Quebec has unique rules for choosing immigrants who will adapt well to living in the province.
The Quebec Skilled Worker program selects permanent resident candidates who intend to reside in Quebec and are likely to become economically established without requiring a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
How Does The Quebec Skilled Worker Program Work?
The Quebec Skilled Worker program has qualifying criteria based on Quebec’s cultural uniqueness. Applicants can include their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children on their application. If the criteria set out by Quebec’s immigration authorities are met, the individual will qualify for the program regardless of their occupation or field of expertise.
To qualify for a Quebec Selection Certificate (needed to apply for a Canadian permanent resident visa), Skilled Worker applicants must score enough points under the Quebec Immigration selection system. A single applicant must score at least 49 points based on the criteria, and an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 57 points.
Quebec Skilled Workers applicants are not assessed based upon the selection factors of the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Quebec Skilled Worker Application
If you’re looking to apply for permanent residency in Quebec, There are two procedures you must follow. First, you must submit a statement of interest(EOI) via an online platform known as Arrima to determine whether you’re qualified. If you’re eligible for the program, you will be offered a certificate of selection by the Quebec government, which will issue you an official Certificat de Selection du Quebec (CSQ), also known as the Quebec Selection Certificate.
Once you have received the CSQ After receiving CSQ, you can now make an online application to the Canadian government to apply for Canadian permanent residency. If you are eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker program, you will be selected by the Canadian government.
This process takes three steps to finish. The three steps include:
Download your application form: If the Quebec government has chosen you, you will be given an application form to fill out. The package includes the guide as well as the form to fill out. It is essential to fill out the form accurately to avoid being rejected or denied your application.
Pay the application fee: After filling out the application, you must pay the application fee, which includes processing fees for yourself and any person who follows you, the right to permanent residency fees, biometrics fees, and third fees from third parties( should you choose to make use of one). The fees can be paid online.
Please send in your application: After filling in the form and paying the application fee, it’s time to send in your application. Be sure to fill in all the information correctly. If anything is missing from your application,
- It will never be finished.
- The application will be returned to you without processing it
- Then, you’ll need to fill it up and submit the form.
Arima online portal
Arima’s web portal is an online portal that was launched in MIFI, the Quebec Ministry de l’Immigration, Francisation et Integration (MIFI) to permit candidates applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker program to sign up online. Any person who wants to be considered for QSW must complete an Expression of Interest form online. The application must include details such as language proficiency, work experience, and the area of training and education.
The criteria for selecting qualified candidates for CSQ are not yet known. MIFI will choose the most qualified candidates to take CSQ from the available candidates. When a candidate receives a request to apply(ITA), the applicant is given a limited amount of time to apply. Applications submitted via arrima.com Arrima online portal usually take about six months to process.
QSW Criteria points grid
Quebec Skilled Worker programs do not require special qualifications, but some requirements determine how points are calculated. Before you submit your application for a certification de selection du Quebec(CSQ), achieving the minimum score on the grid of points is necessary.
The applicants with no spouses or common-law partners must score an average of 43 or more based on employability and at least 50 points of 59 points. Those with a spouse or common-law spouse must earn a minimum of 53 points from a possible 59 points.
Below is the grid of points below for the Quebec Skilled Worker program:
Training
Up to 26 points are given in the category Training of the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration Program. These points are awarded over two sub-categories: education (up to 14 points) and areas of Training (up to 12 points).
Education
You could get up to 26 marks within education, based on your level. The higher your level achieves, the more scores you will score. Below is a listing of points per your degree of education.
- A general high school diploma 2 points
- High school vocational diploma 6 points
- General postsecondary school certificate (full-time for two years) 4-points
- Technical postsecondary school degree (full-time for one year) 6-points
- Technical postsecondary school certificate (full-time for two years) 6 points
- Technical postsecondary school diploma within A or B section training area (full-time for one or two years) 10-points
- Technical postsecondary school certificate (full-time lasting three years) 8 points
- Technical postsecondary diploma in section B or A training zone (full-time duration of 3 years) 10-points
- Graduate degree (full-time for one or more years) 4 points
- Graduate degree (full-time for two years or more) 6-points
- Graduate degree (full-time for at least three years) 10-points
- Master’s degree 12 points
- Doctorate 14 points
These Areas of Training sub-category is meant to highlight those who might be trained in areas with high opportunities for employment in Quebec. A complete Quebec Skilled Worker Program list of the different training areas can be found to assist hopeful applicants in figuring out the section under which their degree or diploma falls.
Skilled Work Experience
The amount of points you earn for experiences is also determined by the time you’ve worked. The more experience you’ve gained, the more points you earn. The top score for work is eight points.
- Six months or less – No points
- Six months to 1 Year 4 points
- Between 1 and 2 years, 4 points
- From 2 to 3 Years old – 6 points
- 3-4 years old – 6 points
- Over four years of experience – 8 points
Another aspect that determines whether you are eligible to participate in the Quebec Skilled Worker program is the age of your applicant. The older you are, the more points you will score in that age-related factor. You could score as much as 16 points based on age-related factors.
- Between 18 and 35 and between 18 and 35 years old. 16 points
- Aged 36 – 14 points
- Older than 37 years – 12 points
- Age 38 10-points
- Age 39 8 points
- Age 40 – 6 points
- Age 41 – 4 points
- Age 42 2 points
- Age 43+ + 0 points
Language Proficiency
The language may not be essential for applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker program. Still, you will need to earn specific points for understanding the two languages, English and French, to get higher scores on the factor grid.
Consequently, French language proficiency is considered more important than English language proficiency, with the potential for applicants to earn 16 points for French in comparison to six points in English. Up to Quebec Skilled Worker Program points are accessible under this selection criteria.
Immigration Quebec accepts several different English and French evaluation tests and diplomas from the Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP), Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP-IDF), and International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other organizations will not accept attestations of standardized test results. Candidates are adjudicated on written comprehension, written production, and oral production.
Recognized French Knowledge Evaluations:
- CIEP: Test de connaissance du francais (TCF)
- CIEP: Test de connaissance du francais pour le Quebec (TCFQ)
- CIEP: Diplome approfondi de langue francaise (DALF)
- CIEP: Diplome d’etudes en langue francaise (DELF)
- CCIP-IDF: Test d’evaluation du francais (TEF)
- CCIP-IDF: Test d’evaluation du francais adapte pour le Quebec (TEFAQ)
- CCIP-IDF: Test d’evaluation du francais pour le Canada (TEF Canada)
Recognized English Knowledge Evaluations:
In general, one is considered to be a “Low Beginner” if they are able only to understand simple or everyday phrases and can communicate basic things. A “High Beginner” can comprehend the basics of day-to-day information and communicate effectively in everyday situations. One is considered to be a “Low Intermediate” if they can comprehend most of the information they encounter in everyday situations and can communicate effectively in all situations that occur in the day-to-day. The term “High Intermediate” is a person who understands in-depth details on a broad range of subjects, both traditional and abstract. They can also communicate clearly and effectively on subjects they’re interested in. One is called “Advanced” if they can comprehend detailed information in casual and professional settings and effectively and confidently speak about a broad range of subjects.
French Language Proficiency (maximum 16 points):
- Reading A1 Low Beginner (0 points) A2 High Beginning (0 points) B1 High Intermediate (0 points) B2 High Intermediate (1 point) Advanced C1 (1 point) C2 advanced (1 point)
- Writing A1 Low Beginner (0 points) A2 High Beginning (0 points) B1 High Intermediate (0 points) B2 High Intermediate (1 point) C1 advanced (1 point) C2 Advanced (1 point)
- Listening A1 Low Beginner (0 points) A2 High-Beginner (0 points) B1 Intermediate (0 points) B2 High Intermediate (5 points) C1 Advanced (6 points) Advanced C2 (7 points)
- Speaking A1 Low Beginning (0 points) A2 High Learner (0 points) B1 Intermediate Low (0 points) B2 High Intermediate (5 points) C1 Advanced (6 points) Advanced (7 points)
English Language Proficiency (maximum 6 points):
- Reading: Reading CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginning (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (1 point)
- Writing: Writing CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginning (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (1 point)
- Listening: Listening CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginning (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (2 points)
- Speaking: speaking CLB 1 to CLB 4 Beginning (0 points), CLB 5 to CLB 8 Intermediate (1 point), CLB 9 to CLB 12 Advanced (2 points)
Connection to Quebec
There is also the possibility of getting additional points based on the relationship that you have made with Quebec. You could earn as many as 8 points based on your relationship with Quebec. If you’ve been to Quebec or had a relationship with Quebec, this could be added to your points on the points grid, and your chances of being eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker program increase.
Accompanying Spouse
There are many ways that your spouse could earn points based on their degree of education and age, as well as the level of competence of your spouse. Additionally, points are awarded according to the spouse of the companion. It is possible to score as high as 17 points. If your spouse’s companion scores more points, it is added to your earned points, and you could be eligible for QSW.
Valid Job Offer
If you can get a valid work offer or job offer for any town within Quebec, It can also add to your score. It may aid you in obtaining faster eligibility to be eligible for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. The points are different for cities. The highest point is 14.
Children
Additionally, you can earn points depending on the age of the children accompanying you. For children younger than 12 years old, you can score 4 points. for children between the ages of 12-21, and you’ll earn 2 points. The maximum amount of points will be 8 points.
Who is eligible for Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
Everyone is eligible to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker program. All you need to do is submit an expression of intentions(EOI). After declaring your intention to reside as a worker in Quebec, You can apply to find out if you’ll be chosen.
B. What are the prerequisites for the Quebec Skilled Worker program?
Ans. There aren’t any specific conditions for the Quebec Skilled Worker program. However, some factors are considered in the points grid, and applicants are chosen by their scores.
The criteria include the age, education and experience, the characteristics of your children, spouse, and the ability to communicate.
C. What is the processing period in the Quebec Skilled Worker program?
Ans. QSW could take up to 17 months to process, starting when you have declared the intention of applying. After your application is accepted, the process will take six months.
D. What is the fee for QSW?
Ans. The cost for the Quebec Skilled Worker program is approximately $1,325. The cost covers biometrics, application, third-party, and other charges.
E. What is the significant difference between the Federal Skilled Worker program and the Quebec Skilled Worker program?
Ans. FSW is an opportunity for skilled workers who want to work and live in Canada but prefer to reside in a different part of Canada. They can reside in any province they choose aside from the Quebec province.
Quebec. QSW can be described as a program that is designed for skilled workers who would like to reside and work in Quebec. They cannot reside in any other province apart from Quebec. You can look into the Federal Skilled Trades program for those who have a trade or technical expertise and are interested in other provinces besides Quebec.
