Maple News reports that Quebec has officially relaunched its Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés – PSTQ), replacing the long-standing Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) as of November 29, 2024. While the new system was initially put on hold following its announcement, a ministerial order issued on July 2, 2025, has now solidified the invitation criteria and points system, clearing the path for new invitations to begin rolling out this July.
The PSTQ is now the province’s core pathway for economically driven permanent immigration and is structured around four targeted streams that reflect a wide range of labour force needs:
1. Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills (typically TEER 0–2 occupations)
2. Intermediate and Manual Skills
3. Regulated Professions in Quebec
4. Exceptional Talent
Each stream targets a specific slice of the talent pool, from professionals in critical demand to uniquely talented individuals with extraordinary skills. While knowledge of French remains mandatory for Streams 1 through 3, the province leverages a comprehensive points-based ranking system to evaluate potential candidates.
The grid scores applicants up to 1,400 points, categorized into three main criteria:
– Human Capital (up to 520 points), which prioritizes French proficiency (up to 200 points), youth (full 120 points if aged 20-30), skilled work experience, and education.
– Quebec Priority Needs (up to 700 points), rewarding Quebec diplomas, local job experience, and regional employment, particularly outside Montreal.
– Adaptability Factors (up to 180 points), which account for spousal language skills, non-degree study in Quebec, and established family or community connections.
All PSTQ candidates must submit or update a declaration of interest through Quebec’s Arrima portal. Profiles are then automatically ranked based on the new format. In the case of a tie, the date and time of submission will determine priority. A self-evaluation tool is also being launched to help applicants estimate their score before declaring interest.
Invitations will begin in July 2025 and are expected to be rolled out gradually, starting with candidates who currently reside in Quebec. The province will prioritize French-speaking applicants who have studied or worked in Quebec—especially in communities outside of Montreal that are experiencing labour shortages.
Applicants are encouraged to update their Arrima profiles immediately, ensure they have documentation for language proficiency and work history, and highlight any regional experience, which could add hundreds of points in the selection process. After each invitation round, Quebec will publish the cut-off scores and number of invitations issued per stream.
While early rounds will generally favour in-province applicants, the PSTQ remains open to overseas candidates, especially in Streams 1 and 2. Applicants with strong French language skills and work experience in high-need occupations still have a viable path—even without existing ties to Quebec.
According to Maple News, PSTQ marks a significant evolution in Quebec’s immigration landscape, offering a more transparent, structured, and responsive immigration framework that better aligns with the province’s unique economic and linguistic context.