On November 29, 2024, Quebec introduced the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), replacing the previous Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP).
This updated program introduces new streams and eligibility requirements to align with Quebec’s labor market needs.
However, invitations for permanent selection applications have been temporarily suspended until June 30, 2025, as Quebec finalizes its new multi-year immigration plan.
This guide outlines the program’s structure, requirements, and critical steps for prospective applicants.
On This Page You Will Find
- Introduction to Quebec’s New Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)
- General Requirements for the SWSP
- How to Find Your Profession’s Eligibility
- The Four Streams of the SWSP
- High Qualification and Specialized Skills
- Intermediate and Manual Skills
- Regulated Professions
- Exceptional Talent
- How Is the SWSP Different from the RSWP?
- Step-by-Step Guide to Immigrating to Quebec Through the SWSP
- Tips for a Successful Application
General Requirements for the SWSP
To qualify under the SWSP, all applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Intent to Work in Quebec: Applicants must intend to work for an employer in Quebec. The job cannot:
- Be for a business in which the applicant has legal or de facto control.
- Fall within prohibited industries such as payday loans, adult entertainment (e.g., production or sale of explicit materials, escort services), or related fields.
- Financial Independence: Applicants must:
- Sign a financial self-sufficiency contract.
- Demonstrate the ability to support themselves and their accompanying family members for three months after obtaining permanent residence. [Refer to official financial benchmarks for required amounts.]
- Values Certificate: Applicants and accompanying family members aged 18 or older must complete the values test, demonstrating knowledge of Quebec’s democratic values as outlined in the Charte des droits et libertés de la personne.
- Return Obligations: Comply with any return conditions tied to Quebec study scholarships, if applicable.
How to Find Your Profession’s Eligibility
To determine eligibility, applicants must:
- Identify Your NOC Code: Your primary profession is the one you wish to practice in Quebec. Use Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to find the corresponding code.
- Match Your Profession to the SWSP Stream: Each stream targets specific job categories (TEER levels). Your TEER level is determined by the second digit of your NOC code.
- Understand TEER Categories:
- 0: Management professions.
- 1: Professions usually requiring university education.
- 2: Professions requiring a college diploma, trade certification, or supervisory roles.
- 3: Professions requiring shorter college diplomas or specialized on-the-job training.
- 4: Professions requiring secondary school education or brief training.
- 5: Professions requiring on-the-job training only.
Example: The NOC code 21211 (Data Scientist) has a TEER category of 1 because the second digit is “1,” indicating university-level education.
Four Streams of the SWSP
The SWSP offers four streams tailored to different professions and skill levels. Each stream has unique criteria in addition to the general requirements.
Stream 1: High Qualification and Specialized Skills
This stream targets individuals in highly skilled professions.
Eligibility Criteria:
- TEER Categories: Must belong to TEER 0, 1, or 2.
- Work Experience: One year of full-time paid experience in the past five years. Up to three months of mandatory internships may count if tied to a diploma program.
- Education: Applicants need diplomas equivalent to Quebec’s system, such as:
- Secondary-level diplomas (e.g., Diplôme d’études professionnelles).
- College-level diplomas (e.g., Attestation d’études collégiales or Diplôme d’études collégiales techniques).
- University-level degrees (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).
- French Proficiency: Oral level 7+, written level 5+ (Échelle québécoise).
Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills
Designed for tradespeople and manual workers in mid- or low-skill professions.
Eligibility Criteria:
- TEER Categories: Must belong to TEER 3, 4, or 5.
- Work Experience: Two years of paid work in the past five years, including at least one year in Quebec. Up to one year of work outside Quebec is accepted. Mandatory internships may also qualify.
- Education: Minimum secondary school diploma or equivalent, with some vocational training.
- French Proficiency: Oral level 5+ for applicants and oral level 4+ for spouses.
Stream 3: Regulated Professions
This stream focuses on occupations requiring licensing or certification in Quebec.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Regulated Status: The profession must appear on Quebec’s list of regulated professions.
- Licensure: Obtain recognition of your credentials or partial equivalency evaluation from the relevant regulatory authority.
- Note: If you receive an invitation before securing certification, the ministry allows up to one year to fulfill this requirement.
- French Proficiency: Requirements vary by TEER level:
- TEER 0–2: Oral level 7+, written level 5+.
- TEER 3–5: Oral level 5+.
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
This stream is for individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant achievements.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Proven Expertise: Applicants must have recognized accomplishments or endorsements from partners in one of the following areas:
- Strategic economic sectors.
- Research.
- Arts and culture.
- Sports.
- Work Experience: At least three years in the past five years.
- French Proficiency: Same as Stream 1 requirements.
Note: Applicants may qualify by showcasing specific accomplishments listed by the Ministry or through endorsements from recognized organizations.
Temporary Suspension of Invitations
No invitations will be issued under the SWSP until June 30, 2025, at the latest. This suspension ensures that the program aligns with Quebec’s revised multi-year immigration objectives. In the meantime:
- Applicants can update their declarations of interest.
- Those in regulated professions are advised to delay formal licensure applications until invitations resume.
How Is the SWSP Different from the RSWP?
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (SWSP) introduces significant updates and refinements compared to the former Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (RSWP). These changes aim to make the program more responsive to Quebec’s evolving labor market and demographic needs. Key differences include:
1. Streamlined Structure with Four Targeted Streams
- RSWP: Operated as a single program with broad eligibility criteria, making it less targeted toward specific labor market needs.
- SWSP: Divides applications into four distinct streams:
- High Qualification and Specialized Skills (Stream 1)
- Intermediate and Manual Skills (Stream 2)
- Regulated Professions (Stream 3)
- Exceptional Talent (Stream 4)
These streams allow for tailored requirements based on applicants’ qualifications, professions, and contributions to Quebec’s economy.
2. Focus on Specific Professions and Labor Market Categories
- RSWP: Considered a wide range of occupations without distinguishing the skill level or licensing requirements.
- SWSP: Utilizes the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system and TEER categories to clearly define eligibility by profession. For example:
- Stream 1 prioritizes high-skill roles requiring advanced education (TEER 0, 1, 2).
- Stream 2 supports intermediate or manual workers (TEER 3, 4, 5).
- Stream 3 ensures regulated professions meet licensing standards in Quebec.
3. Enhanced Language Requirements
- RSWP: Language proficiency requirements were less nuanced, applying uniformly across applicants.
- SWSP: Adjusts French proficiency requirements based on the stream and the TEER category of the profession, with higher expectations for highly skilled roles (e.g., Stream 1 requires oral proficiency at level 7+, while Stream 2 requires level 5+). Spouses are also subject to language requirements, fostering integration into Quebec society.
4. Introduction of the Exceptional Talent Stream
- RSWP: Lacked a dedicated stream for individuals with extraordinary achievements in fields like arts, sports, or research.
- SWSP: Introduces Stream 4, recognizing exceptional talent that can contribute to Quebec’s prosperity. Applicants can qualify through notable accomplishments or endorsements from key partners.
5. Mandatory Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract
- RSWP: Did not require a formal financial self-sufficiency agreement.
- SWSP: Mandates that applicants sign a contract and demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members for the first three months in Quebec.
6. Temporary Suspension of Invitations
- RSWP: Operated continuously without significant pauses in invitations.
- SWSP: Introduces a temporary suspension of invitations until June 30, 2025, allowing the government to align its immigration plan with Quebec’s long-term objectives.
7. Increased Focus on Quebec Values
- RSWP: Included a general integration component but did not emphasize Quebec values.
- SWSP: Requires all applicants and their family members aged 18 or older to obtain a Certificate of Knowledge of Democratic and Quebec Values, reinforcing cultural integration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Immigrating to Quebec Through the SWSP
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, determine if you meet the general requirements and identify the appropriate stream for your profession.
- General Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Plan to work in Quebec for an employer (not a business you control).
- Sign a financial self-sufficiency contract and meet the required savings benchmarks.
- Obtain a Certificate of Knowledge of Quebec Values for yourself and accompanying family members aged 18 or older.
- Stream-Specific Criteria:
- Identify your National Occupation Classification (NOC) code.
- Match your profession’s NOC to a TEER category (e.g., 0 for management, 1 for university-level professions).
- Review the requirements for your stream:
- Stream 1: High Qualification and Specialized Skills (TEER 0–2).
- Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills (TEER 3–5).
- Stream 3: Regulated Professions (must meet licensing requirements).
- Stream 4: Exceptional Talent (requires endorsements or recognized accomplishments).
Step 2: Update or Submit a Declaration of Interest
Quebec uses a points-based system to select candidates through its online platform, Arrima.
- Create or Update Your Arrima Profile:
- If you submitted a Declaration of Interest (DI) before November 29, 2024, update it to align with the PSTQ.
- Ensure your profile reflects accurate information about your profession, education, language skills, and work experience.
- Choose Your Stream:
- Select the stream that best matches your qualifications and profession.
- Wait for an Invitation:
- Invitations are currently suspended until June 30, 2025, but updating your profile now ensures eligibility when invitations resume.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Once you receive an invitation, gather and prepare the following documents:
- Identity and Civil Status:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificates for you and accompanying family members.
- Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable).
- Educational Credentials:
- Diplomas, transcripts, and educational assessments (if obtained outside Canada).
- Proof of Work Experience:
- Employment letters confirming job titles, responsibilities, and duration.
- Pay stubs or contracts as supporting evidence.
- Language Proficiency:
- French test results (e.g., TEF Canada or TCF Canada) demonstrating oral and written skills as required by your stream.
- Financial Proof:
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds to support yourself and your family for three months.
- Quebec Values Certificate:
- Proof that you and your family members aged 18 or older have completed the required values test.
- Stream-Specific Documents:
- For Stream 3 (Regulated Professions): Credential evaluations or licensure proofs from Quebec regulatory bodies.
- For Stream 4 (Exceptional Talent): Proof of achievements or endorsements from recognized partners.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once invited, submit a complete application for permanent selection.
- Log in to Arrima: Accept your invitation and complete the online application.
- Attach Documents: Upload all required documents in the correct format.
- Pay Application Fees: Pay the processing fees, which vary based on the number of applicants.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application:
- Stay Updated: Monitor your Arrima profile for updates or additional document requests
- Timeline: Processing times vary, but decisions are expedited if all documents are complete and accurate.
Step 6: Obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This document is required to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence
With your CSQ, proceed to the federal stage:
- Submit to IRCC:
- Complete the permanent residence application through the IRCC portal.
- Include your CSQ, medical exam results, and police clearance certificates.
- Final Decision:
- IRCC will assess your admissibility (medical, security, and criminal background checks).
- If approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Step 8: Land in Quebec
Once your permanent residence is approved:
- Plan Your Arrival: Ensure you have valid documentation, including your COPR and CSQ.
- Settle in Quebec:
- Complete any remaining administrative steps, such as obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN), health insurance, and a Quebec driver’s license.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Gather documents and update your language proficiency tests before invitations resume in mid-2025.
- Consult Experts: Work with a licensed immigration consultant for complex cases or regulated professions.
- Monitor Arrima: Ensure your Declaration of Interest is up-to-date to avoid missing potential invitations.
FAQ: Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)
1. What is the SWSP?
The SWSP is Quebec’s updated immigration program for skilled workers, launched on November 29, 2024, replacing the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). It categorizes applicants into four streams based on profession and qualifications, aligning with Quebec’s labor market needs. Invitations are suspended until June 30, 2025.
2. What are the general requirements to apply for the SWSP?
Applicants must be at least 18, plan to work in Quebec, meet financial independence requirements, and complete a Quebec values certification. Additional criteria apply to each of the program’s four streams, including work experience, education, and French language proficiency.
3. What are the four streams of the SWSP?
The four streams are:
- High Qualification and Specialized Skills
- Intermediate and Manual Skills
- Regulated Profession
- Exceptional Talent
Each stream targets specific professions, qualifications, and skill levels aligned with Quebec’s economic needs.
4. How do I find out if my profession is eligible?
Use Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to find your profession’s code. Match the NOC code to a TEER category (e.g., 0 for management, 1 for university-level professions) and check the corresponding SWSP stream requirements for your profession.
5. What is the French language requirement?
Language proficiency depends on the stream and TEER category of your profession. For highly skilled streams, oral proficiency of level 7+ and written level 5+ is required. Intermediate and manual skills streams need oral level 5+, while spouses must meet lower thresholds.
6. What are the financial requirements?
Applicants must sign a financial self-sufficiency contract and demonstrate enough funds to support themselves and accompanying family members for the first three months in Quebec. Financial benchmarks vary based on family size and are outlined by the Quebec government.
7. What is the purpose of the Quebec values certification?
The Quebec values certification ensures applicants understand the province’s democratic values, as outlined in the Charte des droits et libertés de la personne. All applicants aged 18 or older, including accompanying family members, must complete this certification.
8. How does the SWSP differ from the RSWP?
The SWSP introduces four targeted streams, tailored language requirements, a mandatory financial contract, and the Exceptional Talent stream for highly accomplished individuals. It is more streamlined and aligned with Quebec’s labor market needs compared to the broader RSWP.
9. What happens during the temporary suspension of invitations?
No invitations will be issued under the SWSP until June 30, 2025, as Quebec finalizes its multi-year immigration plan. Applicants can update their Declarations of Interest in the Arrima system to be considered once invitations resume.
10. How do I apply for the SWSP?
Create or update your Declaration of Interest in the Arrima system. Once invited, submit a complete application, including identity documents, education credentials, work experience proof, and French test results. After approval, obtain a CSQ and apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
