Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a Canadian immigration program established by the provincial government of Quebec that enables trained and highly trained foreign workers and their families to move to Canada and live in the province of Quebec. Immigrants who apply for this points-based program are evaluated based on a selection grid of factors, with a certain number of points given for each selection factor. The Quebec Selection Certificate is given to applicants who score enough points, which they can use to file an application for Canadian permanent residency.
Living in Quebec
Quebec is the largest among the thirteen provinces and territories in Canada. It is also the second most populated place in the country (after Ontario). The prime industries supporting the economy of Quebec include manufacturing, generating electric power, mining, pulp, and paper.
Aside from its large population and strong economy, Quebec is known as the province that uses French as its native language. There is a unique history that distinguishes it from the other provinces and territories, since Quebec was originally a French colony, while the rest of present-day Canada was governed by the British. The province’s French-Canadian culture helps to make Quebec a very special place to live in Canada.
The economy of the province is mainly based on its natural resources, but Quebec has also shown advancement in technology and science. The aerospace manufacturing industry in Montreal is considered the third-largest aerospace center in the world and has attracted big international companies.
Quebec also has a low crime rate and sees equality as a core value in the community. The province offers an excellent hospital care service, a safe environment for its residents and provides financial aid for those in need. All in all, Quebec is a beautiful place to live in Canada and is an attractive destination for immigrants, especially those who speak French.
There are great job opportunities in Quebec with promising salaries, even for foreigners. Government employees also have several benefits like paid vacation, salary insurance and others.
Most of the high-paying jobs do require proficiency in French, but many jobs are open even to non-francophones.
QSWP
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) was developed by the Government of Quebec, in collaboration with the Canadian national government, to allow skilled and highly educated immigrants to live and work in the province and contribute to its economy and culture. The QSWP is the preferred program for immigrant workers planning on settling in Quebec.
There are two major steps in applying for the QSWP – selection and admission:
Selection
The Quebec provincial authorities will consider several factors to see if you are eligible for the QSWP. These include age, work, education, French or English language skills, financial status, training experience, and others. Each of these factors will be given points and you must meet the minimum score required to be qualified for the program. A solo applicant must have a score of at least 50/103 points to be qualified. Immigrants applying with their spouse would have to aim for at least 59/120 points to be permitted to apply for the program.
The QSWP application process begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Quebec’s online portal called Arrima. The EOI consists of the applicant’s relevant details, such as language proficiency score, occupation/work experience, education, etc.
Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) would then assess the EOI submitted to the online system and, if approved, would issue to the applicant the Certificat de sélection du Québec (Québec Selection Certificate).
Admission
After receiving the Québec Selection Certificate, the applicant can now proceed by applying for a Permanent Resident Visa to Canada. During this second major stage of the Canadian immigration procedure, the applicant must provide the results of the medical exam, police certificates and other documents that will validate all of the information listed in the application (such as educational credentials and language evaluation scores). The applicant has 60 days to apply with the required documentation and to pay the Canadian Visa Application Fee.
Once the application has been approved, the Canadian immigration agency will send the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and the Canadian Visa for Permanent Residence will be stamped in his or her valid passport. The new immigrant will also need to pay a small fee to receive the hard plastic Canadian Permanent Residence Card, which will be carried as identification while living in Canada.
Benefits
You and your family can enjoy many amazing benefits living in Canada as permanent residents through the QSWP. For example, you can live and work in Quebec long-term; start a business; buy a home; travel to and from Canada and throughout the country; receive free or subsidized public healthcare; have access to educational programs; sponsor family members for a Canadian visa; and have the option to become a citizen of Canada after living in the country at least three years as a permanent resident during a five-year time period. Besides all of these incredible benefits, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a high standard of living in Canada, which is one of the world’s most beautiful, peaceful and prosperous countries!
DISCLAIMER: This information is not and should not be considered as expert or professional advice.
To learn if you quality for the QSWP or another Canadian visa program
