Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class vs Québec Skilled Worker Program

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to where you want to live and how quickly you need permanent residency. Both are points-based skilled worker pathways to Canadian PR, but Express Entry targets the whole country while Quebec runs its own separate system with different rules and timelines.

1. 01

   Processing speed

   Pick CEC

   Choose CEC if you want results in 3-6 months instead of 12-24 months.

   Pick QSWP

   Choose QSWP if you're willing to wait longer for Quebec residency specifically.

2. 02

   French language skills

   Pick CEC

   Choose CEC if your French is weak or nonexistent; English works fine.

   Pick QSWP

   Choose QSWP if you speak strong French; the points grid heavily rewards it.

3. 03

   Education requirements

   Pick CEC

   Choose CEC if you only have high school; no degree is required.

   Pick QSWP

   Choose QSWP if you hold a bachelor's degree or higher already.

4. 04

   Canadian work experience

   Pick CEC

   Choose CEC if you have 1+ years of recent Canadian work experience.

   Pick QSWP

   Choose QSWP if you have 2+ years of work experience (any country) and want Quebec.

5. 05

   Application cost

   Pick CEC

   Choose CEC if budget matters; it costs $1,570 USD upfront.

   Pick QSWP

   Choose QSWP if you want lower costs; it's only $822 USD.