Quebec issues first invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program

On July 17, Quebec held its first round of invitations under the newly launched Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

This draw focused on individuals already living in Quebec, particularly those who:

• Speak French;
• Hold work experience or academic credentials from within the province; and
• Are employed in occupations that help fill critical labour shortages in Quebec.

In this round, Quebec targeted candidates under two specific streams:

• Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
• Stream 4: Exceptional Talent

Quebec Invites 216 Skilled Workers Under PSTQ Stream 1 – July 17

On July 17, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration invited 216 candidates to apply for permanent selection under Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills of the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered, candidates had to:

• Score at least 768 points;
• Be living in Quebec; and
• Hold a Quebec diploma from a university, college, or secondary vocational institution.*

*Accepted programs:

• Secondary vocational or college diploma: Minimum 900 hours
• University program: Minimum 30 credits

Additional Criteria:

Candidates also had to meet the following conditions:

• Occupation must fall under FEER category 0, 1, or 2 (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities);
• Have at least 12 months of work experience in their primary occupation within the past 5 years;
• Not intend to work in a regulated profession;
• Show French language proficiency of at least: Level 7 (oral) and Level 5 (written) on the Échelle québécoise or equivalent;
• If applicable, have a spouse with at least Level 4 in both oral skills on the same scale or equivalent.

Quebec Invites 22 Candidates Under PSTQ Stream 4 – Exceptional Talent

On July 17, the Quebec Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration invited 22 individuals to apply for permanent selection under Stream 4: Exceptional Talent of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify in this draw, candidates needed to:

• Hold a post-graduate degree (doctorate); and
• Meet additional stream-specific criteria, including: Possessing at least one of the following: A positive opinion from a designated partner of the Ministère in a targeted field; or A document verifying an achievement listed in the Ministry’s List of Exceptional Accomplishments (PDF); Have at least 3 years of work experience in their primary occupation within the past 5 years.

About Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is Quebec’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. It replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program in 2024. Although the program had been paused since its launch, invitations resumed this month.

General Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify under the PSTQ, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older;
• Intend to settle in Quebec for employment that: Is not for a business they control, directly or indirectly; and Is not in an ineligible industry;
• Be able to perform the job they plan to take in Quebec.

Requirements for All PSTQ Streams:

Applicants must also:

• Meet the criteria that led to their invitation under a specific PSTQ stream;
• Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract, confirming they can support themselves (and accompanying family members, if any) for the first three months in Quebec;
• Obtain an Attestation of learning of democratic and Quebec values, as outlined in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (required for all accompanying family members aged 18 or older);
• Fulfill any return obligations if they previously received a Quebec government scholarship with such conditions.

Application Process:

Those interested must first submit a declaration of interest through Quebec’s online immigration portal, Arrima.

For more information, visit: https://pioverseas.com/