The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is the main permanent immigration program for qualified workers that want to settle in Québec. It is divided in four different streams. While streams 1 to 3 require a certain level of french langage proficiency, stream 4 does not. Together, the four streams encompass all the NOC TEERs thus this program is readily available to many workers.
Selection criteria
We are highlighting here the most notable information.
Just like most programs, this one functions on the basis of an invitation. Once you have put through an expression of interest, points are applied to your candidacy and draws are completed based on points but also based on selected criteria. Thus, points alone are not the most important criteria for a selection. Your NOC, settlement region, country of citizenship, language skills are example of criteria that can be used independently for a draw.
The general criteria state that to apply, one needs to be 18 years or older, intend to settle in Québec to take up employment and be able to do this job. Some areas are ineligible, as usual. This program is also excluding self-employed workers or business owners. Follow the links in the text to read more in our blog regarding the full description of the criteria.
Stream 1 is reserved to those having one year of work experience in a TEER 0, 1 and 2. Up to 3 months of unpaid compulsory internships can be accounted towards work experience. French level proficiency is required at a CLB 7 for oral competencies and CLB 5 for written ones.
Stream 2 is reserved to those with work experience in NOC TEERs 3, 4 and 5. It requires 2 years of work experience of which 1 should have been acquired in Québec. French level proficiency is required at a CLB 5 for oral competencies.
Stream 3 is mean for regulated professions. There are 49 of those in Québec. A person with experience or education related to a regulated profession must apply through this stream unless they can prove that they can perform their profession outside the regulatory membership. Their level of french is that of the stream 1 or stream 2, depending on their TEER.
Stream 4 is for exceptional talent, such as defined by the Ministry or by a partner. in this stream, a minimum of 3 years of work experience in the intended profession is required.
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