Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): Your Pathway to PR in Québec

The Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is one of Canada’s most popular and accessible pathways to permanent residency for qualified professionals. 

Unlike many other immigration streams, QSWP doesn’t require a job offer to apply. Instead, it evaluates candidates on factors like education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability, all aligned with Québec’s labour market needs.

Because the program is points‑based and managed through the Arrima portal, applicants can build a strong profile, submit an Expression of Interest, and wait for an invitation from the province. 

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at this program and review its details. Let’s take a look: 

What Is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

The Québec Skilled Worker Program, now officially operating as the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), is aimed at adults (18+) who want to settle and work permanently in Québec. The program covers a broad range of occupations and is divided into four streams:

• Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized workers (typically TEER 0–2)
• Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skill occupations
• Stream 3: Regulated professions that require Québec licensing
• Stream 4: Exceptional talent profiles

To get started, candidates submit a free Declaration of Interest through the Arrima portal. Québec then evaluates each profile based on:

1. Education and work experience
2. Age
3. French proficiency
4. Québec ties and spouse’s qualifications
5. Other human‑capital factors

Candidates with the strongest scores receive invitations to apply for permanent selection.

Key points to know about (QSWP):

• A job offer isn’t required, but it can significantly increase your score.
• French carries substantial weight in the points system.
• Cut‑off scores vary from draw to draw.
• CSQ processing times generally fall between 6 and 12 months.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the PSTQ, applicants must meet a few core conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Plan to live and work in Québec permanently
• Have skilled work experience in an eligible occupation
• Show financial self‑sufficiency, both by signing the required contract and proving you have enough settlement funds
• Demonstrate French proficiency for most streams (typically NCLC 5–7+, depending on the occupation)

Some streams have extra requirements, for example, regulated professions must show Québec‑recognized credentials or licensing eligibility.

The Points System

• Total potential score: 800+ (varies by stream)
• Recent draw thresholds: often 768+  
• Most influential factor: French proficiency

Application Process

The process involves several steps:

1. Create an Arrima Account: Register on the official Arrima portal (free).
2. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete your profile with details on education, experience, languages, etc. You can update it anytime.
3. Wait for an Invitation: Québec conducts periodic draws from the pool. If selected, you receive an invitation via your Arrima account.
4. Submit Full Application: Within 90 days, submit a complete application for permanent selection through Mon Projet Québec, including documents, fees, and proof of funds.
5. Receive CSQ: If approved, you get your Québec Selection Certificate.
6. Apply for Permanent Residence: Submit your federal application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including medical exams and police certificates.
7. Land in Québec: Once approved, move to Québec and begin your new life.

Fees (as of 2026):

• CSQ application: ~CAD 895 (principal applicant) + additional for family members
• Federal PR fees: Separate

Accepted Language Tests For QSWP

According to the Government of Québec’s official requirements, the accepted language options for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program are:

Accepted French Tests For Quebec Skilled Worker Program

The PSTQ accepts specific French tests and diplomas issued by approved organizations. 

• TCF Québec (Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec)
• TCF Canada
• TCF (all versions) from France Éducation International
• DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)
• DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française), also accepted under the same framework

These tests are used to evaluate listening, speaking, reading, and writing, depending on the stream and scoring grid.

English Tests

English carries very limited points, but the program accepts standard IRCC‑recognized tests such as IELTS or CELPIP (not explicitly listed in the search results, but referenced in Québec’s language‑proficiency framework).

If you want, I can also add the minimum required levels for each stream or create a comparison table for TEF vs TCF vs DELF/DALF.

Benefits of Immigrating Through the QSWP

Conclusion 

The PSTQ selects candidates who match Québec’s labour needs and show strong potential to settle successfully in the province. 

Because recent draws often require scores above 760, the factors that matter most are French proficiency, recognized education, relevant skilled work experience, and any ties to Québec you can document. 

A validated job offer or regional connection can also raise your score significantly. For applicants who meet these conditions, the PSTQ remains one of the most direct and reliable ways to obtain permanent residency in Québec.

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