Quebec operates its own immigration system separate from Express Entry. The QSWP selects skilled workers through a points-based grid managed by the Quebec government. French proficiency is heavily rewarded.
Unlike every other Canadian province, Quebec has constitutional authority over its own immigration selection. The QSWP is Quebec's primary pathway for skilled workers and does not use the federal Express Entry system. If you want to live in Quebec, the QSWP (or Quebec Experience Class) is your pathway.
Stage 1 — Quebec Selection: Apply to Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). If approved, receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Stage 2 — Federal PR: With your CSQ, apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Federal health, security, and admissibility checks apply.
Quebec selects candidates using its own points grid. You must score above the passing threshold (which varies). Key factors include:
PhD = 26 pts. Master's = 24 pts. Bachelor's = 22 pts. DEC/diploma = 18 pts. Higher levels of education score more.
Points awarded based on years of qualifying work in your NOC occupation. 2 years = 6 pts, 4+ years = 8 pts.
Ages 18–35 receive maximum points. Points decrease after 35. Age 52+ receives 0 pts for this factor.
French proficiency is weighted much higher than English. Strong French scores are effectively required to reach the passing threshold.
Points for: job offer in Quebec, previous study in Quebec, family in Quebec, and previous work experience in Quebec.
Spouse's education, language proficiency, age, and Quebec work/study experience each contribute additional points.
French proficiency is the single most important factor in the QSWP. Quebec's goal is to maintain a Francophone society, and the selection grid heavily rewards French speakers. Candidates with strong TEF Canada or TCF Canada scores can compensate for lower scores in other categories.
Even intermediate French (B1/B2 level) adds significant points. Fluent French speakers (C1/C2) can score near the maximum in the language category and make themselves very competitive.
| Program | For | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec Experience Class (QEC/PEQ) | Workers/students already in Quebec | 12 months Quebec work or study + intermediate French |
| Quebec Entrepreneur Program | Business operators | Business plan, investment, management experience |
| Quebec Investor Program | Wealthy investors | $2M net worth, $1.2M investment |
| Quebec Self-Employed | Artists, athletes, farmers | Self-employment experience in relevant field |
| Family Reunification | Sponsoring family in Quebec | Sponsor in Quebec, federal sponsorship eligibility |
Calculate your QSWP points. Confirm your occupation, language scores, education, and other factors meet Quebec's current passing threshold.
Diplomas, transcripts, employment records, TEF/TCF language results, police certificates, passport, and any Quebec connection documentation.
Apply online via Quebec's Mon Projet Québec portal. Processing times vary significantly based on application volumes.
If approved, MIFI issues your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This is your provincial approval — federal processing follows.
Submit your federal permanent residence application with CSQ attached. IRCC conducts health, security, and admissibility checks. PR approved if all pass.
Technically not mandatory, but practically essential. The language category awards up to 22 points to French, and English receives far fewer. Without strong French, it is very difficult to reach the passing threshold for the QSWP.
Quebec selection typically takes 12–24 months for the provincial CSQ. Federal PR processing then takes an additional 6–9 months. Total: 18–36 months from application to landing.
Yes — the Quebec Experience Class (PEQ) is designed for workers and students already in Quebec. Requirements include intermediate French proficiency and qualifying work or study experience in Quebec. Processing is typically faster than the QSWP.
No. If you indicate you intend to live in Quebec on your Express Entry profile, you are not eligible for provincial nominations through the federal PNP streams. You must use Quebec's separate immigration programs.
Quebec immigration is complex and separate from Express Entry. Our RCIC team can assess your QSWP points, advise on French language preparation, and manage your application from start to finish.
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