Quebec Invites 231 Candidates in August 2025 Through Skilled Worker Program
Quebec has issued invitations to 231 candidates under its Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) on August 28, 2025. This move highlights the province’s commitment to attracting highly skilled professionals and exceptional talents to address labor market needs.
Background and Program Overview
The SWSP is a key immigration pathway for individuals seeking permanent residence in Quebec. Launched on November 29, 2024, it replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), introducing more targeted selection streams and updated eligibility criteria.
Candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal. Profiles are evaluated based on factors like education, work experience, and language skills. Those meeting Quebec’s requirements receive invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
August 2025 Draw Details
The August 28 draw issued invitations under two streams of the SWSP:
- Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
- Invitations Issued: 227
- Minimum Points Required: 760
- Key Criteria:
- Physical presence in Quebec
- Local post-secondary education
- FEER category 0, 1, or 2 occupations
- Relevant work experience
- High French proficiency (oral: level 7+, written: level 5+)
- Spouse requirements (if applicable)
- Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
- This stream targets individuals with significant global achievements, though invitations were primarily focused on Stream 1 candidates.
Quebec’s immigration strategy continues to prioritize candidates who align with the province’s labor priorities and integration goals. The focus on French language proficiency and local education underscores the province’s efforts to build a skilled, linguistically integrated workforce.
For more details on Quebec’s immigration programs and eligibility criteria, visit Immigration.ca.
Eligibility and Program Changes
To be eligible for the August 2025 invitation round, candidates were required to have submitted or updated their Arrima declaration of interest on or after November 29, 2024. This requirement was introduced when the program relaunched, ensuring that only those who met the new criteria were considered.
French language proficiency has become a mandatory requirement for both principal applicants and their spouses. Principal applicants must demonstrate high French proficiency, with oral skills at level 7 or higher and written skills at level 5 or higher based on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français. Spouses or common-law partners must also meet a minimum French proficiency level of 4 in oral skills.
Suspension of Other Pathways and Immigration Targets
Quebec has temporarily suspended both streams of the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), including the worker and Quebec graduates fast-track options, until November 30, 2025. This suspension aims to prioritize candidates in the reopened SWSP who meet the new language and labor integration requirements.
The provincial government is also considering adjustments to its annual permanent residence targets, with proposed numbers ranging from 25,000 to 45,000 admissions per year. However, any increase in these targets is contingent on the federal government reducing intake under the International Mobility Program.
Summary
The August 2025 invitations under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program reflect the province’s renewed focus on attracting highly skilled, French-speaking candidates already integrated into Quebec society or who demonstrate exceptional talent. The province’s immigration system continues to prioritize French proficiency, local educational credentials, and alignment with labor market needs, within a more selective, points-based framework.
Conclusion
Quebec’s issuance of 231 invitations through the Skilled Worker Selection Program in August 2025 underscores the province’s strategic approach to immigration. By prioritizing candidates with high French proficiency, local educational credentials, and alignment with labor market needs, Quebec aims to build a skilled and integrated workforce. The suspension of other pathways like the PEQ and potential adjustments to annual immigration targets further highlight the province’s focus on a more selective, points-based system. This approach not only addresses labor shortages but also ensures newcomers can effectively integrate into Quebec society.
FAQ
How many invitations were issued in the August 2025 draw?
Quebec issued a total of 231 invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program in the August 2025 draw.
What streams were included in the August 2025 draw?
The August 2025 draw included invitations under Stream 1 (Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills) and Stream 4 (Exceptional Talent) of the Skilled Worker Selection Program.
What was the minimum points required for Stream 1 in the August 2025 draw?
Candidates required a minimum of 760 points under Stream 1 to receive an invitation in the August 2025 draw.
What are the French language requirements for applicants and their spouses?
Principal applicants must have high French proficiency (oral: level 7+, written: level 5+). Spouses or common-law partners must meet a minimum French proficiency level of 4 in oral skills.
Why were other immigration pathways like the PEQ suspended?
Quebec suspended the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) to prioritize candidates in the Skilled Worker Selection Program who meet the new language and labor integration requirements.
What are Quebec’s proposed annual immigration targets?
Quebec is considering annual permanent residence targets ranging from 25,000 to 45,000 admissions. However, any increase in these targets is contingent on federal reductions in the International Mobility Program.
