Table of Contents:
I. Introduction: What is the PSTQ?
II. How is the PSTQ Different from Other Immigration Programs?
III. Who is Eligible to Apply for the PSTQ?
IV. What is the Process for Applying for the PSTQ?
IV. An Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the PSTQ
I. Introduction: What is the PSTQ?
As of November 2025, Québec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program, known in French as the PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) is the only pathway for skilled workers to settle in the Canadian province of Québec.
The provincial government division responsible for immigration, called the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration du Québec (MIFI), released its immigration plan for 2026-2029 on November 6, 2025. The plan represents a shift in policy, as the province aims to welcome immigrants who are fluent in French and who have some experience studying or working in the province, with the goal of promoting greater integration. According to the new plan, the government will allow a total of 45,000 immigrants per year starting in 2026. Of these, 64% are expected to be economic immigrants.
If you’re interested in economic immigration to Québec, the process can seem complicated at first. We hope this article clarifies things! Our team of experts at Patrice Brunet Avocats can provide more in-depth support, helping you determine whether you meet the PSTQ criteria, guiding you through the steps to follow, and optimizing your chances of success.
II. How is the PSTQ Different from Other Immigration Programs?
The PSTQ had been suspended since October 2024 and was reopened in June 2025, replacing a previous program called the PRTQ (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés). Another provincial program which offered a fast track for temporary workers and students for settling in Québec, the PEQ (Programme de l’expérience québécoise), officially ended on November 19, 2025. This means that as of this date, the PSTQ is the only pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Québec permanently.
The new system prioritizes those who have sufficient proficiency in French, work in a field considered in high demand, have experience working or studying in Québec, and/or are willing to settle outside the Montréal area, where labour needs are greater. This means that under the revised criteria, those already living in the province have a higher chance of attaining permanent residency.
There are other avenues for immigrating to other provinces of Canada, such as the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry). A skilled worker who is specifically interested in coming to Québec must be accepted through the PSTQ before they can apply to become a permanent resident of Canada. This is because the Government of Québec (provincial government) has an agreement with the Government of Canada (federal government) that allows the province to select immigrants based on its unique needs.
III. Who is Eligible to Apply for the PSTQ?
According to the government’s guidance, you can apply for the PSTQ if you are “18 years old and over, intend to reside and work in Québec in a job that you are capable of doing, intend to work for a company over which you have no control, and intend to work in a sector that is not one of the ineligible employment sectors listed in the General Requirements section.” Your candidacy will be evaluated according to these factors.
The new criteria are comprised of three categories:
1) Human capital (up to 520 possible points)
This category considers your age, level of spoken and written French (evaluated according to government criteria), level of schooling completed, and work experience outside Québec. If you are already working or studying in Québec, or have worked or studied here previously, more points will be allocated to your file – particularly if that experience took place outside the Montreal area.
2) Labour market needs and government priorities (up to 700 possible points)
Each application is evaluated according to the government’s analysis of the province’s needs. The program is comprised of four streams, each representing a different type of work: specialized skills, intermediate and manual skills, regulated professions, and exceptional talents. The more experience you have in a field considered in high demand, the more points will be allocated to your score. Similarly, the higher the level of education you have reached at a Québec institution, the more points are allocated.
3) Adaptation factors (up to 180 possible points)
This category considers any schooling you have completed for which you have not received a diploma, as well as whether you have family in Québec. It also considers factors pertaining to your spouse, if applicable. It includes their age, level of spoken and written French, level of schooling completed, duration of Québec work experience, and whether they hold a diploma from a Québec school.
You can consult the complete list of criteria in the Gazette officielle du Québec (in French).
IV. What is the Process for Applying for the PSTQ?
Your application for PSTQ must be submitted online through an expression of interest. You can request a paper, braille, or large print application if you need accommodation due to a disability.
First, you’ll need to create an account on the Arrima platform. Then, you must complete an expression of interest, also known as a declaration of interest. You will be asked to provide information about your situation, status, education, work experience, and intentions, as well as on your spouse and children, if applicable. Note that Arrima can only be accessed in French. Help capsules are available, but these are also in French only.
Patrice Brunet Avocats can assist you in completing your expression of interest through our portal.
Once you submit the expression of interest, the MIFI will analyze and rank your profile according to the new criteria. Depending on your initial score and the needs of the labour market, the MIFI may send you an invitation to submit a formal application for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Once you receive a CSQ, you can proceed with an application for permanent residency in Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Note that your expression of interest is valid for 12 months. If you don’t hear back in time, you’ll need to submit a new expression of interest.
If you are already in Québec at the time of your application, don’t forget to make sure your status remains valid throughout the process!
V. An Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the PSTQ
Every immigration situation is different. The changes to Québec’s immigration priorities and system can seem complicated, but diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the revised system can maximize your chances of acceptance as an immigrant to the province. An expert can assess your eligibility, provide practical advice, answer your questions, and help you prepare your documentation.
Our team at Patrice Brunet Avocats is here to help. We can evaluate all the options with you, applying flexibility and creativity to determine the best immigration solution for you and your family.