Quebec Skilled Worker Program: Comprehensive Points Grid Breakdown
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) evaluates candidates through a structured points-based assessment system designed to measure a foreign national’s potential for economic establishment in Quebec. Administered via the Arrima Expression of Interest (EOI) portal, the points grid determines an applicant’s eligibility for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
How Does the QSWP Points Grid Function?
The QSWP grid evaluates candidate profiles across nine distinct selection factors. The overall maximum score and required passing threshold depend on whether an individual applies single or with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner:
- Single Applicants: Evaluated out of 100 total points (Passing Threshold: 50 points).
- Applicants with Spouse: Evaluated out of 120 total points (Passing Threshold: 59 points).
Achieving the baseline threshold establishes eligibility, but actual selection invitations issued through the Arrima portal are prioritized based on total score rankings and specific regional labor market priorities set by MIFI.
Master Points Grid Breakdown (9 Selection Factors)
| Selection Factor | Max Points (Single Applicant) | Max Points (With Accompanying Spouse) |
| 1. Education & Training | 14 | 11 |
| 2. Work Experience | 8 | 8 |
| 3. Age | 16 | 16 |
| 4. Language Proficiency (French & English) | 22 | 16 |
| 5. Quebec Connection (Stay & Family) | 8 | 8 |
| 6. Spouse Factors | N/A | 17 |
| 7. Validated Job Offer | 14 | 10 |
| 8. Accompanied Dependent Children | 8 | 8 |
| 9. Financial Self-Sufficiency | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL MAXIMUM SCORE | 100 Points | 120 Points |
Detailed Overview of Core Selection Factors
Factor 1: Education (Max 14 Points)
Points are awarded based on the highest level of recognized educational attainment. Foreign credentials must be validated against Quebec educational standards.
- Doctorate / PhD Level: 14 Points (Single) / 11 Points (Spouse)
- Master’s Degree: 12 Points (Single) / 9 Points (Spouse)
- 3-Year bachelor’s degree: 10 Points (Single) / 8 Points (Spouse)
- 2-Year Post-Secondary Diploma: 8 Points (Single) / 6 Points (Spouse)
- High School Diploma: 2 Points (Single) / 1 Point (Spouse)
Factor 2: Work Experience (Max 8 Points)
Qualifying work experience must be earned in skilled occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system within the 5 years preceding application submission.
- 4+ Years of Experience: 8 Points
- 3 to 4 Years: 7 Points
- 2 to 3 Years: 6 Points
- 1 to 2 Years: 5 Points
- 6 to 12 Months: 4 Points
Factor 3: Age (Max 16 Points)
Points encourage the selection of younger skilled workers entering the Quebec labor force. Candidates aged 18 to 35 receive the maximum score of 16 points, after which allocations decrease incrementally per year until reaching 0 points at age 43.
Factor 4: Language Skills (Max 22 Points)
Combines French (up to 16 points) and English (up to 6 points) evaluation using official test certificates (TEF/TCF for French, IELTS/CELPIP for English).
Factor 5: Quebec Connection (Max 8 Points)
Evaluates prior stays in Quebec for work or study (up to 5 points) and close family relationships (spouse, sibling, child, or parent) residing in the province (up to 3 points).
Factor 6 & 7: Validated Job Offer & Spousal Factors
A MIFI-approved job offer inside Montreal awards 10 points (8 with spouse), while a validated offer located outside the Montreal metropolitan area awards 14 points (10 with spouse). Spousal profiles contribute up to 17 points across education, work experience, and language skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Meeting the 50-point (single) or 59-point (spouse) threshold makes an applicant eligible for pool entry. MIFI conducts selection draws targeting candidates who score above specific draw-specific thresholds or who possess targeted occupational profiles and job offers.
An Expression of Interest profile submitted in Arrima remains active for 12 months from the date of submission. Candidates can update their profile information such as new language scores or additional work experience at any time while active in the pool.
Yes. French proficiency can contribute up to 16 points under the language factor, depending on the candidate’s demonstrated level and accepted test results.
Yes. A validated job offer can provide additional points. The number of points depends on the location of the job offer and whether the applicant has an accompanying spouse.
Yes. An accompanying spouse or common-law partner can contribute points based on factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Yes. Eligible family connections in Quebec can contribute points under the Quebec connection factor, subject to the applicable requirements.