As of July 2025, Québec has restarted its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) after being on hold for a while. The updated program now includes four new immigration streams, a revised points system, and a stronger focus on knowing French.
Québec has started accepting applications again for its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), after putting it on hold back in October 2024. The official announcement in the Gazette officielle du Québec confirms that the pause is now over and the program is back in action.
Although the PSTQ was officially announced on November 29, 2024, it didn’t start right away. Now, as of July 2025, Québec is finally moving forward with it. The first invitations will go to skilled workers already living in the province who match current job market needs.
Québec’s Program for Choosing Skilled Workers:
The PSTQ is now the main way for skilled workers to immigrate to Québec and get permanent residence. It takes the place of the old Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and is better designed to match the province’s current job market needs.
The program uses a points system to evaluate applicants. It looks at things like your education, work experience, French language skills, and any ties you have to Québec—like studying or working there in the past.
Eligibility Criteria: You can apply for the PSTQ if you have:
- Work experience in jobs that are needed in Québec
- Ability to speak and understand French well
- Studied or worked in Québec before (helpful but not required)
- An active profile on Québec’s Arrima platform
Each applicant will be placed in one of four categories:
- Advanced and Expert Skills
- Mid-Level and Hands-On Skills
- Licensed and Regulated Jobs
- Outstanding Talent
Each stream has its own rules for choosing applicants, and the first three focus a lot on how well you speak French.
How the Updated Selection Process Works:
Québec’s system scores applicants according to:
- Schooling and skills training
- Job experience, especially in Québec
- Job duties and roles
- How well you speak French
- In-demand work role
What’s New in 2025
- Step-by-Step Invitations: People currently living in Québec will be the first to receive permanent residency invites, starting this July.
- Preferred Applicants: People who speak French well and have studied or worked in Québec will be given priority.
- Improved Ranking System: Applications are scored with a points system that gives extra value to local experience and language abilities.
How to Apply:
- Send in an Expression of Interest: Go to the Arrima portal to set up and send your profile.
- Keep Your Profile Current: If you sent in your declaration before November 29, 2024, make sure your details meet the new PSTQ rules.
- Hold on for an Invite: Only applicants with top scores who fit the stream’s rules will get invitations.
- Send in Your Application: If you get an invitation, send in your permanent residence application before the deadline.
Needed Documents:
- Passport and ID papers
- Proof of your education (like diplomas and transcripts)
- Letters or references from your jobs
- Results from French language tests (TEF, TCF, etc.)
- Québec diploma or proof you studied or worked in Québec (if you have it)
- Your latest Arrima profile
- Your résumé or CV