What is QSWP?

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) — officially the Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ) — is Quebec's economic immigration program for skilled workers from outside Canada or already in Canada under temporary status.

QSWP is the Quebec equivalent of federal Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program — both target skilled workers, but selection criteria differ.

QSWP selection grid

Quebec applies its own grid based on:

• Education (including specific Quebec-recognized fields)
• Work experience (relevant to Quebec labour market)
• Age (peaks at 30; declines with each year over 40)
• Language: French (heavily weighted) and English (moderate)
• Spouse or partner factors (if applicable)
• Connection to Quebec (prior Quebec studies, work, family)
• Adaptability: validated job offer, financial autonomy

French is decisive

Quebec's selection grid heavily favours French-language proficiency. Strong French (B2+ oral) often determines QSWP success. Applicants without French rarely score above the QSWP cutoff.

Expression of Interest (Arrima)

Since 2018, QSWP operates through Quebec's Arrima portal — an Expression of Interest (EOI) system similar to federal Express Entry's pool. Candidates submit EOI; Quebec issues invitations to top-ranked profiles in regular draws.

QSWP vs federal Express Entry

Factor	QSWP	Federal Express Entry
Selecting authority	Quebec MIFI	IRCC
Language priority	French heavily weighted	French / English equal
Settlement requirement	Must settle in Quebec	Can settle anywhere except Quebec
Selection certificate	CSQ	None (federal direct)
Federal PR step	After CSQ	Direct via ITA

Halani's note

QSWP is highly specialized. Strong French (B2+) is the gatekeeper. Without it, federal Express Entry / PNP routes are usually more achievable. For active QSWP files, we refer to Quebec-based counsel.