Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Quebec’s skilled worker program is an immigration program that allows skilled workers to immigrate to Quebec and obtain permanent residency. The program is designed to attract skilled workers with the skills and qualifications needed in the province’s labor market.
If you need any assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to call us at +1 844 290 6312. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers can help you with every process step.
What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
Unlike any other province in Canada, Quebec has its own separate immigration arrangement with the federal government. This means that Quebec has its own set of rules and regulations governing immigration to the province.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a government initiative that allows skilled workers to migrate to the province of Quebec and obtain permanent residency. The program aims to recruit skilled individuals with the skills and qualifications required in the province’s job market.
The province of Quebec has its own rules for skilled migration, and if you want to apply for a skilled visa through the QSWP, you must first meet the program’s special eligibility requirements.
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Application Procedure for QSWP
Overview
The application process involves two steps:
- The first step is to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) or a Quebec Selection Certificate. This certificate verifies that you’ve been accepted as an expatriate in Quebec according to its requirements.
- The second and final step is to apply to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) for permanent residency. You must meet all legal, security, and medical requirements to pass through the stage. This includes providing biometrics and previous country police certificates.
Obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC)
To get a QCS, you must submit an application to the Quebec government through the Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program at the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
First thing first, you need to declare an EOI (Expression of Interest) under the Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program. But you have to meet all the requirements to be eligible for the EOI:
- Your age must be more than 18 years.
- Your intention to stay in the Quebec province.
- Your preference for working within the Quebec region as per your capability.
Documents/Information Required for Registration:
When you register for an EOI, you need to submit the following documents/information:
- Complete personal information
- Detailed contact details
- Family condition
- Your present status in the Quebec province
- Educational qualification
- Previous work experience
- If you already have a MIFI validated job offer
- Proficiency in English and French languages
- Other information
Application fees for EOI
There is no cost to get registered if you have an interest in skilled migration, and you may modify the particulars of your EOI in the Quebec skilled worker immigration program afterward.
Validity of EOI application
An EOI submitted under the QSWP is valid for 1 year. If you do not receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for CSQ in this time frame, you must apply for a new EOI and re-enter the pool.
If you are invited to apply for the program, the government of Quebec believes you bear good possibility for integration into the province and that your skills align with what the province needs. It ensures your invitation to apply for a permanent residence application.
The application process for the program is permanent, meaning that if you are accepted, you will be able to live and work in Quebec indefinitely. This program is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers who want to start a new life in Quebec.
The MIFI (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion) is the organization in charge of immigration to Quebec, and they may response positively to your EOI to immigrate to Quebec based on specific criteria. These include having a degree from a Quebec institution, being a temporary worker with 6 months of experience in the province, or having a valid job offer from a Quebec employer.
Whether you meet any of these criteria may help your EOI to be accepted by the MIFI. So, if you’re interested in immigrating to Quebec, check to see if you meet any of the above criteria.
You will need to complete some mandatory forms, pay a fee, and provide the documents required to apply for the program. This must all be completed within 1 month of your invitation to apply. The purpose of this program is to help you gain permanent selection.
About the Quebec Selection Grid (QSD)
The Quebec Selection Grid is designed to assess your ability to become economically established upon immigration to the province of Quebec. If you are planning on moving to Quebec, the first step in your immigration journey will be to submit a Quebec Expression of Interest (QEI) profile through Arrima, the online portal managed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI).
Once you have completed the steps for EOI, the application will be evaluated on the Selection Grid standards. You will be allotted points for Quebec immigration per different criteria and standards. The only way to get the chance to submit a QSC is to achieve enough points to get you in the top weighting of applicants.
9 factors will be assessed to calculate your points. Each of the factors will have different levels that you can achieve.
The areas of assessment are:
- Education & Training (including professional development courses)
- Age
- Work experience
- Language skills (English and French)
- Stay & Family status in Quebec
- Validated employment offer
- Spouse’s or common-law partner’s characteristics
- Children
- Financial self-sufficiency
You will be awarded a certain number of points based on your application in each category. The higher the number of points, the more likely you will be invited to apply for a CSQ.
An immigration counselor may ask you for an interview at this point to further assess your eligibility against the Quebec Selection Grid. They may also ask you to submit additional documentation. They will check the validity of the details you submitted on your interest in permanent selection.
Once you score the required points, you will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a CSQ. With a CSQ, you can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To increase your chances of being invited to apply for a CSQ, boost your point score in each assessment area. You should also focus on the key areas that the MIDI targets for selection. These areas may change from one year to the next, so it is important to stay up to date.
Processing Time & Application fees for a QSC
The fees charged by the Quebec government for processing an application for a QSC are:
- Primary applicant: CAD 844
- If you are accompanying a dependent child, common-law partner, or spouse: an additional CAD 181 for every person.
They usually process an application for a QSC within 180 days. However, this may lengthen if you have to face an interview as part of your application.
Application for a PR after Receiving a QSC
Once you have received your QSC, you must apply for permanent residence through IRCC. The processing involves filling out all the applicable forms, depositing the required fees, and dispatching your detailed application documents to the IRCC.
The following forms must be completed and signed as part of the application process:
- Canada General Application Form
- Declaration of Dependants (if applicable)
- Declaration of Background: Schedule A
- Intentio Declaration to Stay in Quebec: Schedule 5
- Detailed Information on Additional Family
- Travel Information (Supplementary)
- Separate Declaration with the details for Minors Migrating to Canada (if necessary)
- Declaration of Statutory Common-law Information
- Documents Checklist
- Authorization of your Representative (if necessary)
When completing the application, you must fill it out completely and honestly. If you do not complete all of the forms correctly, your application may be refused, or you might be classified as inadmissible to Canada for the next five years.
Additional Documents with Permanent Residency Application
The Quebec skilled worker program is a popular Canadian immigration program that allows applicants to become permanent residents of Canada. As part of the process, applicants must submit certified copies of all official/legal documents such as their passports, marriage, and birth certificates. The documents have to be attested by authorized personnel, such as a commissioner, notary public, or an authorized professional, for affidavits.
Please note that if any of the listed certificates is in a language other than French or English, the document must be accompanied by a certified translation (French or English). For example, if an applicant’s birth certificate is in Spanish, they would need to provide a translation of the documents into either French or English certified by the professional listed above.
Furthermore, if the issuer is not a certified translator, you should have to submit an affidavit from the individual who conducted the translation. You must also provide an attested copy of the initial document in that case.
For every 18+ member of your family who isn’t a permanent resident or citizen, a police certificate is required as well. The certificate mustn’t be more than 6 months old on the date you apply for permanent residence. These should be from every country or territory the person has lived in for 6 months or more since turning 18, even if they have since become a citizen or permanent resident of another country.
A police certificate is a document that verifies an individual’s criminal history, or lack thereof. It is sometimes called a good conduct certificate, police clearance certificate, or criminal records check.
Individuals convicted of certain offenses are not eligible for the Quebec immigration programs and will not be issued a police certificate. Depending on your country, the method for obtaining a police certificate and any costs you’ll have to pay will vary.
Fees for Permanent Residency Applications
Several fees are associated with applying for permanent residency in Canada, which must be paid when submitting your application. The fees cover the cost of processing your application and must be provided with it when you submit it (or when the application is approved, however, we recommend you to pay at the time of submission of your application).
The list of applicable fees you need to pay to submit your application for permanent residency through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program is as follows:
| Particulars (per person) | Fees (in Canadian Dollars) |
| Application processing fee | 1,365* |
| Application processing fee for the spouse or partner | 1,365* |
| Dependent child | 230 |
* Including CAD of 515 right of permanent residence fee
| Particulars (per person) | Fees (in Canadian Dollars) |
| Fee for Biometrics for one person | 85 |
| Fee for Biometrics for one family of 2 or more members | 170 |
On top of the abovementioned costs, there may also be charges for getting a police certificate, undergoing medical tests, or having your academic credentials evaluated.
Processing Time for Permanent Residency Applications
The processing time for a permanent residency application filed through QSWP can vary depending on how many applications are being processed and how complete they are.
It is important to note that the processing time listed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website is the time it takes them to process 80% of complete applications. This means that 20% of applications may take longer to process than the timeframes listed below.
The current processing time for a Quebec skilled worker application is 12 to 18 months. However, this timeframe is subject to change and can fluctuate based on IRCC processing volumes and the completeness of submitted applications.
It is necessary to ensure that your application is complete and includes all the needed documents before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be processed and returned to the applicant, which will cause significant delays in processing time.
If you have already submitted an application and it is taking longer than the processing time listed on the IRCC website, you can contact them to inquire about the status of your application.
Often following document lapses delay the decision on an application:
- Photocopies of the provided documents are unclear.
- Requirements for further verification of your documents and information.
- Your medical report indicates a certain condition that further investigation.
- A criminal history or security issue.
- If it is necessary to consult with other related offices in Canada and worldwide.
The Post Application Phase for Permanent Residency
Once you submit your permanent residency application through QSWP, a few steps will take place before a decision is made on your application.
First, your application will be reviewed to ensure it is complete and meets all the requirements. If it is missing any information or documents, it will be sent back to you, and you will have to resubmit it.
Once they receive the complete application, it will be entered into the IRCC processing system, and you will be given a file number. You can use this file number to check the status of your application online.
Next, you will be asked to submit your biometrics (if your age is between 14 and 79), including your fingerprints and a photo. Once IRCC receives your biometrics, they will begin processing your application.
During processing, your application will be reviewed by an immigration officer, who will assess whether you meet the criteria to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. They will also review your documents and information to make sure everything is accurate and up-to-date.
If the immigration officer needs more information from you, they will contact you. For example, they may ask you to provide additional documents or undergo a medical exam. By undergoing this medical examination, you are proving that you will not threaten public health in Canada.
Once the immigration officer has all the information they need, they will make a decision on your application. If your application is approved finally, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CPR) and instructions on obtaining your permanent resident visa. If your application is denied, you will be given the reasons with a proper explanation and told what, if anything, you can do to appeal the decision.
Please note that if they refuse your application, you will not get a refund on most of your fees. You can only reclaim the ‘right of permanent residence’ fee if you paid it when submitting your application.
A decision is often made based on the following by federal immigration authorities:
- Your eligibility for the skilled worker program.
- Your financial ability to support your family upon your arrival in Canada.
- Your medical test report.
- Your police certificate.
How Can IAS Help?
The Quebec skilled worker program is designed to help those who wish to live and work in the province of Quebec. The program is based on a Points System, which assigns points to factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and more. However, the application process can be complex and time-consuming.
The IAS team of expert and knowledgeable lawyers is here to help you with your application. We can assess your program eligibility and help you develop a strong application. Our team has a successful track record of helping clients obtain permanent residency in Quebec. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 today to learn more about how we can help you!
Last modified on June 17th, 2023 at 8:12 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is no easy answer to this question as each application is assessed on its merits. However, the Quebec skilled worker program has a few criteria you will need to meet to be eligible for permanent residency. Hiring an immigration law firm to help with your application is often recommended to increase your chances of success.
The usual processing time for QSWP is about 24 months. However, this can vary depending on how many applications are being processed at any given time and how complete your application is.
The Arrima Portal is an online system used by the Quebec government to select skilled workers for the Quebec skilled worker program. It is also used to gather information about potential immigrants interested in moving to Quebec.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online form used by the Quebec government to gather information about potential immigrants interested in moving to Quebec. The information provided in an EOI is used to assess whether an applicant is eligible for the skilled worker program.
Yes, you can get permanent residency in Quebec without being able to speak French. The applicant’s chances of being selected are evaluated based on various criteria, each with its own selection grid. A proportion of the points accumulated by an applicant from other categories of the selection grid would be enough to earn a passing score.
There is no specific date when the QSWP program opens or closes for submissions. However, it is important to note that you can only submit your application when the Quebec government has declared that they accept applications. You can check the program’s status by visiting the Quebec immigration website.
There are a few ways you can get more points for QSWP. One way is to have a valid job offer from a Quebec employer. You can also get more points by studying in Quebec or having close family members living in the province. Finally, you can get bonus points if you have experience working in a high-demand occupation in Quebec.
This is difficult to predict as each application is assessed on its merits. However, the general rule is that the more points you have, the higher your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency under the QSWP. Hiring an immigration law firm to help with your application is often recommended to increase your chances of success.
The Quebec skilled worker program (QSWP) is separate from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) because the province of Quebec runs it. The FSWP is run by the federal government and is open to applicants from all over Canada. The QSWP is only open to applicants who meet the specific Quebec province’s specific criteria.
There are a few benefits to applying for permanent residency under QSWP. The province of Quebec has its economy and labor market, so applying under the QSWP allows you to tap into that market. If you have close family members living in Quebec, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency.
Your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children can be included on your QSWP application. If you have any other family members who want to come to Canada with you, they will need to apply under a different program.
Yes, an application for permanent residence can be refused at the federal level, even after the candidate has obtained a CSQ. The main reasons for this are if the applicant is found to be inadmissible or if they do not meet the requirements of the program.
No, you cannot submit an application to the Quebec skilled worker program (QSWP) if you intend to live elsewhere in Canada. The QSWP is only for applicants who want to live and work in the province of Quebec. You must apply under a different program if you want to live and work elsewhere in Canada.