Quebec Immigration: Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)
Quebec occupies a distinct place within Canada’s immigration system due to its French language requirements and strong cultural identity. As a result, the province manages its own permanent immigration programs independently of federal pathways.
One of the key options for skilled individuals planning to live and work in Quebec is the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), known in French as the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ).
This program replaced the former Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), which officially ended in November 2024.
Under the SWSP, candidates are assessed based on multiple factors, including educational background, language proficiency, professional experience, and any existing connections to Quebec. At Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA), we help applicants understand how these selection factors apply to their individual profiles and eligibility.
Program Overview
The Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) is a long-standing permanent immigration pathway designed to attract qualified workers who can contribute to Quebec’s labour market.
Similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under Canada’s Express Entry system, individuals interested in immigrating through the SWSP must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Quebec’s online system. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) periodically reviews the candidate pool and issues invitations to selected applicants to apply for permanent selection.
Applicants who are approved under the program receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With this certificate, they may then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. As part of the federal stage, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts mandatory medical examinations and security background checks.
Since November 2023, demonstrating French language proficiency has become a compulsory requirement for both principal applicants and any accompanying family members included in the application.
On November 29, 2024, the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) was formally replaced by the current Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP).
Streams Under the SWSP
The SWSP is structured into four distinct streams, each created to attract candidates with different skill levels, professional backgrounds, or exceptional abilities.
In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements of the program, applicants must also satisfy the specific criteria of the stream under which they apply in order to qualify for a CSQ.
The four SWSP streams are:
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Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills Stream
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Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
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Regulated Professions Stream
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Exceptional Talent Stream
At Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA), we guide applicants in identifying the most suitable stream and preparing their applications in line with current Quebec immigration regulations.
Below is a general overview of the eligibility requirements for each Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) stream. Additional details for each stream are explained further below.
| Stream | Occupation | Work Experience | French Language Requirements | Education | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills | FÉER category 0, 1, or 2 | At least 1 year of work experience within the last 5 years |
Oral: NCLC 7+ Written: NCLC 5+ Spouse (spoken): NCLC 4+ |
Qualifying one-year diploma | N/A |
| Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills | FÉER category 3, 4, or 5 | At least 2 years of paid work experience within the last 5 years |
Spoken: NCLC 5+ Spouse (spoken): NCLC 4+ |
Qualifying degree | N/A |
| Stream 3: Regulated Professions | Must appear on Québec’s official List of Regulated Professions | N/A | Depends on the FÉER level of the occupation | N/A | Authorization to practise the occupation in Quebec |
| Stream 4: Exceptional Talent | Must demonstrate exceptional expertise in the primary occupation | At least 3 years of work experience within the last 5 years | N/A | N/A |
Must meet Quebec’s standards for exceptional talent or be endorsed by a Ministerial partner |
SWSP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), applicants must meet both the general program requirements and the specific eligibility criteria of their chosen stream.
At Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA), we help applicants assess eligibility across all SWSP streams and prepare applications in line with current Quebec immigration rules.
General Program Eligibility
All applicants to the SWSP must meet the following conditions:
Be at least 18 years of age
Intend to settle in Quebec to work for an employer that:
They do not legally or effectively control, either directly or indirectly; and
Does not operate in an ineligible or prohibited sector
Demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position for which they were hired
Provide evidence that the information declared in their profile is accurate and that they meet the criteria that resulted in their invitation to apply
Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract, confirming their ability to support themselves and any accompanying family members for the first three months after becoming permanent residents
Obtain an Attestation of Learning of Democratic and Quebec Values
Accompanying family members aged 18 or older must also obtain this attestation
Comply with any return-to-country obligations related to scholarships awarded in Quebec, where applicable
Ineligible Employment Sectors
Employment in the following sectors is not permitted under the SWSP:
Payday lending
Cheque cashing services
Pawnbroking
The production, sale, or distribution of pornographic or sexually explicit goods or services related to the sex industry
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
This stream is intended for candidates working in FEER 0, 1, or 2 occupations that are not regulated in Quebec. Regulated occupations must apply under Stream 3.
Work Experience
Applicants must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) paid work experience in their main occupation, gained in Quebec or abroad within the five years prior to application.
Internships completed as part of a degree program may count for up to three months.
Education
Candidates must hold a diploma that directly leads to a profession and represents a minimum of one year of full-time study, equivalent in Quebec to one of the following:
Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) or Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP)
Attestation of Collegial Studies (AEC) or Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC – technical)
University certificate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate
Programs must total at least 900 hours at the secondary or college level, or 30 university credits
A comparative evaluation of foreign education is not mandatory, but may be submitted as supporting documentation.
French Language Requirements
Oral French: Level 7 or higher
Written French: Level 5 or higher
Accompanying spouses: Oral French Level 4 or higher
Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills
Stream 2 is designed for applicants employed in FEER 3, 4, or 5 occupations that are not regulated in Quebec.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least two years of paid work experience in their main occupation within the past five years, including a minimum of one year in Quebec.
Work experience gained outside Quebec may count for up to one year, provided it is in the same NOC or within the same broad occupational category (same first NOC digit).
Mandatory internships completed as part of a degree may be counted for up to three months, provided they are related to the same occupation or occupational category.
Education
Before submitting an application, candidates must hold at least one of the following:
A Quebec high school diploma; or
A diploma equivalent to at least one year of full-time study, corresponding to a DEP, ASP, or Attestation of Collegial Studies
If completed in Quebec, studies must total at least 600 hours at the secondary level or 900 hours at the college level.
French Language Requirements
Spoken French: Level 5 or higher
Accompanying spouses: Oral French Level 4 or higher
Stream 3: Regulated Professions
This stream is reserved for candidates whose primary occupation appears on Quebec’s official List of Regulated Professions.
Occupation Requirement
Eligibility is determined by the actual duties of the occupation, not just the job title.
Fully regulated occupations (e.g. mechanical engineers) must apply through Stream 3
Partially regulated occupations may qualify under Stream 1, 2, or 3, depending on the FEER level
Proof from a Regulatory Authority
Applicants must provide one of the following documents, issued within the last five years:
Authorization to practise in Quebec
Proof of partial recognition of training or diploma
Proof of full recognition of training or diploma
These documents may support eligibility but do not guarantee authorization to practise.
French Language Requirements
FEER 0–2 occupations:
Oral French Level 7+
Written French Level 5+
FEER 3–5 occupations:
Oral French Level 5+
Accompanying spouses: Oral French Level 4+
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
Stream 4 targets individuals with exceptional expertise who are expected to make a significant contribution to Quebec’s economic, cultural, scientific, or athletic development.
Exceptional Skills and Experience
Applicants must:
Demonstrate outstanding expertise and distinction in their primary occupation
Provide evidence of significant professional achievements directly related to their field
Have at least three years of professional experience in their main occupation within the five years prior to application
Mandatory internships may count for up to three months, whether paid or unpaid.
Recognition of Achievements
Candidates must meet one of the following conditions:
Have an achievement listed on Quebec’s official List of Achievements; or
Obtain a favourable opinion from a designated Ministerial partner in a targeted field
Targeted fields and partners include:
Strategic economic sectors: Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE)
Research: Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ)
Arts: Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)
Sports: Institut national du sport du Québec (INS)
Immigration Process Under the SWSP
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima system. Profiles are ranked based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. The highest-scoring candidates may receive an invitation to apply during regular Quebec draws.
Invited candidates must then submit a full application for permanent selection through the Mon Projet Québec portal. This platform allows applicants to complete forms, upload documents, pay fees, track application status, and communicate with immigration authorities.
Successful applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and may then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts medical and security checks as part of the final approval process.
SWSP Processing Fees
Below are the processing fees for the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), effective from January 1, 2025.
| Applicant | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant | CAD $921 |
| Spouse or de facto spouse | CAD $197 |
| Each dependent child | CAD $197 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)?
The Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) is an economic immigration pathway for individuals who plan to live and work in the province of Quebec. Through this program, Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) selects candidates for permanent immigration based on the information provided in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
Candidate profiles are assessed using factors such as age, level of education, professional experience, and French-language proficiency. Applicants who are selected receive an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
At Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA), we assist applicants in preparing and submitting competitive profiles under the SWSP.
2. What is the Arrima Portal?
Arrima is Quebec’s official online platform used to manage Expressions of Interest for immigration under the SWSP. It is open to foreign nationals 18 years of age or older who wish to declare their interest in immigrating to Quebec.
Through Arrima, candidates create and submit their EOI profile, which is then entered into a selection pool for consideration by MIFI.
3. What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step in applying to immigrate to Quebec under the SWSP. Interested candidates must complete an online EOI form through the Arrima portal, providing details about their education, training, work experience, language abilities, and other relevant background information.
MIFI conducts regular selections from the EOI pool, inviting candidates who meet specific criteria. Selection priorities are largely based on Quebec’s labour market needs across different regions. Factors such as holding a validated job offer or working in targeted occupations may improve a candidate’s chances of being invited.
4. What is Mon Projet Québec?
Mon Projet Québec is the online application system used by Quebec to receive complete applications for permanent selection under the SWSP (formerly the QSWP).
Candidates who receive an invitation to apply must create an account on Mon Projet Québec to complete their application, upload supporting documents, pay required fees, and submit their file for assessment.
5. What is a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)?
A Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec – CSQ) is an official document issued to applicants who have been selected by Quebec for immigration.
Holding a CSQ allows the applicant to submit a separate application for permanent residence to the Government of Canada. It is important to note that the CSQ itself is not a permanent resident visa and cannot be used to enter Canada. Final approval is granted only after federal processing.