Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Planning to relocate to Quebec, Canada? Proficient in French? Considering the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? Quebec is a prominent province in Canada with its own unique eligibility criteria, separate from the Canada Express Entry system. In 2024, Quebec aims to welcome up to 52,500 new permanent residents through its economic immigration programs, including the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Read on to discover how the QSWP can be your gateway to living and working in this vibrant province.
What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)?
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a collaborative initiative by the Quebec government and the federal government, designed to attract skilled workers to settle in Quebec. This program is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers looking to immigrate to the region.
Pathways for Immigration to Quebec
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Quebec Business Program
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The QSWP allows skilled workers to immigrate to Quebec. Candidates are assessed based on a points system with nine selection factors. The following are the eligibility norms for this program:
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Age: Minimum 18 years
Language Skills: Proficiency in English or French, with French being highly prioritized.
Work Experience: Minimum one year of full-time, permanent job experience in a relevant occupation.
Job Offer: An offer letter from a Quebec employer enhances your chances.
Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.
Educational Requirements: Educational qualifications match your occupation.
Point Score Requirement: Minimum 50 points for single applicants and 59 points for married applicants.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Points Calculator
To qualify for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), it’s essential to understand the points calculator system. This system evaluates various factors to determine eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements and their corresponding points:
Education: Your educational background is crucial, with a maximum of 14 points available. Points are awarded based on the level of education and the relevance of your training area to Quebec’s labor market needs.
Area of Training: Specific training areas can earn you up to 12 points, reflecting the demand for particular skills in Quebec.
Work Experience: Your work experience over the past five years is assessed to gauge your suitability for the Quebec job market, with a maximum of 8 points available.
Age: Quebec values younger applicants who can contribute to the province over the long term. Therefore, age can earn you up to 16 points
Language Proficiency: Language skills, especially in French, are highly valued. Proficiency in French and English can earn you up to 22 points, with a stronger emphasis on French.
Quebec Connection: Having a connection to Quebec, whether through previous work, study, or family ties, can earn you an additional 8 points.
Characteristics of Spouse: If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their education, work experience, age, and language skills can contribute up to 16 points to your total score.
Validated Job Offer: A permanent job offer validated by Quebec authorities can significantly boost your score by up to 14 points, depending on the job’s location.
Accompanying Children: If you have children, their ages can contribute up to 8 points to your total score.
Financial Self-Sufficiency: Meeting Quebec’s minimum settlement funds requirement is essential and adds 1 point to your score.
Quebec’s Expression of Interest System(EOI)
The EOI is a Two-Step Process
It is a pre-screening process that begins with the submission of an electronic expression of interest for permanent residency to Arrima. Further, it helps the federal authority rank the applicants based on human capital and labor market-related criteria.
Under the second step, the government invites the top-ranked candidates to apply in regular draws from the pool. The chances of being invited in the draws depend on many factors, such as the government’s annual admission targets, processing capacity, language proficiency, work experience, the candidates’ ranking scores, job offers, and the targeted occupations at the time of each draw.
After receiving the invitation, through the Mon Project Quebec (application management system) the candidate submits the application form, pays the processing fees, tracks the application status, and edits the profile if required.
The selected profiles are issued a CSQ to apply for permanent residence to the Government of Canada. Further, for its approval process, the IRCC runs a medical and criminal background check.
Application Process for Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Step 1: Create a profile under the Quebec PNP Program.
Step 2: Apply for a CSQ.
Step 3: Submit your application to the Quebec Ministry.
Step 4: Apply to the IRCC with your CSQ.
Fee Requirements and Processing Time
Processing times for the Quebec PNP Program vary based on applicant credentials and documentation. On average, it can take up to 13 months. The fee structure is as follows:
Primary Applicant: $844 CAD
Secondary Applicant: $181 CAD
Child (Under 18): $181 CAD
New Fee Rules for Quebec 2024
As of 2024, Quebec has updated its immigration fee structure. Here’s a summary of the new costs associated with various immigration categories:
Skilled Workers
Principal Applicant: The application fee has increased from $822 to $844.
Secondary Applicant: The fee has risen from $176 to $181.
Job Offer Validation
The fee for validating a permanent job offer or assessing its impact on the Quebec labor market has increased from $202 to $205.
Business Immigration
For business immigration applicants, including Quebec investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed workers, fees have also seen a rise:
Investors: The fee has increased from $15,763 to $15,962.
Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Workers: The fee has gone up from $1,099 to $1,113.
Temporary Workers and Foreign Students
Application Fee: The fee for temporary workers and foreign students has increased from $202 to $205.
Comparative Assessment
Studies Outside Quebec: The fee for the comparative assessment of studies completed outside Quebec has risen from $121 to $123.
These fees cover the cost of processing applications for immigration to Quebec. Additionally, applicants must be prepared to pay for other associated expenses, such as supporting documents, language tests, and medical examinations.
Your Path to Quebec Starts Here
If Quebec is your destination, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program offers you the means to make it a reality. Whether you have a validated job offer, Quebec connections, or exceptional skills, each factor contributes to your journey. The Mon projet Québec online immigration service is your gateway to apply and embarking on this exciting chapter.
Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
Staying updated with the evolving requirements is vital. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a dynamic pathway that aims to bring skilled workers to the province. From educational qualifications to work experience, and language skills to family connections, each element shapes your potential to flourish in Quebec.
You can consult our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to create and manage your profile without any hassle. Our licensed professionals will guide you at every step as per the federal requirement to help you successfully receive a Quebec Selection Certificate.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
The QSWP is a pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Quebec based on a points system.
Q2. Who can apply for the QSWP?
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including age, language skills, work experience, and educational qualifications.
Q3. How is the EOI system different from other programs?
The EOI system involves a two-step process where candidates express their interest and are then invited to apply based on ranking.
Q4. What are the processing times for QSWP applications?
Processing times can vary but generally take around 13 months.
Q5.What are the fees for applying to the QSWP?
The fees are $844 CAD for the primary applicant, $181 CAD for secondary applicants, and $181 CAD for children under 18.
Q6 Can I apply for the QSWP if I don’t speak French?
Proficiency in French is highly prioritized, but English language skills are also considered.
Q7 Do I need a job offer to apply for the QSWP?
A job offer is not mandatory but can significantly enhance your chances.
Q8 What is the minimum point requirement for QSWP?
Single applicants need a minimum of 50 points, while married applicants require 59 points.
