You can apply for Canada PR through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program if you aim to work and settle in the province. The RSWP pathway offers permanent selection exclusively to foreign skilled workers whose profiles favorably correspond to Québec’s workforce requirements.
Québec Regular Skilled Worker Program: Overview
- About the program
- Expression of Interest
- Eligibility Grid
- Arrima EOI Score and Rank
- Draws for Quebec Regulated Skilled Workers
- Documents for Permanent Selection
- Applying for Permanent Selection
- Getting the Quebec Selection Certificate or Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)
- Applying for Canada PR through the Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
- Processing time for Regular Skilled Worker Program
- Processing fee
About the Program
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program requires the applicants to submit an Expression of Interest. The RSWP uses two scoring calculators. One of the calculators determines the eligibility to apply for permanent selection. The second scoring grid in Arrima scores the Expression of Interest (EOI). Based on this score, they are invited to submit an application. The overall process for the Regular Skilled Worker Program involves the following steps:
- Initiate an Expression of Interest in Arrima
- Score at least 50 points out of 95 (59 out of 103/120 points if accompanied by a spouse) in the selection grid
- Qualify and submit the EOI
- Get a score in the Arrima points calculator
- Get an invitation to apply for permanent selection by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI)
- Apply for CSQ within 60 days
- Get a CSQ upon application approval
- Apply for Canada PR through Quebec Selected Skilled Worker (QSWP) within 2 years
Expression of Interest (EOI) for Regular Skilled Worker Program
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Quebec Regular Skilled Worker does not require any documents or submission fees. However, to be eligible to submit an EOI, the applicant must be:
- 18 years old or older
- Intent to permanently settle in Quebec
- Aim to work in Quebec for which they are qualified.
- Score at least 50 in the EOI selection grid. (59 if accompanied by a spouse)
The validity of an Expression of Interest is 12 months or one year from the date of submission.
How to submit an Expression of Interest to Quebec?
EOI submission for the Regular Skilled Worker pathway involves the following pathways:
- Create an account on Arrima
- Initiate an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Provide data about your personal information, contact details, marital status and children, education, professional career, job offer, and French and English language proficiency.
- Complete and submit the Expression of Interest within 90 days of initiation.
Eligibility Grid for Quebec Immigration
As you submit information while creating your Expression of Interest (EOI), it will be assessed for eligibility based on various factors. The eligibility criteria for the Regular Skilled Worker program are tabulated below.
In order to be eligible for the Regular Skilled Worker Program, you must score at least 50 out of 95 points in this selection grid. Out of the minimum 50 points, you must score 43 points under employability factors.
If your spouse and children are accompanying you, you must score at least 59 out of 120 or 103 points to qualify for selection. Out of these 59 points, you must score 52 under employability factors.
| Selection Factors | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Education | 26 |
| Professional Work Experience | 08 |
| Age | 16 |
| Language Proficiency | 22 |
| Quebec Connection | 08 |
| Valid Job offer in Quebec | 14 |
| Points for accompanying spouse/common-law partner | 17 |
| Points for accompanying children | 08 |
| Financial Autonomy Capacity | 01 |
| Total Maximum Points | 95 (without spouse or children) 103 (with children but without a spouse) 120 (with children and spouse) |
Selection Grid for Education – 14 Points
To get any eligible points for education, you must have completed general or vocational high school in Quebec or its equivalent. Completing general secondary education is mandatory to be eligible for the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
| Academic Level | Points (maximum 14) |
|---|---|
| General Secondary | 2 |
| Professional Secondary | 6 |
| General post-secondary of 2 years | 4 |
| Technical post-secondary of 1-2 years | 6 |
| Technical post-secondary of 3 years | 8 |
| University undergraduate for 1 year | 4 |
| University undergraduate for 2 years | 6 |
| University undergraduate for 3 years | 10 |
| University graduate for 1 year or more | 12 |
| University post-graduate | 14 |
Area of Training – 12 Points
Applicants are scored based on the area or field of education and training. Academic or training domains that are in demand for Quebec’s labor market and job prospects get higher points.
| Area of Training | Points (maximum 12) |
|---|---|
| Section A | 12 |
| Section B | 09 |
| Section C | 06 |
| Section D | 02 |
| Section E | 00 |
Selection grid for Professional Work Experience – 08 Points
To get points for work experience, your work must be:
- Paid
- Full-time or Half-time
- Internships
- Must be within the last 5 years
- Must be in TEER level 0,1, 2, 3 or 4
| Work Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 6 months or less | 00 |
| 06-11 months | 04 |
| 12-23 months | 04 |
| 24-35 months | 06 |
| 36-47 months | 06 |
| 48 months or more | 08 |
Selection Points for Age – 16 Points
Applicants who are between 18 to 42 years old get points for age. Maximum points are awarded to individuals who are 18-35 years old.
| Age in years | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to 35 years | 16 |
| 36 years | 14 |
| 37 years | 12 |
| 38 years | 10 |
| 39 years | 08 |
| 40 years | 06 |
| 41 years | 04 |
| 42 years | 02 |
| 43 years | 00 |
Selection Grid for Language Proficiency – 22 points
Selection Grid for Language Proficiency – 22 points
Language proficiency is the highest scoring factor that can get you as much as 22 points. You must score at least 7 or advanced intermediate in the accepted French language tests. Quebec accepts the following tests for French:
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCF-Québec), France Éducation international
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada, France Éducation international
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF), France Éducation international
- Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF), France Éducation international
- Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF), France Éducation international
- Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ), Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP-IDF)
- Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada (TEF Canada), CCIP-IDF
- Test d’évaluation du français This hyperlink will open in a new window. (TEF),CCIP-IDF
French Language Proficiency (maximum points – 16)
| Language Proficiency | Points |
|---|---|
| Reading | |
| A1 Low Beginner | 00 |
| A2 High Beginner | 00 |
| B1 Low Intermediate | 00 |
| B2 High Intermediate | 01 |
| C1 Advanced | 01 |
| C2 Advanced | 01 |
| Writing | |
| A1 Low Beginner | 00 |
| A2 High Beginner | 00 |
| B1 Low Intermediate | 00 |
| B2 High Intermediate | 01 |
| C1 Advanced | 01 |
| C2 Advanced | 01 |
| Listening | |
| A1 Low Beginner | 00 |
| A2 High Beginner | 00 |
| B1 Low Intermediate | 00 |
| B2 High Intermediate | 05 |
| C1 Advanced | 06 |
| C2 Advanced | 07 |
| Speaking | |
| A1 | 00 |
| A2 | 00 |
| B1 | 00 |
| B2 | 05 |
| C1 | 06 |
| C2 | 07 |
| Maximum points | 16 |
English proficiency (maximum points- 06)
You can get additional points for English language proficiency. Score more than CLB 5 to get eligibility points. Quebec accepts only IELTS for English language proficiency.
| Language Proficiency | Points |
|---|---|
| Reading | |
| CLB 1 – CLB 4 – Beginner | 00 |
| CLB 5 – CLB 8- Intermediate | 01 |
| CLB 9 – CLB 12- Advance | 01 |
| Writing | |
| CLB 1 – CLB 4 – Beginner | 00 |
| CLB 5 – CLB 8- Intermediate | 01 |
| CLB 9 – CLB 12- Advance | 01 |
| Listening | |
| CLB 1 – CLB 4 – Beginner | 00 |
| CLB 5 – CLB 8- Intermediate | 01 |
| CLB 9 – CLB 12- Advance | 02 |
| Speaking | |
| CLB 1 – CLB 4 – Beginner | 00 |
| CLB 5 – CLB 8- Intermediate | 01 |
| CLB 9 – CLB 12- Advance | 02 |
Quebec Connection – 08 Points
| Connection | Points |
|---|---|
| Family Connections in Quebec | |
| Spouse | 03 |
| Sibling | 03 |
| Parent | 03 |
| Child | 03 |
| Grandparent | 03 |
| Uncles and Aunts | 00 |
| Nephews or nieces | 00 |
| Cousins | 00 |
| Prior stays or visits in Quebec | |
| Worked in Quebec for 3 months | 05 |
| Worked in the province for 6 months | 05 |
| Studied in Quebec for 3-6 months | 05 |
| Stayed in the province (not for work or study) for more than 2 weeks | 01 |
| Stayed in Quebec for more than 2 months | 02 |
| Visited Quebec for less than 2 weeks | 00 |
A Valid Job Offer in Quebec – 14 Points
You can get eligibility points in the Quebec selection grid if an employer in Quebec gives you a validated job offer. To get the job offer validated by the government of Quebec, the employer must:
- Be doing business in Quebec for at least one year
- Be able to establish that they cannot fill the vacancy with the local workforce
- The job offer must be full-time and continuous.
- The job should have a positive or neutral impact on Quebec’s labor market
- The foreign worker must be qualified for licensure in case of a regulated profession.
The score will depend on the regional location of the job.
| Job offer location | Points |
|---|---|
| Job offer in the Montreal Metropolitan Regions | 08 |
| Job offer in regions outside of Montreal | |
| • Capitale-Nationale • Chaudière-Appalaches • Montérégie | 14 |
| • Abitibi-Témaniscamingue • Centre-du Québec• Estrie • Lanaudière • Outaoais | 13 |
| • Bas-Saint-Laurent • Côte-Nord • Laurentides • Mauricie • Nord-du-Québec • Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean | 12 |
| • Gaspésie | 10 |
Accompanying Spouse – 17 Points
| Scoring Factors for Accompanying Spouse | Points |
|---|---|
| Academic Proficiency (04 points) | |
| General Secondary | 01 |
| Professional Secondary | 02 |
| General Post-secondary for 2 years | 01 |
| Technical post-secondary for 1 or 2 years | 02 |
| Technical post-secondary for 3 years | 03 |
| University undergraduate for 1 year (full-time) | 01 |
| University undergraduate for 2 years (full-time) | 02 |
| University undergraduate for 3 years or more (full-time) | 03 |
| University graduate for 1 or more years | 04 |
| University post-graduate (Ph.D. or Masters) | 04 |
| Training Area (04 points) | |
| Section A | 04 |
| Section B | 03 |
| Section C | 02 |
| Section D | 01 |
| Section E | 00 |
| Age (03 points) | |
| 18-35 years | 03 |
| 36-39 years | 02 |
| 40-42 years | 01 |
| 43 years or more | 00 |
| French language proficiency (06 points) | |
| C2-C1 in Listening | 03 |
| C1-C2 in Speaking | 03 |
| B2 in Listening | 02 |
| B2 in Speaking | 02 |
| A1-B1 in Listening | 00 |
| A1-B1 in Speaking | 00 |
Accompanying Children – 08 Points
| Children’s Age | Points per Child |
| 12 years or younger | 04 |
| 13-21 years | 02 |
The selection grid is not used to rank Expression of Interests. Instead, they are the eligibility criteria. You must have a minimum score of 50 points (59 points if accompanied by a spouse) to be eligible to get a ranking score for the Regular Skilled Worker Pathway.
Financial Self-Sufficiency – 01 Point
This is a mandatory eligibility factor. While submitting the application for permanent selection through the Regular Skilled Worker Program, you will be required to sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency contract. According to the contract, you agree to financially support yourself and your accompanying family for at least three months after arrival in Quebec. According to the contract, the mandatory financial requirement is tabulated below.
| Number of Children under 18 years | One Adult | Two Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $3770 | $5529 |
| 1 | $5066 | $6193 |
| 2 | $5719 | $6684 |
| 3 | $6371 | $7176 |
An additional $1758 will be required for every dependent child who is 18 years or older.
EOI Score and Rank: Arrima Points Calculator
After you have submitted the Expression of Interest (EOI) to Arrima, it will be included in an EOI bank. It is from this bank that Quebec invites applicants to apply for permanent selection. The Expression of Interests are scored and ranked by the Arrima points calculator. The calculator has two sections- Human Capital Factors which scores out of 580 points, and Quebec workforce requirements which scores out 720 points. Quebec issues invitation to apply based on the scores of the Expression of Interest of an applicant. The scoring grid is given below.
| Score for Human Capital Factors – Maximum points – 580 | ||
| Points without spouse | Points with accompanying Spouse | |
| Age | 130 | 110 |
| Work Experience | 100 | 100 |
| French Language Proficiency | 180 | 80 |
| French and English Proficiency | 80 | 80 |
| Education | 90 | 70 |
| Maximum Points | 580 | 440 |
| Points for Quebec workforce requirements – Maximum points 720 | |
| Professional Work Experience in an occupation with a balanced workforce | Points (100 maximum) |
| Less than 12 months | 00 |
| 12 months or more | 30 |
| Work Experience in an occupation with the workforce in a slight deficit | |
| 12 months | 00 |
| 12-23 months | 60 |
| 24-35 months | 70 |
| 36 months and more | 90 |
| Work Experience in an occupation with a high shortage of workforce | |
| Less than 12 months | 00 |
| 12-23 months | 70 |
| 24-35 months | 90 |
| 36 months and more | 100 |
| Training Areas | Points (maximum 60 points) |
| E | 0 |
| D | 12 |
| C | 30 |
| B | 48 |
| A | 60 |
| Quebec Education | Points (maximum 50 points) |
| General Secondary school diploma | 10 |
| Full-time vocational secondary school diploma of one or more years | 30 |
| Full-time general post-secondary diploma of 2 years | 20 |
| Full-time technical post-secondary diploma of 1-2 years | 35 |
| Full-time technical post-secondary diploma of 3 years | 45 |
| University undergraduate (1 year, full-time) | 25 |
| Full-time university undergraduate (2 years) | 40 |
| Full-time university undergraduate (3 years or more) | 46 |
| University graduate (full-time, 1 year or more) | 48 |
| University post-graduate | 50 |
| Work Experience in Quebec – maximum points 100 | |
| Work Experience | Points |
| 6 months or less | 0 |
| 6-11 months | 20 |
| 12-23 months | 60 |
| 24-35 months | 70 |
| 36-47 months | 80 |
| 48 months or more | 100 |
| Canadian Work Experience outside Quebec – maximum 30 points | |
| 6 months or less | 00 |
| 06-11 months | 08 |
| 12-23 months | 15 |
| 24-35 months | 20 |
| 36-47 months | 25 |
| 48 months or more | 30 |
| A Valid Job Offer in Quebec | |
| Job Location | Points |
| Outside the territory of the Metropolitan Community of Montreal | 380 |
| Within the Metropolitan Community of Montreal | 180 |
| Points to the accompanying spouse | |
| Spouse’s education | 10 |
| Quebec Diploma | 10 |
Draws for Quebec Regulated Skilled Workers
Quebec announces regular draws to issue invitations to apply for permanent selection. The applicant must score at least NCLC 7 or higher on the French language proficiency test to get an invitation in the draw.
Arrima Draws in 2024
| Draw Date | Number of Invitations to Apply for Permanent Selection | Arrima Score cut-off | Additional Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.04.2024 | 1,036 | 596 606 | Job offer outside the Metropolitan Community of Montreal. Selected NOC codes: 2154, 2242, 7233, 7234, 7236, 7237, 7241, 7271, 7281, 7282, 7291, 7294, 7295, 7311, 7312, 7313, 7318, 7371, 7372, 7521, 7611 Selected NOC codes: 0213, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2141, 2147, 2171, 2172, 2173, 2174, 2175, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2241, 2281, 2282, 2283, 3012, 3233, 3413, 4031, 4032, 4214, 5225, 5241 |
| 21.03.2024 | 1,357 | 596 | – |
| 07.03.2024 | 1,136 | 603 | – |
| 22.02.2024 | 1,007 | 608 | – |
| 08.02.2024 | 1,034 | 613 | – |
| 24.01.2024 | 1,007 | 615 | Job offer outside the Metropolitan Community of Montreal. Selected NOC codes: 20012, 21310, 21301, 21310, 21321, 21330, 21311, 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21233, 21211, 21223, 21231, 21211, 21230, 21232, 21234, 21233, 21234, 22300, 22301, 22232, 22302, 22310, 22220, 22221, 22222, 31301, 33102, 41220, 41221, 42202, 52111, 52113, and 52120 |
Arrima Draws in 2023
| Date of Draw | Number of Invitations to Apply for Permanent Selection | Arrima Score cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| 07.12.2023 | 1187 | 604 |
| 16.11.2023 | 1210 | 609 |
| 26.10.2023 | 1220 | 608 (for tech occupations465 (for skilled trades occupations) |
| 21.09.2023 | 1018 | 579 |
| 07.09.2023 | 1433 | 586 |
| 24.08.2023 | 1000 | 584 |
| 10.08.2023 | 1384 | 591 |
| 20.07.2023 | 1633 | 596 |
| 29.06.2023 | 1218 | 584 (tech occupations with oral French proficiency of 7 or higher) 592 (Engineering, Health, and Education occupations with oral French proficiency of 7 or higher) |
| 22.06.2023 | 1006 | 626 |
| 04.05.2023 | 802 | 575 |
| 20.04.2023 | 1020 | 598 |
| 30.03.2023 | 619 | 578 |
| 16.03.2023 | 619 | 578 |
| 02.03.2023 | 1017 | 589 |
| 16.02.2023 | 1011 | 583 |
| 09.02.2023 | 1011 | 691 |
Arrima Draws in 2021
| Date of Draw | Number of Invitations to Apply for Permanent Selection | Arrima Score cut-off/ Selection Criteriation |
|---|---|---|
| 15.12.2022 | 1047 | 571 |
| 08.12.2022 | 517 | 591 |
| 01.12.2022 | 513 | 589 |
| 24.11.2022 | 998 | 603 |
| 29.09.2022 | 1195 | 597 |
| 15.09.2022 | 1009 | 563 |
| 08.09.2022 | 1202 | 620 |
| 11.08.2022 | 58 | Valid job offer outside Metropolitan Community of Montreal |
| 07.07.2022 | 348 | 624 |
| 05.05.2022 | 30 | Valid job offer outside Metropolitan Community of Montreal |
| 07.04.2022 | 33 | Valid job offer outside Metropolitan Community of Montreal |
| 10.03.2022 | 506 | 577 |
| 24.02.2022 | 306 | 630 |
| 10.02.2022 | 523 | 592 |
| 27.01.2022 | 321 | 647 |
| 13.01.2022 | 512 | 602 |
Arrima Draws in 2021
| Date of Draw | Number of Invitations to Apply for Permanent Selection | Arrima Score cut-off/ Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 09.12.2021 | 326 | 633 |
| 11.11.2021 | 32 | A valid job offer outside the Metropolitan Community of Montreal |
| 21.10.2021 | 22 | A valid job offer outside the Metropolitan Community of Montreal |
| 30.09.2021 | 535 | 562 |
| 02.09.2021 | 517 | 499 |
| 26.08.2021 | 585 | 517 |
| 19.08.2021 | 502 | 548 |
| 12.08.2021 | 509 | 591 |
| 17.06.2021 | 69 | A valid job offer |
| 27.05.2021 | 89 | A valid job offer |
| 29.04.2021 | 82 | A valid job offer |
| 30.03.2021 | 204 | A valid job offer |
| 26.01.2021 | 92 | A valid job offer |
Arrima Draws in 2020
| Date of Draw | Number of Invitations to Apply for Permanent Selection | Arrima Score cut-off/ Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 16.12.2020 | 231 | A valid job offer |
| 24.09.2020 | 357 | A valid job offer |
| 18.06.2020 | 07 | – |
| 16.01.2020 | 23 | – |
Arrima Draws in 2019
| Date of Draw | Number of Invitations to apply for Permanent Selection | Arrima Score cut-off/ Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 17.12.2019 | 220 | – |
| 12.12.2019 | 85 | A valid job offer |
| 29.10.2019 | 71 | A valid job offer |
| 23.10.2019 | 89 | – |
| 25.09.2019 | 169 | – |
| 04.09.2019 | 31 | A valid job offer |
| 19.08.2019 | 444 | – |
| 17.07.2019 | 251 | A valid job offer |
| 04.07.2019 | 691 | – |
Document Checklist for Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
If you get an invitation to apply for permanent selection in the draws, you will be required to send a complete application with the following documents.
- Financial Self-sufficiency contract
- International Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- One Passport-sized photograph
- University, vocational or technical diplomas
- Transcripts corresponding to the diplomas
- Work Experience certificates including:
- Start and end date of the job
- Number of working hours
- Designation
- Job description
- Contact information of the employer
- License to practice issued by a Quebec regulatory body (if applicable)
- Professional practice permit (if applicable)
- French language proficiency test results (valid till 2 years)
- English language proficiency (valid till 2 years)
- Work permit (if applicable)
- Study permit (if applicable)
All the paperwork must either be in French or English. Documents or their sections in any other language must be translated and signed by a professional translator. The translated paperwork must include the translator’s seal. Unless stated otherwise, submit colored photocopies of your paperwork.
Applying for Permanent Selection
If you get an invitation to apply for permanent selection in the draws, submit the application with the processing fee within 60 days. The process of applying to the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker program involves the following steps.
- All the information in the Expression of Interest is included in the application
- Send mandatory documents
- Obtain an attestation of learning about Quebec values and democratic values (if not already acquired)
- Send both the documents and the attestation to the following address
Direction du regroupement familial et de l’enregistrement
Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
205-1200, boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal (Québec) H2X 0C9
CANADA
- Pay the non-refundable application fee within 30 days of sending the application. The application fee for the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker pathway is $895.
Getting the Quebec Selection Certificate or Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)
If your permanent selection application is approved, you will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate. Getting a CSQ means that the government of Quebec has accepted you as an immigrant. The CSQ is valid for 24 months. Therefore, you must apply for Canada PR through the Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) within 2 years.
Applying for Canada PR through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
- Create an account and sign in to the PR application portal
- Initiate a PR application through the Regular Skilled Worker Program
- Fill out the required forms and upload the mandatory documents such as:
- Certificat de sélection du Québec
- Passport or Travel Documents
- Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec
- Birth Certificates and Identity documents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Children’s information (if applicable)
- Police Clearance Certificates or PCC
- Two Photographs
- Fee receipts
- Ensure that your application is complete.
- Submit the PR application
- Get the Confirmation of Permanent Residence or COPR upon application approval.
Processing time for Regular Skilled Worker Program
| Application | Processing Time |
| Permanent Selection Application for Regular Skilled Worker Program | 6 months |
| Canada PR application | 9 months |
Processing fee for Regular Skilled Worker Program and Canada PR through RSWP
| Applications | Fee in Canadian Dollar |
| Permanent Selection Application | Principal Applicant – $895 Accompanying Spouse or legal partner – $192 Accompanying dependent child – $192 |
| Canada PR application | $1365 (till 30th April 2024) |
