Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Candidates selected under the Québec Skilled Worker Program receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and can therefore apply for a permanent residence permit from the Canadian government. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a basic medical and criminal check during the approval process.

To qualify for a CSQ, you must collect enough points based on the Quebec immigration selection criteria described below. Only single (unmarried) candidate must earn at least 50 points according to this system, while a candidate with a spouse or cohabiting partner must earn at least 59 points.

The Quebec Immigration selection factors may be summarized as follows:

The education factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

To be eligible for selection, Quebec Skilled Worker Program candidates must, at a minimum, hold a diploma corresponding to a general or vocational high school diploma in the province. Up to 14 points are awarded based on education level factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) on the following basis. 

In order to accumulate points for the training factor under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the applicant must have earned a diploma or degree in areas that meet Quebec labor market requirements.

Candidates for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program are awarded points for their individual area of training, or field of study, according to the latest list of Areas of Training published by the Government of Quebec. Generally, the points value assigned to a specific area of study is determined by the needs of the labor market in the province of Quebec.

To compare your foreign educational credentials to the Quebec education systems, see the following chart.

• ACS = Attestation of College Studies

• AVS = Attestation of Vocational Specialization

• DVS = Diploma of Vocational Studies

• DCS = Diploma of College Studies (Vocational or technical education programs with a three year duration leading to a diploma of college studies)

The employment factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

Up to 14 points are awarded under the Validated Employment Offer selection factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program based on where the job is located.

The Work Experience factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec Immigration selection system.

Up to eight points are awarded under the work experience factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. 

Notes on Work Experience selection factor for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program:

• Work experience must have been accumulated during the five years preceding the application date in an occupation with a skill level above “D” as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Work experience includes paid employment on part-time or full-time basis. Work experience acquired during an internship (paid or unpaid) may be counted towards the work experience requirement if the training leads to a diploma being granted. 

The age factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

Up to 16 points are awarded for the applicant’s age under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, as follows:

The Language Proficiency factor for English and French is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec Immigration selection system.

In order for the applicant to receive points for English or French proficiency, language test results must be submitted.

• For more information on approved French tests, see Proving French Language Ability (Quebec Skilled Worker Program).
• For more information on the approved English tests, see Proving English Language Ability.

Up to 22 points are awarded under the Language Proficiency factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program  on the following basis. An applicant with a spouse or common-law partner can:

The “Stay and Family in Quebec” factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

Up to eight points are awarded under the Stay and Family in Quebec factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program on the following basis:

Stay in Quebec

Note:

To be awarded points under the Family in Quebec factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the family member needs to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Quebec.

The spouse or common-law partner’s characteristics factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

Up to 17 points are awarded under the Spouse or Common-law Partner’s Characteristics factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program on the following basis:

Spouse of Common-law Partner’s Education

The presence of accompanying children factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

Up to eight points are awarded under the Presence of Accompanying Children factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program as follows:

The financial self-sufficiency factor is one of the ten criteria for which points are awarded under the Quebec immigration selection system.

One point is awarded under the financial self-sufficiency factor of the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

Language test results must be submitted along with immigration applications to be awarded points for language proficiency.

Processing Times for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program vary from one Canadian Immigration Visa Office to another.

Processing fees for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program for 2017 are as follows:

Depending on the cost of living, the Government of Quebec will update the minimum amount of settlement funds required that a Quebec immigration applicant intending to reside in Montreal, or another city in the province of Quebec, must have proof of financial autonomy.

The following chart represents the minimum amounts of Quebec immigration settlement funds established by the Government of Quebec.