New Permanent Selection Program in Quebec: An Opportunity for Employers and Foreign Workers
Quebec’s immigration landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), or Skilled Worker Selection Program, which replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024. This new initiative, set to begin issuing invitations in July 2025, presents a strategic opportunity for both employers and foreign workers seeking to establish a foothold in Quebec’s vibrant economy. With a focus on French language proficiency, regional labor needs, and candidates already integrated into Quebec’s society, the PSTQ is designed to address the province’s demographic and economic challenges while fostering long-term prosperity.
Understanding the PSTQ:
The PSTQ is Quebec’s reimagined pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada, specifically tailored to meet the province’s unique cultural and economic priorities. The program operates through the Arrima online portal, where candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are ranked based on a points-based system that evaluates factors such as French proficiency, education, work experience, and ties to Quebec. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This shift ensures that newcomers can integrate seamlessly into Quebec’s linguistic and cultural fabric. Additionally, the program prioritizes candidates already living in Quebec, particularly those with work or study experience outside major urban centers like Montreal and Laval, as well as those in occupations facing labor shortages.
The PSTQ is structured into four streams to address diverse labor market needs:
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills – Targets occupations in TEER 0–2 (high-skill roles requiring significant training, education, or experience).
Stream 2: Skilled Trades and Technical Occupations – Focuses on TEER 3–4 roles, such as technicians and skilled tradespeople.
Stream 3: Regulated Professions – For professionals in fields like medicine or engineering, requiring Quebec licensure.
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent – For individuals with extraordinary achievements in arts, sports, or other strategic sectors.
These streams allow Quebec to tailor its selection process to specific economic priorities, ensuring that invited candidates fill critical gaps in the labor market.
A Strategic Opportunity for Employers
For Quebec employers, the PSTQ represents a powerful tool to address labor shortages and build a skilled, sustainable workforce. Quebec’s economy is diverse, with high demand for workers in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, transportation, finance, agriculture, and education. The province’s aging population and low birth rates have intensified the need for skilled workers, making immigration a cornerstone of economic growth. The PSTQ’s focus on candidates with validated job offers and regional work experience aligns directly with employer needs, particularly in underserved areas outside Montreal.
Key Benefits for Employers:
Access to French-Speaking Talent: The PSTQ’s emphasis on French proficiency ensures that employers can recruit workers who are already equipped to communicate effectively in Quebec’s primary language, reducing onboarding challenges and enhancing workplace integration.
Prioritization of In-Province Candidates: Early invitation rounds will prioritize temporary foreign workers and graduates already in Quebec, many of whom are familiar with the local labor market and culture. This reduces the risk of hiring candidates who may struggle to adapt.
Support for Regional Labor Needs: The program awards additional points for candidates with job offers or work experience outside Montreal and Laval, incentivizing employers in rural and semi-urban areas to attract talent where shortages are most acute.
Streamlined Recruitment with Validated Job Offers: Employers can leverage Validated Job Offers (VJOs), which now have an extended validity of 18 months (up from 12 months), to secure foreign workers. These offers, submitted through the Arrima platform, provide up to 10–14 points on the selection grid, significantly boosting a candidate’s chances of receiving a CSQ.
Unnamed LMIAs for Strategic Planning: Since December 2023, employers can obtain unnamed Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), allowing them to secure approval for a position before identifying a specific candidate. This flexibility enables proactive workforce planning, particularly for industries with recurring labor shortages.
Opportunities for Foreign Workers
For foreign workers, the PSTQ offers a clear and structured pathway to permanent residency in one of Canada’s most culturally distinct provinces. Quebec’s high quality of life, affordable living costs compared to other major Canadian cities, and diverse job opportunities make it an attractive destination. The program’s focus on candidates already in Quebec—such as temporary foreign workers or international graduates—creates a unique opportunity for those already contributing to the province’s economy.
Key Benefits for Foreign Workers:
Pathway to Permanent Residency: The PSTQ provides a direct route to obtaining a CSQ, which is valid for two years and allows candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program’s points-based system rewards factors like education, work experience, and language skills, giving skilled workers a competitive edge.
Flexibility for In-Province Candidates: Temporary foreign workers and Quebec graduates with at least 24 months of skilled work experience in TEER 0–3 occupations are prioritized in early invitation rounds. This makes PSTQ particularly accessible for those already integrated into Quebec’s labor market.
Open Work Permits via IMP+: Candidates who receive a CSQ and apply for permanent residency can access the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) open work permit, allowing them to work in Quebec while awaiting federal approval. This ensures continuity of employment and financial stability during the transition to permanent residency.
French Language as a Competitive Advantage: While the French proficiency requirement may seem daunting, it offers a strategic opportunity for foreign workers to stand out. Achieving level 7 oral proficiency and level 5 written proficiency can earn up to 200 points, significantly boosting a candidate’s ranking in the EOI pool.
Support for Spouses and Families: The PSTQ considers the language skills and adaptability of accompanying spouses, who must demonstrate level 4 oral French proficiency. This holistic approach ensures that entire families can integrate successfully, with additional points awarded for candidates with young children.
As invitations began in July 2025, now is the time to prepare, update Arrima profiles, and leverage this program to build a prosperous future in Quebec.
