Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)

If you’ve been dreaming about starting a new life in Quebec, you might’ve heard of the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). This program was designed to help skilled workers and their families relocate, live, and work in this beautiful province. For many, it offered a clear path to Canadian permanent residency (PR) and a fresh start in a new country.

Here’s the catch: RSWP is now closed. Don’t worry ,though, we’ll walk you through what changed, why it changed, and what this means for your plans.

What Was the RSWP?

RSWP was a program for skilled workers worldwide who wanted to settle in Quebec. It is considered your:

• Work experience
• Education
• Language skills

Families could apply together, too. Here’s a tip: French speakers had a better chance, since Quebec is primarily French-speaking.

The program used a points system to select applicants. Points were awarded based on:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Family ties

Applicants submitted their information through the Arrima portal. If selected, they received a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). With a CSQ, you could then apply to IRCC for Canadian PR.

Why Did RSWP Change?

In late 2024, Quebec updated its immigration approach to better match labor market needs and help immigrants integrate faster into French-speaking society. The new SWSP replaced RSWP with updated rules, a revised points system, and streamlined application steps—aimed at making immigration fairer and more effective for Quebec.

How RSWP Worked

Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Arrima.
2. Quebec evaluated your profile using the points system.
3. If you scored enough points, you received an invitation to apply for the CSQ.
4. After obtaining the CSQ, you applied to IRCC for Canadian PR.

Think of it as a two-step process: first ge,t Quebec’s approval (CSQ), then Canada’s PR.

What Factors Affected Your RSWP Points?

Factor	Maximum Points	Notes
Education	14	Higher degrees score more
Work Experience	8	More years = more points
Age	16	Younger applicants score higher
Language Proficiency (French/English)	22	French is key; English also counts
Ties to Quebec	8	Studying, working, or family in Quebec adds points
Spouse/Children	17	Spouse’s education, language, and children count
Financial Self-Sufficiency	1 (eliminatory)	Must show you can support yourself

This system helped Quebec select applicants likely to thrive locally, especially French speakers.

RSWP vs Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Wondering how RSWP differed from FSWP? Here’s a snapshot:

Feature	RSWP (Quebec)	FSWP (Federal)
Jurisdiction	Quebec only	All provinces except Quebec
Language Emphasis	French prioritized	English or French
Selection	Points system	CRS under Express Entry
Certificate	CSQ required	No provincial certificate
Job Offer	Not always required	Can give extra points
Application	Two-step (CSQ → PR)	One-step (PR directly via IRCC)

RSWP was designed to help people thrive specifically in Quebec, while FSWP applies to other parts of Canada.

Final Thoughts About RSWP

RSWP opened doors for skilled workers and their families to live in Quebec, rewarding education, experience, and French skills. While the program is now closed, SWSP continues this mission with updated rules and processes.

If you’re thinking about immigration to Quebec, understanding SWSP is essential. Getting your CSQ is the first step toward Canadian PR. We’re here to help you check eligibility, navigate the process, and start your journey with confidence. Don’t wait—book a free consultation today and take the first step toward your Quebec dream.

Required Documents for RSWP

When you applied for the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), you needed to prepare some documents carefully. These documents helped prove your education, work experience, language, and ability to live in Quebec.

Common required documents included:

• Passport
• Education certificates
• Work experience proof
• Language test results (French or English test certificates)
• Proof of ties to Quebec: family, study, or previous work in Quebec (if any).
• Financial proof (bank statements or documents showing you can support yourself and family)
• Marriage certificate and children’s documents (if applying with family).

Having these ready and organized helped the process run smoother and increased your chances of selection.

Processing Time and Fees

The RSWP process had two main steps: getting the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and applying to IRCC for canada PR.

• Processing time:
  • Getting a CSQ could take several months after receiving the invitation.
  • Federal PR application with IRCC could take additional months. The total process usually took about 12 to 18 months.
    
• Fees:
  • Application fee for CSQ: around CAD 812 for the main applicant (family members had separate fees).
  • IRCC PR fees: CAD 825 for the main applicant (plus fees for family members and biometrics).

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