# Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PSQ): Eligibility and Application Walkthrough > Complete 2026 walkthrough for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PSQ): points grid, documents, Arrima portal, fees, and CSQ timeline. **URL:** https://migaku.com/blog/language-fun/quebec-skilled-worker-program-psq-eligibility-and-application-walkthrough **Last Updated:** 2026-05-31 **Tags:** resources, deepdive --- The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés) is Quebec’s main economic immigration route for skilled foreign nationals. Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal; those who meet the minimum points threshold receive an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), after which they file for permanent residence with IRCC. *Last updated: May 31, 2026* ## Program Eligibility and Points Grid Quebec selects candidates using a points-based grid. The current pass mark is 52 points for a single applicant and 59 points for an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner. | Factor | Maximum Points | Key Notes | |---|---|---| | Education | 14 | Based on highest diploma and field of study. | | Work Experience | 8 | At least 6 months full-time in the last 5 years. | | Age | 16 | Points decline after 35. | | Language Proficiency | 16 (French), 6 (English) | French oral comp & prod at level 7 (Échelle québécoise) or above required for 16 points; no points below level 7. English bonuses capped at 6. | | Quebec Employment Offer | 14 | 14 points for offers outside Montréal, 10 points within Montréal. | | Stay and Family in Quebec | 8 | Previous study or work in Quebec, or close family member. | | Spouse/Common-law Partner | 17 | Points for spouse’s education, training, work experience, age, and language. | | Accompanying Children | 8 | 4 points per child under 12, 2 points per child 13–21. | | Financial Autonomy | 1 | Must earn 1 point for this factor to qualify. | - A validated job offer is not mandatory but adds significant points and priority in Arrima draws. - Candidates who claim French proficiency will be tested. Ensure any claimed level can be verified. ## Document Checklist for Initial EOI When you open an Arrima profile you are not required to upload documents, but you must have the following on hand to enter accurate data. Keep originals ready for the CSQ stage. ### Principal applicant - Passport biodata page - Birth certificate - Highest diploma and full transcripts (plus certified translation if not in French or English) - Official work reference letters for the last 10 years (on company letterhead, with job title, duties, full-time hours, and employment dates) - French and/or English language test results (TEF, TCF, IELTS, or TOEFL iBT) - If applicable: Quebec employment offer validated by MIFI, signed contract, and LMIA-exempt confirmation letter - Proof of funds: bank statements covering the last three months (minimum CAD 3,582 for a single adult; see table below) ### Spouse or common-law partner - Passport or birth certificate - Marriage certificate or proof of common-law union (lease, joint bills, statutory declaration) - Educational documents and transcripts - Work reference letters - Language test results (if claiming points) ### Dependent children - Birth certificates - Custody documents (if applicable) - Adoption papers (if applicable) | Family Size | Required Settlement Funds (CAD) | |---|---| | 1 person | 3,582 | | 2 persons | 5,277 | | 3 persons | 6,530 | | Each additional person | add 1,253 | All amounts are for the first three months in Quebec. The funds must be liquid and unencumbered. ## Step-by-Step Application Process ### 1. Create an Arrima profile - Visit [Arrima](https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/permanent-workers/arrima) and register with a valid email address. - Fill in the online form: personal details, education, work history, language scores, family information, and intended region of settlement. - Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI). There is no fee at this stage. - Your profile remains valid for 12 months. Update it immediately if circumstances change. ### 2. Wait for an invitation - Quebec holds monthly Arrima draws. The last draw on 15 May 2026 invited 1,200 candidates scoring 580 points or more. - Invitations are sent through the Arrima dashboard and by email. - If you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to submit a complete CSQ application. ### 3. Submit CSQ application - Log back into Arrima and upload all required documents in PDF format (max 5 MB per file). - Pay the non-refundable processing fee online: - Principal applicant: CAD 869 - Spouse/common-law partner: CAD 186 - Each dependent child: CAD 186 - Complete the online Québec values attestation course and upload the certificate (cost CAD 85). - Submit the completed application before the 60-day deadline. ### 4. Biometrics, medical, and background check - Within 30 days of submission, MIFI will request biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The fee is CAD 85 per adult. - Schedule a medical exam with an IRCC panel physician (cost CAD 250 – 300 per adult, CAD 150 – 200 per child). - Provide police certificates from every country where you have lived six months or more since age 18. ### 5. Receive CSQ - MIFI aims to process complete applications within 6 months. - The CSQ is valid for 24 months or until IRCC issues a permanent residence visa, whichever comes first. ### 6. Apply to IRCC for permanent residence - Create an IRCC online account and apply under the Quebec-selected skilled worker class. - Pay federal fees: - Principal applicant: CAD 1,525 - Spouse: CAD 1,050 - Each child: CAD 260 - Upload the CSQ, police certificates, updated proof of funds, and digital photos. - IRCC will issue instructions for the final medical exam (if not already done) and passport submission. ## Fees and Processing Times | Stage | Fee | Standard Processing Time | |---|---|---| | Arrima EOI | free | monthly draw cycle | | CSQ application | CAD 869 + 186 per spouse/child | 6 months (MIFI) | | Québec values attestation | CAD 85 | self-paced | | Biometrics request (if asked) | CAD 85 per adult | 30 days | | Medical exam | CAD 250–300 (adult) | book within 30 days | | Police certificates | varies by country | obtain before CSQ submission | | Federal permanent residence | CAD 1,525 (principal) + 1,050 (spouse) + 260 (child) | current IRCC range: 15–17 months | Fees must be paid by credit card or Canadian debit card through the respective portals. Print or save the receipt; you will need it at landing. ## Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them - Incorrect NOC codes: Ensure your employment duties match the lead statement and most of the main duties in your claimed National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code. - Outdated language tests: TEF, TCF, IELTS and TOEFL results must be less than two years old at the time of CSQ submission. - Settlement funds shortfall: Maintain the required balance throughout the process. A sudden large deposit can trigger a request for source-of-funds evidence. - Missing translations: Any document not in French or English needs a certified translation. Keep the original and translation in the same PDF file. - Expired CSQ: File your federal application well before the 24-month expiry date. Extensions are rarely granted. - Spouse points over-claiming: If you include spouse points in your EOI, you must provide documents for those claims at the CSQ stage. If you cannot, MIFI will recalculate your score and may refuse if it falls below the pass mark. ## FAQs Do I need a job offer? No. The program is open to candidates without an offer, but a validated offer adds points and improves draw ranking. Can I apply from inside Canada? Yes. Temporary residents in Canada with legal status may submit an EOI; ensure your status remains valid until the CSQ stage. What counts as level 7 French? Level 7 (Échelle québécoise) corresponds to B2 on the Common European Framework. You must score level 7 or higher in both oral comprehension and oral production to earn the 16 points. How are points calculated for education obtained outside Quebec? Quebec compares foreign credentials to the Quebec education system. A comparative evaluation (Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec) is required and will be requested after you receive an invitation. Can I include work experience gained while studying? Only full-time paid work experience obtained after you met the entry requirements of the occupation counts. Co-op, internships, and part-time jobs during studies do not. What if my score is below the pass mark? You can still submit an EOI, but you will not receive an invitation unless Quebec adjusts the criteria. Strategies to improve your score: improve French, obtain a validated job offer, earn an additional diploma, or add spouse points. Does Quebec recognize online language tests? Yes, IRCC-approved online tests (e.g. IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition) are accepted for Quebec purposes, provided they are less than two years old. Is there an age limit? No maximum age, but points for age start to decline at 36 and reach zero at 43. Applicants over 42 must compensate with strong scores in other factors. Can I switch employers after receiving a validated job offer? The job offer must remain valid until a CSQ is issued. If you change employers, the new offer must be validated again and MIFI will recalculate your points. Does the CSQ guarantee permanent residence? No. A CSQ is a selection certificate; IRCC still assesses medical, criminal, and security admissibility. Maintain eligibility throughout the federal stage. --- If you plan to settle in Quebec, fluency in French will determine not only your points but also your everyday life. Migaku helps you learn Quebec French with real content before you arrive.