Quebec PSTQ Draw 2025: First Invitations for Skilled Workers
Quebec Issues First Invitations Under New Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
On July 17, 2025, Quebec officially reopened its doors to skilled immigrants by issuing the first invitations under its revamped immigration pathway — the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). After months on pause, this fresh round of invitations is a significant step forward for individuals hoping to make Quebec their permanent home.
Let’s take a closer look at what this means, who was invited, and why it matters for prospective immigrants — especially those already living and working in Quebec.
Key Highlights
- Quebec issued its first PSTQ invitations on July 17, 2025, after a long pause.
- Only candidates already residing in Quebec were considered for this round.
- 216 invitations went to candidates under Stream 1 (Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills).
- 22 invitations were sent under Stream 4 (Exceptional Talent).
- French language skills and Quebec-based education/work experience played a key role.
- Applicants must submit or update their declaration of interest through Arrima to be considered.
What Is the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)?
Introduced in 2024, the PSTQ replaced Quebec’s long-standing Regular Skilled Worker Program. This new system is designed to better align with Quebec’s labour market needs by prioritizing candidates with relevant skills, local connections, and strong French language proficiency.
Although the PSTQ framework was introduced last year, it had been on hold until this recent draw. July 17’s round marked the first official set of invitations — a milestone for many hopeful applicants who have been waiting patiently.
Who Was Invited in This Round?
In this draw, invitations were sent through two streams of the PSTQ:
- Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
- Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
Let’s break down each stream and the eligibility requirements.
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
This stream is targeted at individuals with strong educational backgrounds, work experience in high-demand occupations, and strong French proficiency. In the July 17 round, 216 individuals received an invitation to apply for permanent selection under Stream 1.
To qualify, candidates needed to:
- Score at least 768 points based on PSTQ’s scoring system.
- Be currently living in Quebec.
- Hold a valid Quebec diploma — either from a university, college, or secondary vocational program:
- Vocational or college programs must be at least 900 hours long.
- University programs must include at least 30 credits.
- Work in an occupation classified under FEER category 0, 1, or 2 (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility level).
- Have at least 12 months of work experience in the last five years in their primary occupation.
- Not be intending to work in a regulated profession.
- Demonstrate French proficiency:
– Oral: Level 7 or higher
– Written: Level 5 or higher (according to Quebec’s Échelle québécoise standards) - If applicable, their spouse also needs to meet minimum French language levels (oral proficiency level 4 or higher).
This stream is ideal for newcomers who’ve studied or worked in Quebec and want to build a long-term life in the province.
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
This stream is designed to attract brilliant minds who’ve made significant contributions in their field. On July 17, Quebec invited 22 such individuals under Stream 4.
To be eligible, applicants needed to:
- Possess a doctoral-level postgraduate diploma.
- Hold one of the following supporting documents:
- A favourable opinion from a Quebec government partner in a targeted field
- Proof of achievement listed in Quebec’s official List of Exceptional Accomplishments
- Have at least three years of work experience in their primary occupation within the past five years.
Stream 4 is a great fit for academics, researchers, and innovators who’ve demonstrated excellence in their profession.
General PSTQ Requirements
Besides the stream-specific criteria, all PSTQ applicants must meet the following general eligibility conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Plan to work in Quebec in a job that’s:
- Not with a company they own or control
- Not in an ineligible sector
- Be capable of performing the intended job in Quebec.
- Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract confirming they can support themselves and their family for the first three months.
- Obtain an Attestation of learning about democratic and Quebec values (also required for family members aged 18+).
- Comply with any obligations related to previous scholarships received in Quebec, if applicable.
Declarations of Interest Through Arrima
To be considered for the PSTQ, hopeful applicants must submit a declaration of interest through Arrima, Quebec’s online immigration portal. If you submitted your declaration before November 29, 2024 (when the PSTQ came into effect), you’ll need to update it.
Your declaration will be assessed using Quebec’s scoring system, and those with top scores who meet eligibility criteria may be invited to apply under one of the PSTQ streams.
What This Means for Quebec Immigration
This reopening of the PSTQ is a welcome signal that Quebec is once again actively selecting skilled workers to meet its labour market needs. The emphasis on local experience, French language skills, and education from within the province reflects Quebec’s commitment to integration and long-term retention of newcomers.
It’s also worth noting that while this round focused solely on residents of Quebec, future rounds may open up to candidates living outside the province as the program expands.
Looking to Immigrate Through a Provincial Program?
Quebec isn’t the only province selecting skilled immigrants. If you’re exploring other opportunities, don’t forget to check out programs like the Manitoba PNP, which offers its own pathways based on labour market needs and community connections.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re already living in Quebec or planning to move there, the PSTQ offers an exciting opportunity to gain permanent residence through a system that values your education, experience, and language skills. With the program now active again, it’s the perfect time to make sure your Arrima profile is current and competitive.
Need help navigating your options? We’re here to support your journey. Contact us today or explore more about Quebec immigration pathways.
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