The Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) is a special Canadian immigration program for qualified skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec. Every year, the Canadian government issues a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa to Canada for thousands of eligible foreign nationals in a range of high-demand occupations, authorizing them to move to Quebec long-term and enjoy the many benefits of Canadian permanent residency.
There is a two-step procedure involved in applying for a Permanent Resident Visa to Canada through the QSWP. Basically, a foreign national first applies to Quebec’s provincial government for the QSWP and if selected, they may then apply to Canada’s national government for Canadian permanent residency.
The Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) is a points-based Canadian immigration program in which points are given to skilled foreign workers for various factors considered important for successful settlement in Quebec, such as education, work experience, age, French and/or English language abilities, and other factors. Applicants who receive enough points and meet other criteria may be granted a Quebec Selection Certificate by Quebec’s provincial government, allowing them to continue to the second stage of the process, which is to apply to the Canadian national government for the PR Visa to Canada.
As with all Canadian immigration programs, applicants for a PR Visa to Canada through the QSWP will need to meet the health and character standards, which usually require a medical exam and obtaining a police certificate, plus there is a visa application fee and other costs that must be paid.
Skilled foreign workers and their eligible family members who are approved to immigrate to Canada and move to Quebec can receive many great benefits, such as enjoying Quebec’s unique French-Canadian culture and high standard of living. Not only can Canadian permanent residents who live in Quebec work legally in this beautiful province, but they also have access to excellent educational opportunities and free basic health care (after a brief waiting period). Furthermore, they may even have the option to apply for Canadian citizenship after they live and work in Quebec for at least four years and meet other criteria!