Every year, thousands of skilled workers apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration (QSWP) to build a future in this vibrant province. If you want to live and work in Quebec and meet the required criteria, you may qualify for this program.
Quebec is known as the French-speaking heart of Canada. It has a unique cultural identity, beautiful landscapes, and strong traditions. Because of its special status, Quebec manages its own immigration programs, separate from the rest of Canada.
Who Can Apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration?
Quebec selects skilled workers using a points-based system. This system evaluates your background, skills, and potential contribution to the province. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered.
Key eligibility factors include:
Age
Level of education
Work experience
French and/or English language skills
Existing ties to Quebec
Job-related skills and training
Valid job offer (optional but helpful)
The QSWP is similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry, but Quebec uses its own selection rules and process.
Expression of Interest (EOI) – First Step to Apply
To apply for QSWP, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. This informs Quebec’s immigration department of your intention to settle in the province.
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) regularly selects top-ranked candidates from the EOI pool and invites them to apply for permanent residency.
Past Problems With QSWP and Major Improvements
Before modernization, QSWP used to follow a first-come, first-served paper-based system. This created many challenges and delays.
Earlier issues included:
Limited number of applications accepted
Mandatory paper submissions
Large backlog of files
Long processing times
More applicants than available immigration spots
To solve these issues, Quebec decided to redesign the entire selection process.
Launch of the Arrima Portal
In 2018, Quebec introduced Arrima, a modern online platform that transformed the immigration system. Arrima uses an Expression of Interest model instead of first-come, first-served, creating a fairer and more efficient process.
Key features of the Arrima platform:
Fully online submission system
No limit on EOI submissions
Faster and more efficient selection
Equal opportunity for all applicants
Reduced backlog and smoother processing
Minimum age requirement of 18 years to submit EOI
How Quebec’s EOI System Works
The EOI process in Quebec works through a two-step selection method designed to identify skilled workers who fit the province’s needs.
Step 1: Submit Your Expression of Interest
You begin by submitting your EOI through the Arrima portal. Here you provide details like your education, language skills, and work experience.
The system then ranks candidates based on their qualifications and Quebec’s labour market needs.
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Candidates with the highest rankings are selected in regular draws. They receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Factors That Influence Invitations
Several factors determine whether a candidate is selected during a draw. Quebec evaluates both individual qualifications and regional requirements.
Important invitation factors include:
Quebec’s annual immigration targets
The province’s processing capacity
Candidate’s EOI score and ranking
Valid job offer in a priority sector
Labour market needs during the draw
Regional and demographic priorities
Eligibility Requirements
Age
Educational qualifications
Work experience
Language proficiency (French/English)
Quebec ties
Job offer (optional)
Relevant skills and training
Past Issues With QSWP
Paper-based system
Limited spots
Long wait times
Large backlog
High demand
Benefits of Arrima Platform
100% online process
No EOI limits
Faster selection
Equal chance for all
Reduced processing delays
EOI Selection Factors
Immigration levels plan
Job market demand
Candidate’s ranking
Job offers
Demographic needs
How to Move to Quebec as a Skilled Worker
Moving to Quebec as a skilled worker involves several steps designed to select applicants who can contribute to the province’s economy. Understanding the process helps you prepare documents and improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
The first step is submitting an electronic Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal. This notifies the Quebec government of your intention to immigrate. Your profile is then scored based on several selection factors.
After submitting your EOI, your profile is ranked in the candidate pool. Those with higher scores have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
If invited, you must complete the full permanent residency application using the Mon Projet Québec portal. This online platform allows you to upload documents, pay fees, monitor application progress, and make corrections when needed.
If approved, candidates receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With this certificate, you can apply to the Federal Government (IRCC) for permanent residency.
IRCC completes medical and criminal background checks to ensure that applicants meet health and safety standards.
Steps in the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration Process
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via Arrima
Fill out the online form.
Provide details on age, education, experience, languages, etc.
Get a Score in the Arrima Pool
Profiles are ranked based on Quebec’s criteria.
Higher scores increase your chances of selection.
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
High-ranked candidates receive an invitation for full application.
Submit Full Application via Mon Projet Québec
Upload required documents.
Pay fees online.
Track updates and make changes if needed.
Receive CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate)
Issued after meeting Quebec’s selection criteria.
Apply for Federal Permanent Residency
Submit PR application to IRCC.
Complete medical and police background checks.
Eligibility Requirements for Quebec Skilled Worker Program
To apply through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), you must meet certain basic eligibility criteria. Quebec follows a points-based system that evaluates your qualifications and potential to adapt.
Applicants must be under 40 years old and have at least a bachelor’s degree. A minimum of two years of work experience is required. Language ability in English or French plays a major role in your score.
Single applicants should score at least 50 points, while married applicants may need more based on spouse factors. A Quebec qualification is not mandatory but can increase your points.
Candidates must also be in good health and have no criminal history.
Basic Requirements
Must be under 40 years old
Minimum bachelor’s degree
At least 2 years of work experience
Minimum 50 points for single applicants
Strong English or French language skills
Quebec degree/diploma (optional but beneficial)
Good health condition
No criminal record
Quebec Skilled Worker Points Breakdown
Quebec evaluates candidates using a detailed points grid. Each factor contributes to your total score and affects your selection eligibility.
Points Distribution
Education: Up to 14 points (cutoff = 2 points)
Area of Training: Up to 12 points
Validated Job Offer: Up to 14 points
Work Experience: Up to 8 points
Age: Up to 16 points
Language Skills: Up to 22 points
Quebec Stay/Family: Up to 8 points
Spouse/Common-law Partner: Up to 17 points
Children: Up to 8 points
Financial Self-sufficiency: 1 point
This points system helps Quebec select skilled workers who can contribute effectively to its economy and integrate easily into society.
Quick Recap
Quebec runs its own independent immigration system.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program supports skilled workers who want to settle in the province.
Applicants must submit an EOI through Arrima.
High-ranking candidates receive an invitation to apply.
Selection depends on job market needs and candidate ranking.
Approved applicants receive a CSQ, which is required for federal PR through IRCC.
