Quebec, a region in Canada, will begin issuing invitations to skilled workers under its updated immigration system in July 2025, following confirmation of the criteria for its new selection program.
The province’s new Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) formally replaced the previous Regular Skilled Worker Program on November 29th, 2024. Still, they had remained paused until a ministerial order on July 2nd, 2025, cleared the way for invitations to proceed.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the PSTQ is now fully operational and introduces a new points-based selection model. The system assigns scores to candidates out of a maximum of 1,400 points and divides applicants into four distinct streams based on occupation and experience.
Four Occupational Streams in the PSTQ
The PSTQ is structured to show Quebec’s labour needs through four distinct streams:
- Stream 1 is intended for applicants with highly qualified or specialized skills, typically associated with TEER 0–2 level occupations.
- Stream 2 focuses on individuals with intermediate or manual skills.
- Stream 3 is reserved for those working in regulated professions in Quebec.
- Stream 4 targets candidates with exceptional talent.
All occupations in the labour market are covered by these four categories.
Scoring System Prioritizes French, Local Experience
Candidates are scored in three main categories:
Human Capital (up to 520 points): This includes age, French-language proficiency, education, and skilled work experience. French language skills account for up to 200 points across four language abilities, and full points for age (120) are granted to applicants between 20 and 30 years old. Higher education credentials can earn up to 130 points, and relevant skilled experience can contribute up to 70 points.
Response to Quebec Needs (up to 700 points): Applicants are rewarded for holding a Quebec diploma (up to 200 points), work experience in the province (up to 160 points), or current employment in a region outside the Montréal census metropolitan area (up to 50 points). An additional 120 points are available for working in occupations identified as having a labour shortage.
Adaptation Factors (up to 180 points): Profiles may be boosted by factors such as having relatives in Quebec, studying without earning a degree in the province, prior regional stays, or the spouse’s knowledge of French.
French remains a requirement for Streams 1 through 3. Most candidates must submit approved language test results from TEF Canada, TCF Canada, DELF, or DALF.
Arrima Platform Continues as Central Portal
Details inform that candidates must submit or update their declaration of interest using the Arrima portal. Profiles are ranked automatically under the new PSTQ points grid. In the case of tied scores, submission time and date will determine priority.
A new self-assessment tool is expected to launch in the coming weeks, enabling applicants to estimate their scores before formally entering the system.
Invitation Rounds to Start in July
The first round of invitations will begin in July 2025. The province, as reported, will prioritize individuals already living in Quebec, especially those working in occupations facing labour shortages in regions outside Montréal. French-speaking applicants with local study or work experience will receive priority consideration.
After each invitation round, the Quebec government will release the minimum score cut-offs and number of invitations per stream on its official website, Québec.ca.
Next Steps for Applicants
Potential applicants are advised to update or submit their Arrima profiles to align with PSTQ requirements. Supporting documents, such as proof of French proficiency, education, and work history, should be gathered in advance.
Applicants who have studied or worked in regional areas of Quebec should emphasize this experience, as it can significantly increase their score. IRCC advises candidates to regularly monitor Québec.ca for updates on the invitation process.
