Quebec immigration programs

Overview

Quebec immigration programs

Quebec manages its own selection for most economic immigrants. The Skilled Worker Selection Program, or PSTQ, uses Arrima declarations of interest and four streams tied to occupation, TEER, regulated-profession status and exceptional talent.

PSTQ replaced the former regular skilled worker program

The PSTQ has operated since November 29, 2024 and separates highly qualified skills, intermediate and manual skills, regulated professions and exceptional talent. French levels and work experience differ by stream.

Old PRTQ points and invitation history should not be used for current predictions.

Arrima creates a candidate pool

A declaration of interest enters the Arrima bank; Quebec applies stream and invitation criteria and may add occupation, regional, education, French or score thresholds. An invitation must be accepted within its stated period.

Entered facts must remain accurate and supportable.

Quebec selection precedes federal admission

A selected applicant receives or applies for the relevant Quebec selection certificate and then completes the federal permanent-residence process. IRCC decides medical, criminal and security admissibility and issues PR.

A Quebec-selected worker does not use the ordinary federal Express Entry route for that application.

Other Quebec programs are separate

Business immigration, family sponsorship undertakings, temporary foreign work and study use distinct provincial processes, including CAQs in applicable cases. Program availability and intake periods change.

Federal family sponsorship still includes a Quebec undertaking for sponsors residing in the province.