Quebec is part of the PNP. It runs its own system since 1991.
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province selects its own permanent residents through Arrima and the PSTQ. No Express Entry. No +600 CRS. French is the deciding factor, not a bonus.
Quebec Program guide
Is Quebec Immigration right for you?
A complete guide to eligibility, French requirements, and the path to permanent residence in Québec.
What is Quebec Immigration?
Quebec runs its own immigration system, separate from the federal Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry. Under the Canada-Québec Accord signed in 1991, the province selects its own permanent residents based on its labour market needs, French language priorities, and integration capacity.
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), or Skilled Worker Selection Program, is now the only permanent pathway for skilled workers wanting to settle in Québec. The previous Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) closed on November 19, 2025, and three pilot programs ended on January 1, 2026. Candidates declare interest through the Arrima platform and wait to be invited.
Who qualifies?
Before entering the Arrima pool, candidates must meet four minimum requirements. Failing any of these disqualifies the application regardless of profile strength.
01
French language proficiency
Mandatory for all PSTQ streams. The required level depends on the stream: Streams 1 and 3 require oral level 7 and written level 5 on the Échelle québécoise; Stream 2 requires oral level 5. Proven with approved tests: TEFAQ, TCFQ, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
02
Work experience
Skilled work experience matching one of the four PSTQ streams. The required duration and type of experience varies by stream and FEER category.
03
Education
A diploma or degree recognized in Québec, validated through the Comparative Evaluation (Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec) for foreign credentials. Stream 3 candidates may instead be assessed directly by the relevant Québec professional order.
04
Settlement funds
Proof of funds to support the candidate and accompanying family upon arrival in Québec. Amounts are updated annually by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.
Applicants must also intend to settle permanently in Québec, be admissible to Canada, and pass medical and security checks.
The 4 PSTQ streams
Once eligible, candidates declare interest in Arrima under one of four streams. The stream is determined by the FEER category of your main occupation, which corresponds to the second digit of the NOC code.
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Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills (FEER 0-2)
For management, professional, and technical occupations such as data scientists, engineers, accountants, IT specialists, and university-level professions. Requires oral French level 7 and written level 5.
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Intermediate and Manual Skills (FEER 3-5)
For trades, intermediate, and manual occupations such as cooks, mechanics, construction workers, and care aides. Requires at least 24 months of work experience including 12 months in Québec, and oral French level 5.
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Regulated Professions
For occupations requiring authorization from a Québec professional order, such as nurses, engineers, teachers, and doctors. Requires recognition from the relevant order and oral French level 7 with written level 5.
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Exceptional Talent
For candidates with doctoral degrees, international recognition, or achievements listed on the Ministère’s Liste des accomplissements exceptionnels. French requirements may be reduced in specific cases.
The application process
PSTQ applications follow a four-stage process. Québec selects first; the federal government processes residence after.
01
Arrima profile
Create a profile in Arrima declaring your interest. Profiles remain valid for 12 months and must be renewed to stay active.
02
Invitation to Apply
Québec runs periodic draws under each stream. Highest-ranking profiles receive an invitation. You have 60 days to submit a full application.
03
Québec Selection Certificate
If approved, the Ministère issues your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), Québec’s confirmation that they have selected you for permanent residence.
04
Federal permanent residence
With the CSQ, apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Federal processing typically takes 11 to 13 months and covers medical, security, and admissibility checks.
Why hire an RCIC?
Under Canadian law, only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), lawyers, and Québec notaries are authorized to represent applicants before IRCC and the Ministère de l’Immigration. Any other paid representation is unauthorized and puts the application at risk.
A licensed RCIC is accountable to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), bound by a strict code of professional conduct, and trained in current immigration law. For Québec applications specifically, this means accurate Arrima scoring, correct stream selection, appropriate French test choice, and compliance with provincial filing rules that differ from every other province.
Megrez Immigration Consultants has operated as a licensed RCIC firm in Vancouver since 1996. Every Québec immigration file at the firm is structured, reviewed, and submitted under direct RCIC supervision.
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Ready to start your application?
Book a free consultation with Jose Godoy, RCIC. 30+ years of experience helping skilled workers immigrate to Canada.