PNP
Québec’s New Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) Begins Inviting Applicants This July
Québec’s immigration system is entering a new chapter with the official implementation of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This program replaces the older Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and is designed to better match immigration with real labour market needs. On June 5, 2025, Québec’s Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, Jean-François Roberge, announced the invitation criteria through a ministerial order. The criteria and scoring details were published in the Gazette officielle du Québec.
Now, for the first time, the province will begin sending out invitations to eligible candidates starting in July 2025.
Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) Launched Four Targeted Streams
The new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) divides candidates into four distinct streams, each reflecting specific job market needs in Québec:
| Stream | Focus | Main Factors Considered |
| 1 | Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills | Training, education, experience, job responsibilities |
| 2 | Intermediate and Manual Skills | Skilled trades, work experience |
| 3 | Regulated Professions in Québec | Certification, licensure status |
| 4 | Exceptional Talent | Recognized expertise or rare abilities |
A key improvement in PSTQ is that it gives more weight to Québec education and work experience, especially for those living outside major urban areas. In comparison to the previous system, the PSTQ is more aligned with regional employment gaps. Another important element: knowledge of French remains mandatory for Streams 1, 2, and 3, making it a core selection factor.
Invitations Begin in July: Who Will Be Prioritized?
Starting July 2025, PSTQ will begin issuing invitations based on the new scoring model. The first batch of invitations will prioritize:
- Individuals already living in Québec
- Candidates who speak French
- Applicants with regional work or study experience
- Individuals in jobs that help address current labour shortages
The number of invitations sent and the exact criteria used will be published publicly after each selection round on Québec.ca.
How Does the PSTQ Process Work?
To be considered under the PSTQ, applicants must submit a Declaration of Interest (DOI) through the Arrima portal. Here’s what you should know:
- If your DOI was submitted before November 29, 2024, you’ll need to update it to be eligible under the new PSTQ scoring system.
- Your profile will be ranked according to points awarded for education, experience, language skills, and other stream-specific criteria.
- The system will invite those with the highest scores who meet specific criteria relevant to each stream.
A self-assessment tool will soon be made available online so you can estimate your score before submitting or updating your DOI.
Sample Scoring Highlights for PSTQ (Estimated)
| Criteria | Points |
| Education in Québec | Up to 25 points |
| Québec work experience | Up to 30 points |
| French language proficiency | Up to 20 points |
| Regional residence or study | Bonus 10–15 points |
| Job match with labour shortage list | Up to 10 points |
Note: Final scores will depend on stream-specific weights.
PSTQ Reinforces Québec’s Focus on Local Integration
The new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) reflects Québec’s drive to attract immigrants who are already contributing to the province. It rewards local study and work, promotes French language fluency, and aims to fill pressing job vacancies, especially in the regions.
If you plan to live and work in Québec permanently, now is the time to act. Update your Arrima profile, check your estimated score using the upcoming tool, and prepare for the next invitation round.
For updates and support in preparing your PSTQ application or selecting the best immigration pathway for your profile, stay tuned with Canada Immigration News. We’re here to help you succeed in Québec’s evolving immigration landscape.
