The Quebec-selected skilled workers’ program is a specific immigration pathway for skilled professionals who wish to settle in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is distinct from other Canadian immigration programs because Quebec has its own selection criteria and guidelines for choosing immigrants who are likely to integrate successfully into the province’s society and labor market.
Under this program, applicants are assessed based on various factors, such as their education, work experience, language proficiency (French and/or English), age, and adaptability to Quebec’s cultural and economic environment. The selection process is tailored to meet the specific needs and priorities of Quebec, which may differ from the criteria used in other Canadian provinces and territories.
Quebec’s autonomy in immigration matters is a result of a unique agreement between the province and the Canadian federal government. The Canadian government allows Quebec to have a degree of control over its immigration policies, recognizing the importance of respecting the province’s linguistic and cultural identity.
By having its own immigration selection process, Quebec aims to attract individuals who can contribute to its economy, support its labor market needs, and embrace the province’s culture and way of life. This tailored approach allows Quebec to address its specific demographic and economic challenges while ensuring that immigrants have a higher chance of successful integration and long-term settlement in the province.
If you wish to immigrate to Canada under this program, the application process involves two distinct phases that you must complete.
- You can apply to the Government of Quebec to get a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ]).
- The Province of Quebec will judge you according to its regulations.
- The certificate demonstrates that you have been granted immigrant status by the Province of Quebec.
- You must apply for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada if the Province of Quebec selects you and issues you a CSQ.
The above guidelines are exclusively applicable to your application for permanent residency only. The following are the fees and processing time of Quebec-skilled workers’ program.
| Fees | From $1,365 |
| Processing Time | 20 months |
What are the eligibility criteria to apply to the Quebec-selected skilled workers’ program?
To qualify as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you must:
- Have a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec) issued by the government of Quebec.
- Submit an accurate application for permanent residency, including any necessary police reports.
The above two points are explained below.
How to get a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec)?
To get selected by Quebec, you must express interest in moving to Quebec to participate in this program. If your profile meets the requirements set by Québec, you will get an invitation to apply for permanent selection. The factors and their criteria are evaluated using a selection grid.
a) How to submit a declaration of interest to migrate to Quebec?
The steps are listed as follows:
- Submit the expression of interest online by creating an account on the Arrima platform.
- To send an expression of interest, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Wish to reside in Quebec;
- Plan to work in Quebec at a position that suits your skills.
- The following details must be included in the expression of interest form:
- Personal data
- Contact information
- Family circumstances
- Residency status in Quebec
- Educational background
- Employment history
- An employment offer validated by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.
- English and French proficiency test results approved by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.
- You must also disclose information on your children, whether they are traveling with you or not, as well as your accompanying spouse.
- You can permit Québec organizations to view your profile through the Portail employeurs (Employer portal).
b) How to get an Invitation to apply for Permanent Selection under the Quebec-selected skilled workers’ program?
Your expression of interest will be recorded in the bank for expressions of interest once you have submitted it on Arrima.
People with profiles that fit Québec’s demands and who exhibit strong integration potential are asked to submit an application for permanent selection. Your invitation could be revoked if you give false information in your expression of interest.
The invites are sent based on one or more of the following:
- Criteria related to Human Capital such as proficiency in French and English.
- Criteria related to the labor market in Québec such as:
- Period of time spent practicing the profession (workforce diagnosis)
- Training in the required field.
- A degree from Québec.
- Years of employment history in Quebec;
- Confirmed job offer
The expression of interest bank can categorize people based on the above parameters. Each of the above criteria is scored. Thus, invitations can be sent out based on a person’s score. Consult the Score document (in French) for the criteria.
In accordance with section 45 of the Québec Immigration Act, decisions to get invited to file an application for permanent selection are made public.
c) What to do after you receive an Invitation to apply for permanent selection?
Once you receive the invite, you can:
- Complete and submit your permanent selection application form. The confidential data needed to access the form will be sent to your Arrima message center.
- You will have a maximum of 60 days from the date of the invitation to submit your application and pay the processing charges.
- You will get a custom set of documents to support your application.
- You will also receive an application to get an attestation of your education in democratic and Quebec principles.
- You will pay your fees.
If you satisfy all program criteria without needing to go through an interview, you will receive your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and any accompanying family members’ certificates.
Learn more about the Regular Skilled Workers Program (RSWP) of Québec.
How to apply for Permanent Residency under the Quebec-selected skilled workers’ program?
The steps to apply are listed as follows:
- You must apply online on the Permanent Resident Online Application Portal
- Create an account in the portal or sign in.
- The following digital forms must be completed online.
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
- The instruction manual, IMM EQ7000, will assist you in completing the forms.
- Submit essential documents such as medical tests and educational credential assessments.
- Get your picture and fingerprints taken.
- You have to provide your fingerprints (biometrics) and a picture if you’re between the ages of 14 and 79. Determine if you must provide your biometrics.
- You have to pay your biometric cost before you send your application. If not, there can be delays.
- You will receive a letter from the IRCC instructing you to provide biometrics.
- You are given 30 days to complete this from the date on the letter.
- Submit your application online.
Ensure the following before submitting your application:
- Answer questions
- Sign your application electronically. (The name should be the same that appears on your passport.)
- Include your receipt for the processing cost
The IRCC rejects your application if it is not complete. Any mistakes must be corrected before you can submit it again. Learn how to set up an account and submit applications on behalf of your clients if you’re a representative.
Once you submit your application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will confirm the accuracy of your information. If the IRCC accepts your application, you will receive a:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Visa for permanent residence (if you are from a nation that requests visas)
Your photo and personal details will be on your COPR.
The processing time of your application only pertains to the IRCC handling your application. It excludes the time needed for Quebec to produce the Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec).
How to prepare for your arrival in Canada?
As soon as your application for permanent residency is accepted, you should prepare for your arrival in Canada as well as be aware of what to expect.
If you are already in Canada
You must sit for a brief interview with an officer. For your interview, you have two choices:
- Schedule a visit to the Office of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship in Canada.
- Visit a port of entry (border crossing) in Canada and present:
- Evidence that can sustain yourself and your family financially.
- Your permanent resident visa and confirmation of permanent residence (COPR)
During the interview, the officer will
- Ensure the validity of all your papers
- Ask you a couple of questions to make sure you still fit the requirements to immigrate to Canada.
- Verify your postal address in Canada so we may send your permanent residence card (PR card) to you.
If you live outside of Canada
You must have the following when you arrive in Canada:
- Your travel documents or a valid passport
- Your visa for permanent residence and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Upon your arrival in Canada
You must get assistance from immigration services in Canada to:
- Settle
- Adapt to lifestyle in Canada
To help you learn more, read the Welcome to Canada handbook.
How to get an Open work permit for Quebec Selection Certificate holders outside Canada?
For those who reside outside of Quebec and have a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), an open work permit is available. You can work for practically any employer in Quebec with this work permit.
You must fulfill the following criteria to be qualified for this open work permit:
- Apply Online
- When you are applying for your work permit, you must reside
- Outside of Canada or
- In Canada but outside of Quebec
- To apply for this work visa, you must be outside of Quebec, but you should desire to live and work in Quebec.
- Hold a CSQ that qualifies.
- To apply for this work visa, you must obtain a letter of invitation from the Quebec government.
The open work permit for Quebec Selection Certificate holders outside Canada falls under the International Mobility Program Plus program. Under the 2022 quota for the International Mobility Programme Plus (IMP+), you may apply for an open work visa. Up to 14,700 applications for work permits will be accepted for this program in 2022.
The Quebec-selected skilled workers’ program stands as a beacon of opportunity, welcoming talented individuals from around the world to contribute their expertise and skills to the vibrant province of Quebec. Over the years, it has not only bolstered Quebec’s economy but also enriched its cultural landscape, fostering diversity and creating a stronger, more dynamic society.
