FAQs
What is the QSWP (Quebec Skilled Worker Program)?
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is an economic immigration program for those who want to live and work in Quebec. The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) invites applicants to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ) based on their Expression of Interest profile, which includes information about their age, education, work experience, and French proficiency, among other things.
What is My Québec Project?
Mon project Québec is a web-based method for submitting complete QSWP applications. Candidates who have been asked to apply for permanent selection by Quebec through the QSWP must create an account on Mon projet Québec to complete their application and submit their supporting papers.
Is a job offer required for the Skilled Worker/Professional category of immigration to Canada?
No, applicants who do not have a work offer in Canada can still be considered for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa. However, under the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, Canadian employers play a more significant role in Canadian immigration than they did previously. For many candidates, obtaining a valid Canadian job offer significantly increases their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Candidates in the Express Entry pool can improve their chances of being invited to apply using the CanadaVisa Job Search tool to promote themselves directly to businesses.
Candidates should be aware that the Quebec Skilled Worker category of immigration and several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) do not require a job offer from Canada to be eligible.
In the context of Canadian immigration, what is a “work offer”?
A genuine job offer from a recognized Canadian business is referred to as a job offer.
Is it possible for a Canadian business to make different job offers?
Yes. A Canadian company can make one of two types of job offers:
- A temporary job offer is a job offer in Canada given for a certain amount of time – six months, a year, etc… Individuals can usually only start working after receiving a Temporary Work Permit.
- A permanent job offer is given for an indefinite amount of time and is made in Canada. After receiving a Canadian Immigration Visa, individuals can begin working.
Is it feasible to get a Temporary Work Permit while also applying for a Canadian Immigration Visa?
Yes. Individuals can apply for a Temporary Work Permit on their own or in conjunction with a Canada Immigration Visa application. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) acknowledge the idea of “dual intent,” which refers to an applicant's wish to work in Canada temporarily before settling permanently in the country.
What are the benefits of being offered a permanent position by a Canadian company?
Candidates who acquire a job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) are given an additional 50 or 200 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), depending on the post offered, under Express Entry. Although receiving this CRS points bonus does not guarantee that the candidate will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada, the fact that they have received a qualifying job offer means that they are more likely to be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at a later draw from the pool, thus expediting the immigration process.
What are the benefits of being offered a temporary position by a Canadian company?
Obtaining a temporary Canadian employment offer has several advantages:
The first step in obtaining a Temporary Work Permit is to have a work offer.
The quickest way to enter Canada and work is to apply for a Work Permit. The Work Permit application process usually takes a few days or weeks to complete.
A Canadian business can offer a Work Permit holder a permanent full-time position in Canada for an indefinite period. The new job offer will be considered arranged employment in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.
