The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is one immigration option that does not require a valid job offer from a Canadian or Quebec employer. It selects PR candidates who are likely to establish themselves financially and intend to settle in Quebec.
To be eligible for this point-based program, all applicants must have professional work experience and achieve a minimum score on a points assessment grid. Under the Quebec Skilled Worker program, families, especially those with young children, are awarded bonus points.
Additionally, qualified applicants must use the Arrima online portal to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). As of November 2023, program principal candidates and sponsored applicants were required to speak French.
However, the Qualified Worker Selection Program (QWSP) will operate similarly and replace the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) on November 29, 2024. This article will discuss the Quebec skilled worker program in detail.
Quebec’s Expression of Interest System
The two-step EOI procedure is used to choose skilled immigrants, whether from outside the province or not. The initial step is sending an electronic declaration of interest for permanent immigration to Arrima.
Through this pre-screening process, the government can rate interested candidates according to labor market and human capital criteria. The government will then invite the top-ranked applicants to submit applications.
This application will be for permanent immigration in periodic drawings from the pool. Several things could affect one’s chances of receiving an invitation.
The government’s processing capacity, annual admission targets, candidates’ ranking scores in the pool, a job offer, and the targeted occupations at each draw are a few of them.
Immigration Process Under the QSWP
Candidates must first use the Arrima pool to submit an expression of interest. Profiles submitted are scored based on age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
The candidates who score the highest in the pool may be invited to apply for permanent selection through periodical lotteries conducted by the Government of Quebec.
Those asked to apply for immigration under the QSWP to Quebec will next complete the form and apply for permanent selection through the Mon Projet Quebec portal.
Throughout the process, candidates can use the portal to finish their applications, pay online, check the status of their applications, modify their applications, and access a personal email.
After thriving under the QWSP, candidates can apply for permanent residency with the Government of Canada and get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will perform a criminal background check and medical examination as part of the acceptance process.
Eligibility for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Candidates must obtain sufficient points based on the Quebec Immigration selection grid to be eligible for a CSQ under the QSWP.
This grid is composed of nine factors:
- Education
- Work experience
- Age
- Knowledge of French
- Stay and family in Quebec
- Validated job offer
- Spouse’s characteristics
- Presence of children
- Ability to be financially independent
Based on this system, a single (unmarried) candidate must score at least 50 points, while a candidate with a spouse or common-law partner must have at least 59 points.
Processing Times
In the QSWP, most applications for permanent selection are handled in less than six months. The processing period starts as soon as the Ministry receives your application.
Verify that it is comprehensive and includes the following:
- Your submission for a permanent position.
- Your supporting documents.
- The payment of the costs necessary for your application to be processed.
The processing time may be extended if you need to complete your application or show up for an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arrima?
Launched in 2018, Arrima is an online application platform for the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program. Interested candidates can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Arrima for consideration through this procedure. The Quebec government will then invite a chosen group of candidates to apply for QSW.
Do I need a job to immigrate to Quebec?
No, you do not need a job to immigrate to Quebec. However, having a valid job offer can make it easier for you to obtain permanent residence.
What is an Expression of Interest?
According to the reformed Quebec immigration procedure, a foreign individual wishing to come to Québec under the QSWP must first express interest by completing an online Expression of Interest form at the Arrima Portal.
This form requires people to provide details about their employment experience, language proficiency, educational background, and other relevant information.
Periodically, the Ministère extends invitations to those who fit particular requirements from the Expression of Interest pool, primarily focusing on labor market demands across Québec’s regions.
Two criteria are working in targeted occupations and possessing a verified employment offer.
What is Mon Projet Québec?
Before the 2018 launch of the new Arrima portal, the Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) was managed through the Mon Projet Québec online site.
While creating new profiles on the platform is impossible, candidates with active profiles on Mon Projet Québec can still access their profiles to update personal information.
Candidates with current Mon Projet Québec profiles must additionally submit an Expression of Interest under Arrima to be considered for QSW.
How can I improve my chances of immigrating to Quebec without a job offer?
Focus on improving your language skills, gaining relevant work experience, and ensuring you meet the financial requirements. Research the program requirements you’re applying to and consider obtaining an educational credential assessment to boost your application.
Is it easier to get a job in Quebec after immigrating?
Many immigrants find it easier to secure employment once they are in Quebec. Being physically present in the province allows you to network, attend interviews, and better understand the job market.
Some pathways provide a work permit that allows you to gain Canadian work experience, further enhancing your employability.
What is a Quebec Selection Certificate/Certificat du sélection du Québec (CSQ)?
A CSQ is a document issued to successful applicants to Quebec immigration programs to show that they have been selected for immigration to Quebec.
With a CSQ, a candidate can apply to the Federal government for permanent residence. The CSQ is not a permanent residence visa and cannot be used to enter Canada.
If applicants age during the application, do they lose eligibility points for the age factor?
No. The applicant’s and their accompanying family members’ (if applicable) ages are locked in on the application’s submission date.
For points calculation, the applicant and their accompanying family members (if applicable) remain the same age throughout the application.
Can a candidate gain points if they gain new experience while their application is being processed?
Yes. Changes that could impact the candidate’s application must be announced within thirty days of their occurrence. This covers adding new family members and any modifications to one’s address, place of work, or level of education.
It also covers the accompanying spouse. For these adjustments, the candidate might receive eligibility points. It’s also crucial to remember that even if the modification has no bearing on the final score, it must still be disclosed.