After a months-long suspension, Quebec has officially resumed accepting skilled workers under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) as of July 2025.
The relaunch, confirmed through a ministerial decree published in the Gazette Officielle du Québec, brings an end to the pause that began when the previous system was halted in October 2024. Although the PSTQ was technically introduced on 29 November 2024, active invitations are only starting now.
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What Is the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)?
The PSTQ is Quebec’s primary immigration route for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. It replaces the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and is designed to better align with the province’s labor market demands.
This new selection model uses a points-based system that assesses candidates based on:
- Education and training
- Work experience (especially in Quebec)
- French language skills
- Occupational demand
- Connection to Quebec (e.g., work or study experience)
Who Can Apply for the PSTQ?
The PSTQ is open to foreign nationals who:
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- Possess in-demand job skills relevant to Quebec’s economy
- Demonstrate proficiency in the French language
- Have prior education or employment experience in Quebec (preferred but not mandatory)
- Have submitted a valid profile in the Arrima portal
Applicants fall into one of four streams:
- Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
- Exceptional Talent
- Intermediate and Manual Skills
- Regulated Occupations
Each stream has its own evaluation criteria, with a strong emphasis on French language proficiency, especially for the first three streams.
How the New Selection System Works
Candidates are scored based on the following criteria:
- Level of education and internships
- Job experience (especially in Quebec)
- Occupation duties and classification
- French language proficiency
- Demand for the occupation in Quebec
If you submitted a profile before 29 November 2024, you must update your information to remain eligible under the new rules.
Key Updates to the PSTQ in 2025
- Phased Invitations: Starting July 2025, invitations for permanent residence will first go to those already living in Quebec.
- Priority for Local Experience: Priority will be given to individuals proficient in French who have studied, worked, or received job offers in Quebec.
- New Scoring Model: Points now favor candidates with strong language skills and local integration factors.
Step-by-Step PSTQ Application Process
- Submit a Statement of Interest: Create and submit a profile through Quebec’s Arrima portal.
- Update Your Profile: If your profile was submitted before 29 November 2024, revise it to meet the new criteria.
- Wait for an Invitation: Only the highest-scoring candidates in each stream will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit Your Application: If invited, complete your application for permanent residence before the deadline.
Documents Required
Typical documents include:
- Proof of education (transcripts, diplomas)
- Valid passport and ID documents
- Work experience letters and references
- French language test results (e.g., TEF, TCF)
- Updated Arrima profile
- Quebec diploma or in-province work/study evidence (if applicable)
- Resume or CV
Additional documents may be requested depending on your stream and personal history.
Conclusion
If you are a skilled worker looking to immigrate to Quebec, now is the time to take action. The newly reopened PSTQ prioritizes French-speaking professionals and applicants with ties to Quebec’s labor market—especially those outside major metropolitan areas.
Be sure to update your Arrima profile, gather the necessary documentation, and prepare to apply as Quebec begins issuing new invitations under its modernized selection framework.
