Quebec System
How Does Quebec's Selection Process Work?
Quebec holds exclusive jurisdiction over the selection of its economic immigrants under the Canada-Quebec Accord of 1991. The process takes place in two stages: first, selection by MIFI (Quebec Selection Certificate — CSQ), then federal permanent residence (IRCC). A strong profile at both levels is essential.
Provincial Selection — MIFI Quebec
You submit a profile or application to MIFI through the Arrima portal (QSWP) or directly (PEQ). Quebec evaluates your file according to its own selection grid. If selected, you receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Federal Permanent Residence Application — IRCC
With your CSQ in hand, you submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC conducts security, medical, and criminal background checks. A Quebec CSQ combined with an active Express Entry profile adds +600 CRS points and guarantees a swift ITA.
Permanent Residence Granted — Settlement in Quebec
Once PR is obtained, you become a permanent resident of Canada, with the obligation to settle in Quebec (as a condition of the CSQ). You may then apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of residency.
Important: The CSQ is not a permanent residence status. It is a selection certificate that authorizes you to submit a federal application. Both steps are mandatory. Mohamed Rachid Trissia manages the entire provincial and federal process.
Main Program
Arrima Portal — Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The QSWP is Quebec's main economic immigration pathway for foreign skilled workers. Since 2019, candidates create a profile on the Arrima portal and wait for an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA) from MIFI. Quebec then selects the highest-scoring profiles according to its selection grid.
How the Arrima Portal Works
Arrima is MIFI's digital platform that manages the QSWP candidate pool. The process is similar to Express Entry at the federal level.
- Create a free online profile on the Arrima portal
- Minimum eligibility required before joining the pool
- MIFI sends Invitations to Submit an Application (ISA) by draw
- Once invited: 60 days to submit a complete application
- Profile valid 12 months — renewable
QSWP Entry Requirements
To join the Arrima pool, you must meet several mandatory pre-conditions.
- Minimum 1 year of professional experience (within the last 5 years)
- Occupation on Quebec's list of eligible occupations
- Education equivalent to at least a vocational diploma (DEP) or high school diploma (DES)
- Sufficient proficiency in French or English
- Settlement funds based on household size
- Intention to settle in Quebec (outside Montreal is valued)
Quebec Points Grid
MIFI ranks candidates using a selection grid unique to Quebec, different from the federal CRS score.
- Education: up to 26 points (doctorate = maximum)
- Experience: up to 8 points (field and duration)
- Age: up to 16 points (18–35 years = maximum)
- Oral French: up to 22 points (level 7+ = 16 pts)
- Stay/study in Quebec: up to 6 bonus points
- Validated job offer (AVT): up to 10 bonus points
- Region outside Montreal: up to 8 bonus points
Maximum points for oral French (CLB 9+)
Maximum points for education (doctorate)
Bonus for a validated job offer (AVT)
⚜️ QSWP Strategy — Maximizing Your Points
Arrima draws are competitive. Mohamed Rachid Trissia analyzes your potential score and identifies optimization levers: improving French proficiency (TEF Canada), securing a job offer in Quebec (LMIA required for AVT), completing additional training in Quebec, or declaring an intention to settle outside Montreal.
A well-prepared strategy can be the difference between waiting several years and receiving an invitation in the first draws.
Accelerated Pathway
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The PEQ is the fastest immigration pathway offered by Quebec. It is specifically designed for people who have already studied or worked in Quebec. Unlike the QSWP, the PEQ does not go through Arrima — eligible candidates submit their CSQ application directly.
Quebec Graduates Stream
For international students who obtained a recognized Quebec diploma.
- Diploma from a designated Quebec educational institution
- Accepted levels: vocational diploma (DEP), AEC, college diploma (DEC), bachelor's, master's, doctorate
- At least 2 years of full-time study (except DEP: minimum 900 hrs)
- French level 5 (oral) — TEF or TCF test required
- Application deadline: within 36 months of obtaining the diploma
- No work experience required
- CSQ issued within a few weeks to 2 months
Temporary Workers Stream
For temporary workers who have accumulated qualifying work experience in Quebec.
- 24 months of eligible work experience in Quebec within the last 48 months
- Experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- French level 7 (oral) — TEF or TCF Canada test mandatory
- Valid work permit or designated worker status
- No quota limit — direct application without invitation
- CSQ generally issued within 3 to 6 months
Why the PEQ Is So Advantageous
The PEQ is considered the most direct and predictable pathway to permanent residence in Quebec.
- No draw required: no invitation needed, direct application
- Shorter timelines: CSQ often issued within 1–3 months for graduates
- No annual quota on the number of applications processed
- EE-compatible: PEQ CSQ + active Express Entry profile = guaranteed ITA (+600 pts)
- Fewer documents than the QSWP: streamlined file
Advice from M. Trissia: If you are an international student in Quebec or hold a work permit, the PEQ is often the fastest strategy to obtain your permanent residence. We prepare your PEQ file in parallel with your Express Entry profile to trigger both pathways simultaneously.
Comparison
QSWP vs PEQ — Which Pathway Suits You?
Choosing between the QSWP (Arrima) and the PEQ depends on your personal situation: have you studied or worked in Quebec? Do you speak French? What processing timeline is acceptable for your project?
| Criterion | QSWP — Arrima | PEQ Graduates | PEQ Workers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec experience required | Not mandatory | No (diploma sufficient) | Yes — 24 months |
| Quebec diploma required | No | Yes — mandatory | No |
| French level required | Variable (major asset) | Level 5 (oral) | Level 7 (oral) |
| Invitation required | Yes — via Arrima | No — direct application | No — direct application |
| Average CSQ timeline | 12–24 months | 1–3 months | 3–6 months |
| Job offer required | No (bonus if yes) | No | No |
| Annual quota | Yes — limited | No | No |
| Express Entry compatible | Yes (+600 CRS pts) | Yes (+600 CRS pts) | Yes (+600 CRS pts) |
🎯 The Combined Strategy — Quebec + Federal
The most effective strategy for candidates with ties to Quebec is to combine a CSQ application (PEQ or QSWP) with an active Express Entry profile. Upon receipt of the CSQ, the provincial nomination (PNP-Quebec) automatically adds +600 CRS points — guaranteeing an ITA at the next Express Entry draw.
Mohamed Rachid Trissia coordinates both processes simultaneously to maximize speed and minimize the risk of refusal.
Our Support
Our Support Process — Quebec Programs
From eligibility analysis to CSQ delivery, Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC registered with MIFI Quebec (No. 11450), accompanies you at every step with rigor and transparency.
Profile Analysis and Identification of the Optimal Program
Complete assessment of your situation: diplomas, work experience in Quebec, French level, ties to Quebec, family situation. Determination of the most suitable program (QSWP, PEQ Graduates, or PEQ Workers) and score estimate using the Quebec grid. Analysis of the combined Quebec + Express Entry strategy.
File Preparation and Arrima Profile Optimization
For the QSWP: creation of an optimized Arrima profile, collection and verification of all supporting documents, precise score calculation using the MIFI grid, recommendations to improve your score (TEF tests, additional training in Quebec, job offer). For the PEQ: strict eligibility verification and preparation of the complete direct application file.
CSQ Application Submission and MIFI Follow-Up
Secure submission of the file to MIFI. Regular monitoring of application status. Timely responses to MIFI's requests for additional information. Management of any interview summons. Immediate notification upon receipt of the CSQ.
CSQ Obtained — Federal Permanent Residence Application (e-APR)
Upon receipt of the CSQ, update of the Express Entry profile (PNP-Quebec +600 CRS points) and receipt of the federal ITA. Complete preparation of the e-APR file: IMM forms, biometrics, medical, criminal record, certified translations. Final check and submission to IRCC within the 60-day deadline. Follow-up through to permanent residence confirmation.
Ready to Obtain Your Quebec Selection?
Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC registered with MIFI Quebec No. 11450, analyzes your profile and defines the most effective Quebec and federal strategy for your situation.