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.
All the PSTQ streams require work experience, to be at least 18, to have french language proficiency, to sign a financial independence contract and to pass the Valeurs démocratiques test.
PSTQ Stream 1. This stream is meant for those having work experience in senior management positions (TEER 0), in intermediate management positions (TEER 1) and unregulated professions (TEER 2). Some examples are bank managers, service directors, head of procurement. It is very important to be able to prove the experience as well as to prove that the TEER applies. French language proficiency also has to be proven. Quebec allows for some flexibility in the way the language exam can be presented.
PSTQ Stream 2. This stream is meant for those with work experience in jobs of TEER 3, 4 and 5. Some examples are welders, carpenters, administrative assistants, payroll specialist. In this stream, you must have one year of work experience in Québec as well as showing some french language abilities. Just like the other streams, you need to be able to prove the experience and the TEER.
PSTQ stream 3. This stream is reserved for the regulated professions. As soon as your profession is regulated, you have to apply through this stream. Some professions allow you to work without the professional title. In this case you can choose to apply in stream 1, 2 or 3. Examples of professionals that must apply here are engineers, chemists, pharmacists, nurses, electricians, plumbers. In this stream, you need to prove that you have started the process of recognition of your profession before you can apply.
PSTQ stream 4. This stream is reserved to individuals with outstanding skills such as athletes or niche specialists in various domains. If you think you have exceptional talent, book a consultation with us to help you with your application.
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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