If you are planning to move to Québec as a skilled worker, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program has important updates you should understand before starting your application. The current Québec route is the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), or Skilled Worker Selection Program. It replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) in November 2024.
Unlike a standard direct PR application, the current process begins with an expression of interest through Arrima. Québec reviews profiles according to its selection requirements and invitation criteria. If invited, the applicant can submit an application for permanent selection. After obtaining the Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), the federal permanent residence stage is handled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled workers who want to settle permanently in Québec and work there. The current PSTQ is available to eligible workers both inside Québec and abroad.
Québec has its own immigration selection system because it has a special immigration agreement with the Government of Canada. Therefore, applicants who want to settle in Québec generally need to go through Québec’s selection process before applying federally for permanent residence.
A key point for applicants is that simply meeting general requirements does not automatically mean receiving an invitation. Your profile must also match the criteria used in an invitation exercise.
Latest Quebec Skilled Worker Program Updates for 2026
One of the biggest changes applicants should know is that the old PRTQ is no longer the current skilled-worker selection route. The PSTQ now operates through four streams based mainly on the applicant’s occupation and profile. The four PSTQ streams are:
| Stream | Main focus |
| Stream 1 | Highly qualified and specialized skills |
| Stream 2 | Intermediate and manual skills |
| Stream 3 | Regulated professions |
| Stream 4 | Exceptional talent |
Québec can apply different invitation criteria according to its labour-market priorities and socioeconomic needs. These criteria can also become more restrictive during individual invitation rounds. This makes it important to check the latest Québec invitation criteria instead of relying on older QSWP points tables or outdated PRTQ information.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program Eligibility
Under the current PSTQ, applicants must meet both the general requirements and the requirements specific to the stream that applies to their main occupation. Some important general conditions include:
- You must generally be 18 years of age or older.
- You must intend to settle in Québec.
- You must plan to work in an occupation you are reasonably able to perform.
- Your main occupation determines the applicable stream.
- You need to satisfy the applicable work-experience, education, language and other stream-specific conditions.
- Applicants intending to work in regulated professions may have additional requirements.
Your NOC and TEER category are particularly important because Québec uses your main occupation to determine the relevant stream and assess your profile.
French Language Requirements for Quebec Skilled Workers
French is an important part of the current Québec skilled-worker selection system. However, the exact level required depends on the applicable stream, occupation and invitation criteria. For example, some 2026 invitation exercises required candidates in certain TEER 0–2 occupations to demonstrate French at level 7 or higher in both oral skills and level 5 or higher in both written skills. Some invitations for TEER 3–5 occupations used different French requirements. Accepted evidence can include recognized French-language tests and diplomas such as:
- TCF Québec
- TCF Canada
- TCF
- DELF
- DALF
The Québec government specifies which documents can be used to demonstrate French proficiency. Because requirements can differ by stream and invitation round, applicants should verify the current criteria before choosing a language test.
How Does Arrima Work?
Arrima is an important part of the current Quebec Skilled Worker Program process. The basic process is:
Expression of Interest → Arrima Profile → Invitation → Permanent Selection Application → CSQ → Federal PR Application
First, an eligible applicant submits an expression of interest through Arrima. The profile enters the declaration-of-interest bank and can be assessed using Québec’s selection and invitation criteria. If the profile matches the requirements of an invitation exercise, Québec may invite the applicant to submit a permanent selection application.
An invitation is therefore an important step. Applicants should not assume that creating an Arrima profile automatically leads to permanent residence.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program Application Process
The process can be understood in these stages:
1. Check Your Occupation and Eligibility
Start by identifying your main occupation, NOC/TEER category, work experience, education and language profile.
2. Create an Expression of Interest in Arrima
Submit your expression of interest through the Québec Arrima system. Your profile is then placed in the declaration-of-interest bank.
3. Wait for an Invitation
Québec conducts invitation exercises based on the needs and criteria applicable to its different streams. There is no single permanent invitation score that applies to every applicant.
4. Submit the Permanent Selection Application
If you receive an invitation, you can submit the required application and supporting documents within the applicable timeframe.
5. Receive the CSQ
If Québec approves your permanent selection application, you receive the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
6. Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence
After Québec selection, the federal stage follows. IRCC handles the application for permanent residence and admissibility requirements.
What Documents May Be Needed?
The exact document checklist depends on your situation and stream, but applicants should generally be prepared with documents such as:
- Passport and identity documents
- Educational credentials
- Work experience documents
- Employment letters
- Language test results
- Civil-status documents
- Documents relating to a spouse or dependent children, where applicable
- Proof or documents required for the applicable occupation
- Other supporting documents requested by Québec or IRCC
Documents should be accurate and consistent across the application. Applicants should also check whether translations or certified copies are required for documents that are not accepted in the required language or format.
Does a Job Offer Guarantee Québec PR?
No. A job offer should not be treated as a guarantee of selection or permanent residence. Québec’s current system uses stream-specific requirements and invitation criteria, and the criteria can vary according to government priorities.
Some invitation exercises may consider employment-related factors, but applicants still need to satisfy the applicable selection requirements. This is why applicants should evaluate their complete profile rather than relying on a single factor.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program vs Express Entry
The Québec skilled-worker route is different from the federal Express Entry system. The key distinction is that Québec has its own selection process for people intending to settle in the province. Under the current system, an applicant first goes through Québec’s skilled-worker selection process.
After Québec selection, the federal government handles the permanent residence application. Therefore, someone planning to settle in Québec should not automatically assume that the eligibility rules used for a federal Express Entry program will apply to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Conclusion
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program 2026 landscape is now centered on the PSTQ, Arrima expressions of interest and stream-specific invitation criteria. French ability, occupation, NOC/TEER category, work experience and other profile factors can play an important role.
For anyone considering Québec immigration from India, the safest approach is to check the latest official requirements rather than relying on older PRTQ information or a fixed points table. Esse India can help applicants understand their profile and prepare for the relevant stages, while the final selection and permanent residence decisions remain with the Québec and Canadian immigration authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program open in 2026?
The current skilled-worker selection route is the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program). Québec continues to conduct invitation exercises through Arrima in 2026.
Is the PRTQ still the current program?
No. Québec states that the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) has been replaced by the PSTQ.
Do I need French for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
French requirements depend on the applicable stream and invitation criteria. Several 2026 invitation exercises included specific French-language requirements.
What is Arrima?
Arrima is Québec’s platform used for submitting an expression of interest and participating in the skilled-worker selection process.
What is CSQ?
CSQ means Certificat de sélection du Québec, or Québec Selection Certificate. It is issued following Québec’s permanent selection process before the federal permanent residence stage.
Can applicants outside Canada apply?
Yes. The PSTQ is intended for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Québec whether they are already in Québec or abroad.
Can a consultant guarantee Québec PR?
No immigration consultant can guarantee a government decision. Québec determines selection and IRCC determines admissibility at the federal stage.
Is the Quebec Skilled Worker Program the same as Express Entry?
No. Québec has its own skilled-worker selection process, while Express Entry is a federal immigration system. The processes and selection criteria are different.
