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Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Immigrant skilled workers have been preferring Quebec as the destination for quite some time now. In the article you will find out what can qualify you to become a professional working there.

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​Quebec has always been a preferred destination for the immigration of skilled workers. If you have got the right education, training, work experience and meet other eligibility, you can easily become a permanent resident of Canada and live and work under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). 

 

An Overview of QSWP

Looking to immigrate to Quebec and live there as a skilled worker? You cannot apply through immigration streams like Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class. Instead, you need to apply through Quebec’s own Skilled Worker Program.

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Under Quebec Skilled Worker Program, you will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of a Canadian citizen like free healthcare and government initiatives. You can also relocate with your spouse and family and even use spousal credentials on your application. But you have to wait till you become a citizen to exercise your voting rights. 

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Note: if you are looking to utilize the QSWP, we recommend you to waste no time as Quebec has decided to decrease the number of immigrants under the program. In 2019, the province accepted 41% fewer skilled workers compared to 2018.

Why Should You Consider the QSWP?

Even though it might be hard to utilize the QSWP this time, the program has lots of benefits.

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The program enables skilled workers to come and work in Quebec. You can also bring your family and apply for permanent residency once you get your CSQ. The program is easy to apply and the process is also hassle-free. 

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Also, the program has less strict eligibility criteria compared to the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. You may also migrate to Quebec without a valid job offer.

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QSWP Eligibility

Skilled workers who meet the eligibility are given a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which they can use to apply for permanent residency. You can apply if you are a:

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  • Skilled Worker from any country

  • Temporary resident of Quebec

  • International student studying in Quebec

  • Legal, full-time worker in Quebec

You will need to satisfy the minimum eligibility we discuss in the “Requirements” part of the article below. Then visit the Arrima portal to create an expression of interest with details like educational qualifications, work experience, age, and so on. After that, the authorities will evaluate your credentials and award you points. 

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In order to qualify for CSQ, you need to score 50 points as a single applicant. If you are applying with a spouse or common-law partner, you will need 59 points to qualify. Here is the distribution of points:

 

Requirements for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Your eligibility for QSWP will be determined based on 9 factors. The authorities will consider these factors to determine if you will be able to flourish economically and culturally in Quebec.

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The minimum requirements are as follows:

Educational Qualifications for the QSWP

A minimum of a secondary school general diploma is needed to apply for QSWP. 

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You need to attain a degree within five years prior to applying for QSWP. Else, you need work experience of 12 months in a field directly related to your education within five years prior to your application. 

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Language Skills for the QSWP

You may need to take additional tests to prove your language skills under QSWP. French is the preferred language and has more weight compared to English when it comes to proving your language proficiency. You may need to take a language proficiency test from recognized institutions. 

  • Job Prospects
    There is a difference between getting hired for a full-time dream job after completing your studies and working part-time to support your living while you are studying. When it comes to looking for a full-time job while you have completed your international programme, you would definitely want to experience the foreign industry. To be eligible for working after your graduation, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. It issues a work permit to students to foreign post-secondary students who wish to remain temporarily in Canada after graduation to work in their field of study.
  • Work Visa
    A visa giving one the ability to take a job in a country other than the one in which one is a citizen. There are different types of work visas. One kind may require the holder to have a local employer as a sponsor, and to return home if he/she loses the job. Another visa may be more general and may allow the holder to work at any job for a certain period of time. Work visas are generally temporary, though most may be renewed.
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