Quebec resumes skilled worker invitations through the new PSTQ immigration pathway
Quebec Resumes Skilled Worker Invitations Under New PSTQ Immigration Pathway
Quebec has officially relaunched its skilled worker immigration channel, with invitations issued for the first time on July 17, 2025, under the new Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). This marks the resumption of economic immigration under the province’s new framework, following a lengthy hiatus since the PSTQ superseded the former Regular Skilled Worker Program in late 2024.
The province’s immigration ministry, Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), concentrated this initial round on candidates who already live in Quebec. These individuals have either studied or worked in the province and have the French language skills required to aid integration and bring value to the employment market.
Two Specialized Immigration Streams in Focus.
Quebec chose applicants from two of the four PSTQ categories in this first round of selection:
- Stream 1: Applicants with specific and in-demand skills.
- Stream 4: Individuals Honored for Outstanding Talent
The emphasis was on candidates who are already well-known in the province and share its economic and cultural aspirations.
Stream 1: For Quebec-Trained, Highly Skilled Professionals.
Stream 1 extended 216 invites to experts with Quebec-based education and appropriate work experience.
To be eligible for this stream, candidates needed to:
- Residing in Quebec.
- Achieve at least 768 points on the PSTQ selection grid.
- Have a diploma from a recognized Quebec institution (minimum length: 900 hours for vocational or college diplomas, or 30 credits for university-level courses);
- Have professional experience in a position categorized as FEER level 0, one, or two;
- Obtain a minimum of one year of appropriate employment experience within the last five years;
- Using Quebec's language evaluation system, demonstrate oral French fluency at level 7 or higher, and written proficiency at level 5 or higher.
- Guarantee that, if necessary, their spouse speaks French at least at level 4.
Additionally, candidates who intend to engage in an occupation that is regulated were not evaluated for consideration in this round.
Stream 4: Invitations to Quebec's Top Academic and Creative Achievers
22 invites were offered under the Exceptional Talent stream to persons with outstanding credentials and achievements in their respective disciplines.
Applicants selected for this stream had to:
- Have a doctorate (PhD).
Provide evidence that:
- A positive appraisal from a partner organization in a high-priority sector,
- An officially acknowledged accomplishment from Quebec's list of extraordinary achievements;
- Have been employed in their area of expertise for no less than three of the previous five years.
This stream is intended to draw in individuals whose contributions in research, innovation, or artistic sectors will assist the province’s long-term growth.
What is PSTQ?
The PSTQ became effective on November 29, 2024, with the goal of reforming Quebec’s strategy for skilled immigration. It substituted the previous Regular Skilled Worker Program and is divided into four distinct streams, each catering to a specific type of applicant — from recent college graduates and skilled employees to highly qualified individuals and experienced professionals.
The program had been inactive until recently, with the July 17 draw signalling the start of regular selections.
Basic PSTQ Conditions for All Applicants
To be considered for any PSTQ stream, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Intention to reside and work in Quebec.
- Seek jobs that are not self-managed or in excluded sectors;
- Be able to meet the demands of their aimed job.
- Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Agreement, pledging to fund living costs for oneself and dependents for the first three months in Quebec;
- Acquire an Attestation of Learning About Democratic and Quebec Values, which is necessary for both the lead applicant and accompanying adults;
- Fulfill any return limitations associated with a Quebec scholarship, if available.
Application Submission via Arrima.
To be evaluated for the PSTQ, candidates must complete a Declaration of Interest (DOI) on Arrima, Quebec’s digital immigration portal.
It is critical to alter any declarations submitted by November 29, 2024, because previous submissions will not be reviewed under the new PSTQ standards until revised.
DOIs are reviewed after submission using PSTQ’s modified scoring system. High-scoring candidates who match the qualifying requirements for a given stream could get a formal request to apply for permanent selection.
Looking Ahead: Quebec’s New Direction in Immigration
With the launch of the PSTQ and the continuation of invitation rounds, Quebec is sending a clear message: favor candidates who have a connection to the province, are competent in French, and willing to contribute significantly to Quebec’s economy and society.
This new selection strategy reflects a more refined dedication to integration, local labor market position, and sustained retention – all while preserving Quebec’s particular cultural and linguistic character.
More PSTQ draws are scheduled to follow, providing opportunities for qualified persons to permanently relocate in the province.
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