Quebec issues the Skilled Worker Selection Program invitations. This round of invitations focused on individuals already living in Quebec, specifically those who speak French, have either local work experience or educational qualifications, and are currently working in roles that address Quebec’s labour market needs.
In this draw, Quebec issued invitations under two specific streams of the PSTQ:
- Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills
- Stream 4: Exceptional talent
Stream 1: Highly Qualified And Specialized Skills
On July 17, the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration invited 216 candidates to apply for permanent selection through this stream of the Skilled Worker Selection Program invitations (PSTQ).
To be eligible, candidates had to meet the following requirements:
- Achieve a minimum score of 768 points
- Reside in Quebec at the time of invitation
- Hold a diploma from a Quebec university, college, or vocational secondary school.
Note that for a college or vocational secondary program, it must have a minimum duration of 900 hours. For a university diploma, the program must consist of at least 30 academic credits.
In addition to these core criteria, candidates needed to fulfill other essential conditions, including:
- Working in an occupation classified under FEER (formation, education, experience, and responsibility) category 0, 1, or 2
- Having gained at least 12 months of relevant work experience in their main occupation within the past five years
- Not planning to work in a regulated profession
- Demonstrating oral French proficiency of level 7 or higher and written French skills of level 5 or above, based on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français or its recognized equivalent
- If applicable, having a spouse who meets level 4 or higher in both oral components of French, according to the same scale or equivalent test
Stream 4: Candidates With Exceptional Talent
In the same round on July 17, Quebec also issued 22 invitations under the stream designed for exceptional talent.
To qualify under this stream, candidates were required to hold a post-graduate diploma at the doctoral level.
They also had to meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Possess a positive assessment from a partner organization of the Ministry in a targeted field
- Submit a document proving an achievement listed in the Ministry of Immigration’s official List of Exceptional Accomplishments (PDF) for Stream 4 applicants
Additionally, applicants needed at least three years of work experience in their main occupation during the past five years.
Overview Of The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
As Quebec issues the Skilled Worker Selection Program invitations, let us discuss more about the program.
Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which took over from the former Regular Skilled Worker Program in 2024, provides a permanent residency pathway for eligible foreign nationals seeking to live and work in the province.
Although the PSTQ replaced the previous program last year, it had not issued any invitations until this July, making this round a significant development in Quebec’s immigration strategy.
To apply for the PSTQ, candidates must meet several general eligibility conditions, such as:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Intending to live and work in Quebec in a job that:
- Is not affiliated with a business they own or control
- Is not part of an excluded industry
- Possessing the required skills and qualifications for their intended job in Quebec
General Requirements For All PSTQ Applicants
Regardless of the stream, applicants selected under the PSTQ must also:
- Meet the stream-specific requirements that led to their invitation
- Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract, affirming they have the resources to support themselves and their accompanying family members for the first three months in Quebec
- Obtain an Attestation of Learning About Democratic and Quebec Values, as outlined in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
- Comply with any return obligations associated with scholarships received in Quebec, if applicable
Note: All accompanying family members aged 18 or older must also obtain the values attestation.
How To Apply For The PSTQ Through Arrima?
Candidates interested in immigrating to Quebec through this program must submit a declaration of interest on the Arrima portal.
It is important to note that any declarations submitted before November 29, 2024—when the PSTQ officially came into effect—must be updated to reflect the new program requirements.
Once submitted, declarations of interest are ranked using the PSTQ’s points-based scoring system. Those who earn high scores and meet the necessary eligibility standards could receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection under one of the PSTQ’s streams.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
