Québec Skilled Worker
Program (PSTQ)

How the PSTQ works

• 1. Expression of interest in Arrima, free of charge and valid for 12 months;
• 2. Invitation, possibly, to submit a permanent selection application;
• 3. Permanent selection application, once invited;
• 4. Review of the application by Québec;
• 5. Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), if the application is accepted;
• 6. Permanent residence application to IRCC (a separate step).

An expression of interest does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations are published by stream and Québec may apply additional criteria in each round: thresholds and criteria change from one round to the next. Current rounds are published on the official invitations page.

The four PSTQ streams

Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills

For occupations in skill category FÉER 0, 1 or 2. French is required orally and in writing.

Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills

For occupations in skill category FÉER 3, 4 or 5, with work experience part of which was in Québec. An oral French level is required.

Stream 3: Regulated professions

For occupations on the official list of regulated professions, with a licence to practise or a recognition of equivalence.

Stream 4: Exceptional talent

For people with exceptional, recognized expertise or achievements.

Based on the rules currently published by the Government of Québec, which may change. See the official requirements for each stream.

How we can help

Pro Immigration can help you:

• assess your eligibility and the stream that may match your profile;
• review your main occupation, its classification (NOC, FÉER), your experience, your education and your French;
• create your Arrima profile and submit your expression of interest;
• prepare the documents after an invitation;
• prepare and file the permanent selection application;
• follow the file through to a decision.

We cannot guarantee an invitation, selection or permanent residence: those decisions rest with the Government of Québec and IRCC.

What we review before you start

• your main occupation and its classification;
• your work experience, in Québec or elsewhere;
• your education;
• your level of French;
• your current status and your spouse's situation;
• the stream that could apply.

The ranking of expressions of interest and the invitation thresholds change from one round to the next: we check them with Québec when you start rather than fixing them here.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the PSTQ?

It is Québec's permanent selection program for skilled workers. It works through an expression of interest in Arrima and invitations, divided into four streams.

Do you need an invitation to apply?

Yes. The permanent selection application is submitted after an invitation received following an expression of interest in Arrima.

How long is an expression of interest valid?

According to the official Québec page, 12 months from submission. It can be updated without extending that period.

Can you submit a profile from abroad?

Yes, the PSTQ is for people who want to immigrate to Québec as skilled workers, from Québec or from abroad. Requirements specific to each stream apply.

Does the PSTQ give permanent residence directly?

No. It leads to the Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Permanent residence is then requested from IRCC.