Overview
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) replaced Québec's Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024, and is now the province's main permanent selection program for skilled workers. You declare your interest in the Arrima portal, Québec invites the profiles that best match its needs in each of four streams, and selected candidates receive a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying to IRCC for permanent residence. French is central to most streams.
Who it’s for
- Skilled professionals abroad or in Canada who speak French and want to settle in Québec
- Temporary workers and graduates in Québec who do not qualify for the PEQ
- Workers in intermediate and manual occupations with Québec work experience
- Licensed professionals, such as nurses or engineers, pursuing recognition in Québec
Key requirements
- A declaration of interest in Arrima and an invitation from Québec before you can apply
- Recent full-time experience matching your stream — e.g., one year in a TEER 0–2 occupation within five years for Stream 1
- Education suited to your stream — at least a one-year vocational, college or university program (Stream 1) or a secondary diploma (Stream 2)
- French on the Québec scale — oral 7 and written 5 for TEER 0–2, oral 5 for TEER 3–5; an accompanying spouse needs oral level 4
- For regulated professions (Stream 3), a Québec authorization to practise or a recognized equivalence from the professional order
- A signed contract to support yourself and your family for your first three months, plus Québec's attestation of learning about democratic and Québec values
- Intention to live and work in Québec, age 18 or older, and admissibility to Canada at the federal stage
How it works
- 01
Assess your stream & profile
We identify your main occupation and TEER category, confirm which stream fits, and estimate how competitive your profile is in Arrima.
- 02
Strengthen & declare your interest
We plan your French testing and documents, then complete an accurate declaration of interest in Arrima and keep it up to date.
- 03
Receive an invitation
Québec holds invitation rounds by stream, targeting priorities such as occupation, French level and region. We monitor each round for you.
- 04
Apply for your CSQ
Once invited, we prepare and submit your complete permanent selection application to the immigration ministry (MIFI) within the deadline and handle any follow-up.
- 05
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
With your CSQ, we file your federal application, including medical exams, biometrics and police certificates, through to landing in Québec.
Advantages
- Open to candidates inside and outside Canada, including those who do not qualify for the PEQ
- Covers highly skilled, intermediate and manual occupations, as well as regulated professions
- A dedicated stream for exceptional talent, with no French requirement
- Québec work experience, a Québec diploma and strong French can all improve your ranking
Good to know
- A declaration of interest does not guarantee an invitation — Québec invites according to its priorities and annual immigration targets.
- Recent invitation rounds have largely focused on candidates already in Québec, so we assess realistically how competitive you are from abroad.
FAQ
Is French mandatory for the PSTQ?
For Streams 1 to 3, yes, at a level that depends on your occupation. Stream 4 (exceptional talent) has no French requirement, but it is reserved for candidates with recognized, outstanding achievements.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Yes, for most streams. Stream 1 accepts work experience gained in or outside Québec, while Stream 2 requires at least one year of experience in Québec.
How is the PSTQ different from the PEQ?
The PEQ let eligible graduates and workers apply directly. The PSTQ is competitive — you declare your interest, are ranked, and can apply only once invited.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.