PSTQ: getting selected by Québec as a skilled worker.

How the PSTQ works

1. Declaration of interest: you create your profile in Arrima, the platform of Québec's immigration ministry (MIFI). It enters the bank of declarations of interest and receives a score.
2. Invitation: the Ministry invites candidates based on their stream, occupation, French proficiency and labour market needs.
3. Acceptance: you have 30 days from the date of the invitation to accept it in Arrima. Without a response, your declaration is removed from the bank.
4. Application for permanent selection: once you accept, a second message explains how to apply.
5. CSQ, then permanent residence: once selected, you receive the Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), then apply for permanent residence with the federal government.

The four streams

Stream 1: highly qualified and specialized skills

• Occupation in TEER category 0, 1 or 2
• At least 1 year of full-time paid work experience in the occupation within the last 5 years
• A diploma from a program of at least one year of full-time study
• French: level 7 oral and level 5 written (Québec French-language proficiency scale)

Stream 2: intermediate and manual skills

• Occupation in TEER category 3, 4 or 5
• At least 2 years of paid work experience within the last 5 years, including at least 1 year in Québec
• At minimum a secondary school diploma, or a vocational or college program of at least one year
• French: level 5 oral

Stream 3: regulated professions

• Profession on the Ministry's list of regulated professions
• Authorization to practise, or recognition of partial or full equivalence dated less than 5 years ago
• French according to the occupation's TEER category (level 7 oral and 5 written, or level 5 oral)

Stream 4: exceptional talent

• Exceptional expertise that contributes to Québec's prosperity, with proven achievements
• At least 3 years of practice within the last 5 years

Common requirements

• Be at least 18 and intend to settle in Québec to work
• Sign a financial self-sufficiency contract covering the first 3 months
• Obtain the attestation of learning about democratic values and Québec values (also required of a spouse or partner aged 18 or over)
• For an accompanying spouse or partner: French at level 4 oral

What we do for you

• Identify the stream that actually applies to your occupation and experience
• Assess your French and the test to take to reach the stream's threshold
• Build a declaration of interest consistent with the evidence you'll be able to provide
• Prepare the application for permanent selection on time, then the permanent residence application

Frequently asked questions

Does the CSQ give me permanent residence?

No. The CSQ is Québec's selection decision. Permanent residence is then granted by the federal government, after checking admissibility, including medical and security checks.

Can I be invited if I don't live in Québec?

Depending on the stream, yes. Stream 1 doesn't require experience in Québec, while stream 2 requires at least one year of work experience in Québec. Invitations also depend on French and labour market needs.

Official sources: Government of Québec, "Requirements that need to be met under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés" (quebec.ca, updated June 25, 2026), "Invitation to apply for permanent selection" (updated August 14, 2026) and "Réouverture temporaire du Programme de l'expérience québécoise" (June 17, 2026). Consulted September 14, 2026.