What you need to know about the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) to obtain permanent residence.

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Following the suspension of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for Quebec graduates in Fall 2024, and the sudden suspension of the skilled worker stream on June 5, 2025, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) is now the only pathway to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

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The CSQ: An essential step toward obtaining Permanent Residence in Quebec

Quebec is the province with the highest level of autonomy in selecting its immigrants. Therefore, any foreign national wishing to settle there long-term must obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ- Quebec Selection Certificate), which confirms the Quebec government’s approval of their integration as a permanent resident.

Once issued, the CSQ is valid for a period of two years, during which time the application for permanent residence can be submitted to the federal government.

Until recently, there were two pathways to obtain a CSQ: the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ-Quebec Experience Program), both streams of which are suspended until at least November 30, 2025, and the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ-Skilled Worker Selection Program), which replaced the former programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ-Regular Skilled Worker Program) on November 19, 2024. Invitations are expected to begin as early as July 2025.

The advantages of Permanent Resident status in Canada

Permanent resident status is valid for life, provided certain conditions are met. Additionally, the permanent resident card is required to enter and leave Canada freely.

However, to maintain this status, one must be physically present in Canada for at least 2 years within every 5 year period. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the revocation of permanent resident status. Moreover, the permanent resident card must be renewed every 5 years, as long as one has not become a citizen.

Permanent residence is also a prerequisite for Canadian citizenship. For many immigrants, it serves as a stepping stone toward citizenship, while others choose to remain permanent residents without applying for citizenship.

Permanent residents enjoy many rights similar to those of Canadian citizens, with the exception of the right to vote.

The Programme de Sélection des Travailleurs Qualifiés (PSTQ-Skilled Worker Selection Program)

Introduced to replace the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ-Programme Régulier des Travailleurs Qualifiés), the SWSP was unveiled in November 2024, then immediately suspended.

The program features a structure similar to Express Entry, with a points-based system built around a candidate profile and invitations to apply.

To be eligible, a candidate must:
– Be 18 years of age or older ;
– Demonstrate an intention to settle in Quebec for work ;
– Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves.

The SWSP is based on a points system, with points awarded according to various criteria:
– Proficiency in French and English
– Qualified work experience
– Level of education
– Age and adaptability
– Presence of a validated job offer (optional)

To maximize their chances of being selected, candidates are encouraged to obtain a validated job offer with the support of their Quebec employer.

The steps to follow under the SWSP, in brief:

• Soumettre une déclaration d’intérêt sur la plateforme Arrima ;
  • The profile is assessed and ranked using a points-based system based on several criteria.
• Wait to receive an invitation to submit an application for permanent selection;
• Receive an invitation;
  • The candidate then has 30 days to accept or decline it.
• Submit an application for permanent selection;
  • Provide the required documents and pay the processing fees.
• Obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ-Québec Selection Certificate);
• Submit an application for permanent residence to IRCC (federal) and pay the associated fees.
  • Obtaining permanent resident status and the permanent resident card.

A validated job offer, an asset for the SWSP.

A validated job offer is an offer of employment made by a Quebec employer to a foreign worker, approved by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration  (MIFI-Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration). It enhances the candidate’s profile by awarding additional points in the selection system, thereby increasing their chances of being invited to apply under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (SWSP-Skilled Worker Selection Program.)

For a job offer to be validated by MIFI, the Quebec employer must meet the following conditions:

The business must be legally incorporated and have been operating in Quebec for more than one year (12 months).

• They must demonstrate that efforts were made to recruit or train local workers before hiring a foreign worker. This includes:
  
  • Posting the position on Québec emploi and on at least one other recruitment channel for four consecutive weeks within the six months prior to the application.
• This requirement does not apply if the foreign worker already holds a valid work permit and is occupying the position at the time of the application.
• The offered position must:
  • Be full-time, permanent, and paid.
  • Be an in-demand occupation or be justified by the needs of the business.
  • Be accepted by the foreign worker.
  • Be reserved until the arrival of the foreign worker or already occupied by them.

Steps for an employer to have a job offer validated:

• Complete the job offer validation application form
• Prepare the required documents
• Create an account on the Arrima platform
• Submit the application on Arrima

In 2025, the processing fee for validating a job offer is CAD $228. Once approved, the decision is valid for a period of 18 months, with no possibility of extension.

To benefit from the advantages of a validated job offer, the foreign worker must:
– Occupy the offered position : The worker must begin the job upon arrival in Quebec if they are abroad, or upon obtaining permanent residence if already in Quebec.
– Meet the job requirements: This includes the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience.
– Declare their interest in immigrating to Quebec: Once the offer is validated by MIFI, the worker must submit a declaration of interest through the Arrima platform.
– Continue the process under the SWSP: If invited to apply for selection, the worker must complete their permanent selection application within the given deadlines.

Advantages of a validated job offer for the foreign worker:
– Priority in invitation rounds to apply for selection
– Additional points in the SWSP ranking systen
– A specific stream within the QSWP for candidates with a validated offer

SWSP Streams: Targeted Profiles

Thus, the SWSP is divided into several streams, each tailored to a specific professional profile. Here is an overview of the four current streams.

Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills

This stream is intended for highly skilled individuals working in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, or 2. To be eligible, the candidate must meet the following criteria:

Work experience:

Have a full time work experience in an eligible occupation for at least one year, whether in Quebec or abroad.

Required schooling:

Hold a diploma corresponding to at least one year of full-time studies leading directly to the practice of the profession. If the diploma was obtained in Quebec, it must represent 900 hours of training at the secondary or college level, or 30 university credits.

Knowledge of French :

Have a language proficiency level of 7 in oral and level 5 in writing.

Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills

This stream is intended for individuals working in occupations classified under TEER 3, 4, or 5, which are often associated with technical or manual skills. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Work experience:

Have accumulated at least two years of full-time work experience, including at least one year in Quebec.

Required schooling:

Hold a diploma equivalent to a Secondary School Diploma (SSD), or have completed at least one year of full-time training leading to a DEP, AVS, or ACS. If the diploma was obtained in Quebec, it must correspond to 600 hours of secondary-level training or 900 hours at the college level.

Knowledge of French :

Have a level 5 in oral proficiency.

Stream 3: Regulated professions

This stream targets individuals working in a profession regulated by a professional order or regulatory authority in Quebec.

Eligible occupation:

Occupation listed on the List of Regulated Professions (in french) recognized by the Government of Quebec.

Professional recognition:

Hold one of the following documents: an authorization to practice the profession in Quebec, or a recognition of equivalency of training or diploma issued by the competent authority.

Knowledge of French :

For TEER 0, 1, or 2 : level 7 in oral and level 5 in writing.

For TEER 3, 4, or 5: level 5 in oral.

Stream 4: Exceptional talent

Stream intended for individuals recognized for their exceptional expertise and outstanding achievements in their field.

Work experience:

Have practiced one’s profession for at least three years.

Recognition or archievements:

Provide proof of distinction or a favorable opinion from a recognized partner in one of the following fields: strategic economic sectors, research, the arts, or sports.

Who are the candidates targeted by the PSTQ?

The PSTQ is a selection system inspired by Express Entry, but entirely designed for Quebec. It uses a points-based ranking system tailored to Québec’s priorities. Candidate profiles are assessed based on three main pillars:

• Adaptation criteria (max. 180 points)
• Human capital (max. 520 points)
• Alignment with Quebec’s needs (max. 700 points)

The selection priorities are clear: regionalization and French language integration. The first waves of invitations will primarily target individuals already residing in Quebec, particularly in regional areas. The program will favor candidates who speak French, have studied or worked in Québec, and work in high-demand occupations. The more months of professional experience candidates accumulate in Québec, the more points they will receive (160 points for 48 months, compared to 0 points for less than 12 months, or 80 points for 25 to 35 months).

A stream for graduates from Quebec is also being developed and is expected to be launched soon.

Regardless of your situation, and whether you are currently in Quebec or not, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals for guidance throughout your process.

This article discusses a recent development in immigration, which may change at any time. Its latest update was on July 10, 2025.