Quebec Issues First Skilled Worker Invitations
What Happened on July 17?
On July 17, 2025, Quebec issued its first invitations under the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
This marks a major step forward, as it was the first round of invitations since the PSTQ replaced the old system in 2024.
Who Was Targeted?
This round focused on:
- People already living in Quebec
- Those who speak French
- People with education or work experience in Quebec
- Individuals working in jobs that help solve Quebec’s labour shortages
Which Streams Were Included?
Quebec targeted two streams from the PSTQ in this round:
- Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
- Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
Let’s look at each of them in simple terms:
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
Quebec invited 216 people under this stream.
To qualify, candidates needed:
- A minimum score of 768
- To be currently living in Quebec
- To have a Quebec diploma (either university, college, or vocational level)
▪ Vocational or college programs must be at least 900 hours long
▪ University programs must include at least 30 credits
In addition, they must:
- Work in a job classified under FEER categories 0, 1, or 2
- Have at least 12 months of work experience in that job within the last 5 years
- Not be working in a regulated profession
- Show strong French skills, including:
▪ Level 7 or higher in speaking
▪ Level 5 or higher in writing - Their spouse, if they have one, should also have oral French at level 4 or higher
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
Under this stream, 22 people were invited.
To be eligible, they needed:
- A doctorate (Ph.D.)
- Plus one of the following:
▪ A positive recommendation from a recognized Quebec institution
▪ A document showing an exceptional accomplishment listed by the Ministry
They also needed at least:
- 3 years of work experience in their main field in the past 5 years
What Is the PSTQ Program?
The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is Quebec’s main pathway for skilled workers to get permanent residence.
It replaced the previous system in 2024, but had been on pause until July 2025.
Who Can Apply Through PSTQ?
To be eligible for PSTQ, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Intend to work in Quebec
▪ Not for a company you own
▪ Not in a restricted or banned industry - Be capable of performing the job you plan to do
Additionally, all applicants must:
- Meet the specific criteria of the stream they were invited under
- Sign a financial self-sufficiency contract (promising to support yourself and any family for the first 3 months)
- Get an Attestation of Learning of Democratic and Quebec Values (also required for family members 18+)
- Respect any return obligations if you were previously funded by a Quebec scholarship
How to Get Invited?
You must submit a Declaration of Interest through Quebec’s immigration portal, Arrima.
If you submitted it before November 29, 2024, you need to update it.
All entries are scored, and those with the highest scores and who meet the criteria may receive an invitation to apply.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
