What Is The Québec Skilled Worker Program?

Québec selects many of its immigrants using its own skilled worker selection system. Candidates generally start by declaring their interest in Québec through the Arrima portal, and then wait to receive an invitation to apply for selection. After receiving a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), you apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Who Can Apply For The Québec Skilled Worker Route?

In addition to general requirements, such as age, health, security, intent to reside in Québec, the Québec government sets specific requirements under its Québec-Selected Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP). These include fulfilling one of several admission categories and achieving a minimum set of points based on factors such as education, work experience, language, age, stay in Québec, and spouse's characteristics.

Some of the key requirement categories include:

• You must fall under one of the eligible admission categories (e.g. skilled worker, temporary foreign worker, graduate from a Québec educational institution, investor, self-employed, etc.).
• You must hold a diploma recognized by Québec or meet equivalency standards.
• You must have relevant work experience in a trade or occupation in demand.
• You must meet minimum language proficiency (French and/or English), typically measured by accepted language tests.
• Your age must be between certain bounds (Québec awards more points to younger applicants).
• Any spouse or common-law partner can bring additional points based on their credentials (education, language, work experience).
• Additional factors: your stay and work in Québec, children, validated job offer, and financial self-sufficiency may contribute points.

Overview of The Steps Involved in The Québec Skilled Worker Process

1. Create or update an Arrima profile if required by the intake round.
2. Receive an invitation to apply for selection from the Government of Québec.
3. Submit your CSQ application and supporting documents to Québec and obtain a CSQ.
4. Once you have a CSQ, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence and complete federal forms, medical and security checks.

Required Documents And Common Evidence

To support the Québec skilled worker application, you will need comprehensive documentation reflecting your qualifications, experience, and background. In light of Québec's official requirements, you should ensure you include:

• Proof of diploma(s) or degree(s), transcripts, and equivalency assessments (if your education was outside Québec).
• Employment letters verifying work experience (position, duration, duties, wages) in relevant occupations.
• Language test results (French and/or English) from approved tests.
• Certified translation of documents, if not in French or English.
• Identity and civil status documents (birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate, etc.).
• Evidence of settlement funds or financial self-sufficiency (bank statements, financial assets).
• Any job offer letters if applicable, or proof of validated employment in Québec.
• Spouse or common-law partner's credentials if you intend to claim points for their factors (education, language, work experience).
• Children's birth certificates or documentation, if claiming dependent children points.

Having a full, well-organized set of documents in advance reduces delays and improves the chances that Québec accepts your application.

Language And Work Experience Under The Quebec Skilled Worker System

Language ability in French is a major factor in the Québec skilled worker points system. Your level of proficiency in French (and English), assessed via approved testing, plays a crucial role. Also, your work experience in skilled occupations recognized by Québec can enhance your application. The more years of relevant experience you have, the more points you can accumulate under Québec's selection criteria.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent information on your Arrima profile or CSQ application.
• Missing required supporting documents, or failing to certify translations.
• Underestimating the importance of language test results.
• Not maximizing spouse's factors, such as education and language, if applicable.
• Assuming federal permanent residence is automatic after the CSQ; federal eligibility still applies.

Can I Work While Waiting For My CSQ Or PR Decision?

In some cases you may be eligible for a work permit while your federal permanent residence application is processing, especially if you have a valid job offer or hold a temporary permit.

How Zohil-Morton Law Can Help With A Quebec Skilled Worker Application

Preparing a Québec skilled worker application requires attention to detail and strong evidence that meets Québec's selection criteria. Our team helps you evaluate your eligibility against Québec's workforce selection requirements, organizes your documentation, maximizes points, and supports you through both Québec and federal application phases.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we provide trusted legal advice to help you navigate complex Canadian immigration processes.

Need help with a Quebec skilled worker application? Book a consultation today with Cristina Zohil-Morton and the team at Zohil-Morton Law.

Frequently Asked Questions – Québec Skilled Worker