Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)—formerly known as the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés—is Quebec’s primary immigration pathway for professionals and tradespeople who wish to settle permanently in the province. Unlike other Canadian provinces that use the federal Express Entry system, Quebec maintains its own selection criteria focused heavily on French language proficiency and local labor market needs.

This pathway is for individuals who intend to live and work in Quebec. It is a two-stage process: you must first be selected by the Quebec government to receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which you then use to apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residency.

The PSTQ officially replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024. This change marked a "French-first" policy shift. Under the old rules, high education or work experience scores could sometimes compensate for lower French skills; under the PSTQ, French is a mandatory "knock-out" criterion for most applicants.

Furthermore, the Quebec government has implemented strict intake caps (currently 10,400 applications for the 2024–2026 period) to manage backlogs. This means that even if you meet the minimum points, you are only invited to apply if your profile aligns with the specific labor priorities of the current invitation round.

Receiving a CSQ does not grant you permanent residency immediately, but it provides significant legal advantages while you wait for the federal government to finalize your status:

• Work Rights: You may be eligible for the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+), which grants an open work permit. This allows you to work for almost any employer in Quebec while your permanent residency application is processing.
• Family Inclusion: Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children are included in your selection and receive the same rights to live and work/study in Quebec.
• Access to Services: CSQ holders are eligible for government-funded French language courses (Francisation) and certain employment integration services.
• Path to Permanent Residency: The CSQ is the mandatory prerequisite for Quebec-bound immigrants to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
• Path to Citizenship: Once you obtain PR and complete three years of physical residency in Canada (within a five-year period), you are eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship.