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CA Skilled & work Permanent

Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ / Arrima)

Quebec's own French-first points system - get a CSQ, then apply to Ottawa for PR.

Official Canada page

Who this route is for

Skilled workers who want to settle in Quebec, which selects its own economic immigrants outside Express Entry. French ability is the single most decisive factor.

Eligibility requirements

  • Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Arrima portal; Quebec invites candidates on an ongoing basis by labour-market need (a May 2026 draw invited 1,200 candidates at 580+ points)
  • Be ranked on Quebec's 1,400-point grid: French (up to 200 pts, highest-weighted), age (up to 120), education (up to 130), work experience (up to 70)
  • Apply under one of four streams: highly qualified/specialized (TEER 0/1/2), intermediate/manual skills, regulated professions, or exceptional talent
  • Stream 1 needs French level 7 oral and 5 written (Quebec scale) plus 1+ year of relevant experience in the last 5 years and a Quebec-equivalent diploma
  • If selected you have 60 days to file a complete CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate) application; with a CSQ you then apply to IRCC for permanent residence

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Recent changes & caveats

The PSTQ replaced the old Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on 29 Nov 2024 and is now the only permanent skilled-worker route to Quebec. Pass marks: 52 for a single applicant, 59 with a partner.

Check your points first

Use the free Express Entry CRS Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Canada visa requirements on VisaGlance — Before the points test, check whether you need a visa just to enter Canada — and which one fits your passport — on our companion site VisaGlance.

Other Canada routes

Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)

Permanent

Classic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.

Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

Permanent

The fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)

Permanent

PR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.

Express Entry Category-Based Draws

Permanent

Targeted invitations that let lower-CRS candidates get picked for in-demand work.
All Canada immigration routes