (Quebec Certificate of Selection)
Once CSQ is received, apply for permanent residency with the Federal Immigration Authorities of Canada.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program score calculation explained:
Nine major factors determine a candidate’s eligibility for QSW. According to Quebec Immigration Selection criteria, the points are given to identify which candidate will contribute and flourish under Quebec’s economy. An unmarried applicant must score at least 50 points to be eligible for Permanent Residency (PR), whereas a married applicant must score 59 points. Here’s how the score is distributed in each section of QSW-:
Education
A candidate must have at least a high school diploma to become eligible, as the minimum cutoff is two marks. Please note that the applicant must obtain the required education five years before applying for QSW, or the candidate must work in the field directly related to his/her education for a minimum of a year before submitting the program application.
Candidates can score up to 8 marks under the work experience category. The experience should be of five years precursory to submitting the QSW application. Both paid and unpaid jobs are counted as experience.
Work Experience
Points
6 months or less
0
1 year to 6 months
4
1 year to 2 years
4
2 years to 3 years
6
3 years to 4 years
6
4 years or more
8
Age
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program attracts potential candidates from around the globe who can contribute to the Quebec economy, and age plays a vital role here. Workers with the potential of having long, fruitful careers, particularly younger candidates, receive a high score. The age limit is up to 42 years.
The subsection identifies potential candidates trained in sectors with strong job perspectives and those who can eventually become assets for Quebec. There is a list of areas of training to help candidates determine under which section their degrees are classified:
Quebec is primarily a French-speaking province, and so proficiency in French weighs more than English proficiency. A proficient French candidate can score up to 16 points, whereas an English-speaking candidate can only score 6 points. Quebec Immigration Authorities accept various proficiency tests and diplomas, including IELTS, CCIP-IDF, and CIEP. Applicants are assessed on writing, reading, listening, and speaking benchmarks.
Up to 17 points are available in the spouse characteristics sub-category. From education level and area of training to language and age, all of these play an important role. The minimum scores for married people and single people are different.
Spouse Characteristics
Points
Education
4
Area of Training
4
French language
6
Age
3
Valid Job Offer
Applicants having valid permanent job offers can get up to 10 points. If the job is in Montreal, the candidate can get a maximum of 10 points. If it is outside Montreal, then 8 points. However, if the job offered is by a Quebec employer, the candidate can also get up to 14 points.
What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program application process?
All QSW candidates should meet the minimum required points to be eligible. If eligible, submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) using Arrima Portal to be considered for the QSW program. The government will then invite suitable candidates to submit a complete application for CSQ. Once CSQ is awarded, the candidate is eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Here’s a breakdown of the process candidates need to follow to succeed in the QSW program-:
Meet the minimum threshold points on the assessment grid
Produce all the documents required
Fill the application forms with actual details (wrong information or holding any important information may lead to dire consequences)
Submit the application on Arrima online portal
If selected, candidates will receive CSQ.
CSQ holders can apply for PR Visa if IRCC requirements are met
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4622 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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