PSTQ: Understanding the Program and Its Four Streams

The Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is one of the province’s main permanent immigration pathways. Managed by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), it aims to attract individuals who can contribute to Quebec’s economy in a sustainable way. Since its reform in November 2024, the PSTQ has replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and now includes four distinct streams, each targeting a specific professional profile.

PSTQ general criteria

The program is for individuals who wish to settle permanently in Quebec to work. It operates through a declaration of interest submitted via the Arrima platform. Candidates are then invited to apply for permanent selection based on their profile and ranking.

General Criteria for PSTQ

Regardless of the stream, all candidates must meet the following general criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

2. Demonstrate a genuine intention to settle permanently in Quebec.

3. Sign a financial self-sufficiency contract, proving they can support themselves for the first three months.

4. Obtain the attestation of Quebec democratic and societal values.

5. Not work in an excluded sector (e.g., payday loans, sex industry).

Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills

This stream targets highly qualified individuals, often with university degrees or advanced technical professions. It includes occupations classified under TEER levels 0, 1, or 2.

Example: A civil engineer (NOC 21300) with a bachelor’s degree and 18 months of experience in a construction firm is eligible if they have oral French level 7 and written level 5.

Requirements:

• Main occupation must be TEER 0, 1, or 2.

• At least 1 year of full-time work experience in the last 5 years.

• A diploma of at least 1 year full-time leading to employment.

• Oral French level 7 and written level 5.

Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills

This stream targets individuals in technical or manual trades, often with vocational or secondary education. It includes occupations under TEER levels 3, 4, or 5.

Example: A trained cook (NOC 63200) with 14 months of experience in Montreal and 12 months in Tunisia is eligible with oral French level 5.

Requirements:

• Main occupation must be FEER 3, 4, or 5.

• At least 2 years of work experience, including 1 year in Quebec.

• A vocational or secondary diploma of at least 1 year full-time.

• Oral French level 5.

Stream 3: Regulated Professions

This stream is for individuals practicing a profession regulated by a professional order in Quebec. It requires official recognition of the profession.

Example: A registered nurse (NOC 31301) with diploma equivalency from the Quebec Order of Nurses is eligible with oral French level 7 and written level 5.

Requirements:

• Profession must be regulated and officially recognized.

• Authorization to practice or partial/full recognition.

• Work experience in the regulated profession.

• French proficiency based on TEER level.

Stream 4: Exceptional Talent

This stream targets individuals with outstanding achievements in arts, research, sports, or strategic economic sectors. It recognizes unique profiles that bring added value to Quebec.

Example: An AI researcher who led several innovative projects and received support from Investissement Québec is eligible, even without French proficiency.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in the field within the last 5 years.

• Official recognition or favorable opinion from a recognized partner.

• Significant contribution to Quebec.

• French proficiency recommended but not mandatory.

Conclusion

The PSTQ is a structured and inclusive program that allows diverse profiles to settle permanently in Quebec. Each stream addresses specific labor market needs. To maximize your chances, it’s essential to understand the criteria, choose the right stream, and prepare a strong application.

I’m Angela Boldea, RCIC-IRB, founder of the immigration and recruitment firm Angela Boldea Immigration Inc. We’re here to support you with all your needs — offering hourly consultations, tailored advice for your concerns, and professional representation. Our firm recruits foreign workers for Quebec-based companies.