In 2022, there were 68,700 immigrants approved for Canadian permanent residency through various Quebec immigration programs.
Most people who are approved for Quebec immigration are skilled foreign workers and their families.
The points-based Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is the most popular Canadian immigration program for skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in Quebec.
A common question often asked is: Can I apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program without a job offer?
This article will give you essential information about the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, including whether you can apply for the QSWP without a job offer, so keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Overview of the QSWP
Who Can Apply?
- Foreign workers from any country who are at least 18 years of age may apply.
- Intermediate French language skills are mandatory (as of 2023).
- Good health and good character are required.
- Applicants must get at least 50 points if single or 59 points with a spouse/partner.
Points can be received for:
- Education (26 points possible)
- French and/or English language skills (22 points possible)
- Spouse/Partner factors (17 points possible)
- Age (16 points possible)
- Qualifying Quebec job offer (14 points possible)
- Work Experience (8 points possible)
- Connection to Quebec (8 points possible)
- Children (8 points possible)
- Sufficient Financial Resources (1 point possible)
How Do You Apply for the QSWP?
- You must file an Expression of Interest (EOI) with your details on Quebec’s Arrima online portal.
- If you receive an invitation, you will need to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
- Once you receive the CSQ, you will have up to 60 days to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
- The governmental fees must be paid when required.
- After being approved for Canadian permanent residency, you will live and work in Quebec.
Apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program without a job offer
Many people want to know if you can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program without a job offer.
You can apply for the QSWP without a Quebec job offer; however, receiving a qualifying Quebec job offer could earn you 14 points for this points-based Canadian immigration program, which you might need to reach the required 50 points if single or 59 points needed if you have a spouse/partner.
Receiving a qualifying job offer in Quebec can also make you a stronger QSWP applicant and it is an important step in the Canadian immigration process for skilled foreign workers.
How to get a job offer in Canada from outside?
There are several online Canadian job search platforms that simplify the process of seeking employment in Canada.
One popular platform is the Canadian government’s Job Bank, which lets you search for job postings by province, city and other factors:.
You could also use online social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, to connect with employers in Canada.
Another way to get a job offer in Canada is to visit the “Employment” or “Careers” webpage of companies where you might want to work in Canada and apply for positions directly according to the process that they specify.
Conclusion
The province of Quebec is a special place to live in Canada, due to its French language and culture, strong economy, good job opportunities, low cost of living, natural beauty and overall high quality of life.
Quebec has set a goal of welcoming 50,000 economic immigrants each year as new Canadian permanent residents so they can live and work in Quebec and contribute to the province’s economy and society.
Canadian Visa Expert works with authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program or other Canadian immigration programs and guide you through each step of the application procedure if you qualify.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
Can I apply for a Canadian work permit without a job offer?
The Canadian Open Work Permit does not require a specific job offer in advance and lets a temporary foreign worker apply for a job with almost any employer, however, the Open Work Permit is only issued in certain situations. The Employer-Specific Work Permit allows a temporary foreign worker to work in Canada for a particular employer for a certain amount of time (the location where the work will be done is also sometimes specified).
Is a job offer required for Quebec?
Whether a job offer is required for Quebec immigration depends on the particular program a foreign worker is applying for. The QSWP does not require a job offer, although points can be received which might help an applicant to reach the required 50 points if single or 59 points needed with a spouse/partner. The Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology or Visual Effects does require a qualifying job or job offer in Quebec.
What is the easiest immigration program to Canada?
Express Entry is the easiest immigration program to Canada for skilled foreign workers and their family members who want to live and work outside of Quebec. The process generally involves creating a free Express Entry online profile which contains relevant information about the applicant. A Canadian immigration official will review the profile and if the applicant satisfies the criteria, his/her profile will be placed in the pool of candidates. Once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received, there will be up to 60 days to apply for Canadian permanent residency and a decision is usually made within six months after that.
Can I go to Canada on a Tourist Visa and find a job?
Individuals with a Canadian Visitor Visa are generally not prohibited from looking for jobs in Canada. There is also a new Digital Nomad Program that launched in July 2023 that lets people work in Canada remotely for their non-Canadian employer for up to six months with a Visitor Visa; however, if they get a qualifying Canadian job offer while working remotely in Canada, they could apply for a temporary Work Permit that could be valid for up to three years.
Can you convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit in Canada?
It is possible to be in Canada with a Visitor Visa and if you get a qualifying job offer with a Canadian employer, you could apply for a temporary Work Permit.
