Quebec Immigration Programs (PSTQ): Requirements, Eligibility, Process & Documents for Indians
Quebec selects its own immigrants independently through the PSTQ and Arrima portal — entirely separate from federal Express Entry. French language proficiency is mandatory for all streams.
Varies (CSQ + federal)
Quebec fee + CAD 1,525 (federal)
Permanent
Quebec Immigration Programs operate independently from the rest of Canada. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has exclusive authority to select its economic immigrants. The primary program for skilled workers is the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) — the Skilled Worker Selection Program — which replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). Quebec uses its own points-based selection system through the Arrima portal, which is entirely separate from the federal Express Entry system. Candidates first submit a Declaration of Interest in Arrima, which is scored based on criteria including occupation, work experience, education, and French language proficiency. Those who score sufficiently and match Quebec's priorities receive an invitation to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Unlike other provincial nominee programs, French language ability is mandatory for the PSTQ — all four streams require a minimum oral French proficiency level according to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français. After receiving a CSQ, applicants must make a separate application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residence. The PSTQ has four streams covering all occupations: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills (FEER 0-2), Intermediate and Manual Skills (FEER 3-5), Regulated Professions, and Exceptional Talent. Quebec also offers sector-specific pilot programs for workers in food processing, orderlies, and the AI, IT, and visual effects sectors.
Eligibility
Who can apply for Quebec Immigration Programs?
- Skilled workers in FEER 0, 1, or 2 occupations (management, university-level professions) with at least 1 year of full-time work experience in the past 5 years and the required education — applying under Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
- Workers in FEER 3, 4, or 5 occupations (trades, intermediate, and manual skills) with at least 2 years of work experience including at least 1 year in Quebec — applying under Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills
- Workers in regulated professions in Quebec who hold authorization to practice or proof of recognition from the relevant Quebec regulatory authority — applying under Stream 3: Regulated Professions
- Individuals who distinguish themselves through exceptional expertise in their main occupation with a proven track record of achievements, or who hold an opinion from a recognized Quebec partner in strategic economic sectors, research, arts, or sports — applying under Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
- Temporary foreign workers in Quebec's food-processing sector (Permanent immigration pilot for food processing workers)
- Temporary foreign workers who work as orderlies in Quebec (Permanent immigration pilot for orderlies)
- Workers in the artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects sectors in Quebec (Permanent immigration pilot for AI/IT/VFX workers)
- All PSTQ applicants must be 18 years of age or older, intend to settle and work in Quebec, and demonstrate oral French proficiency at the level required for their stream
French language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for all PSTQ streams — this is the most important factor distinguishing Quebec immigration from all other Canadian provincial programs. Visit quebec.ca/immigration and review the official PSTQ requirements for your occupation's FEER category and stream-specific criteria.
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Requirements
What are the requirements and key details of Quebec Immigration Programs?
- Quebec's Selection Authority: Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has exclusive authority to select its economic immigrants. Quebec's system is entirely separate from the federal Express Entry system
- Main Program: Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) — Skilled Worker Selection Program. Replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ)
- EOI Platform: Arrima — Quebec's online Declaration of Interest portal. Candidates submit a Declaration of Interest in Arrima; their profile is scored and they may receive an Invitation to Apply
- Four PSTQ Streams: Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills (FEER 0-2); Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills (FEER 3-5); Stream 3: Regulated Professions; Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
- FEER Categories: FEER is determined by the second digit of the NOC code. FEER 0-1-2 = management/university/college; FEER 3-4-5 = trades/secondary school/on-the-job training
- French Language Requirement — Streams 1 and 3 (FEER 0-2): Oral French level 7 or higher and written level 5 or higher on the Échelle québécoise. Accompanying spouse must have oral French level 4 or higher
- French Language Requirement — Streams 2 and 3 (FEER 3-5): Oral French level 5 or higher on the Échelle québécoise. Accompanying spouse must have oral French level 4 or higher
- Minimum Age: 18 years or older
- Financial Self-Sufficiency: Must sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract demonstrating capacity to provide for yourself and accompanying family for 3 months after becoming a permanent resident
- Values Attestation: Must obtain the Attestation d'apprentissage des valeurs démocratiques et des valeurs québécoises (Attestation of Democratic and Quebec Values). Accompanying family members aged 18+ also need one
- Sector-Specific Pilot Programs: Separate permanent immigration pilot programs for workers in food processing, orderlies, and artificial intelligence/IT/visual effects sectors
- CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate): Successful applicants receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) from the Quebec government. The CSQ is required before applying for federal permanent residence
- Federal Government Fee: CAD 1,525 per adult (CAD 950 processing + CAD 575 RPRF); CAD 260 per dependent child
- Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 (individual); CAD 170 (family of 2+)
Documents
What are the documents required for Quebec Immigration Programs?
- Valid passport and travel documents for all applicants and accompanying family members
- Invitation to Apply for permanent selection issued by the Quebec Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) through Arrima
- French language proficiency test results — accepted tests and documents are listed in the PSTQ application forms. Must meet the oral and written level requirements for your PSTQ stream
- Educational credentials — diploma or degree as required for your stream. No ECA from the Ministère is required unless your occupation requires it or requested by a regulatory authority
- Work experience documentation: employment letters, contracts, pay stubs, and tax records covering qualifying work experience in your main occupation
- Proof of Quebec work experience (Stream 2: at least 1 year of the required 2 years must be in Quebec)
- Authorization to practice from the relevant Quebec regulatory authority, or proof of partial or full recognition of training equivalence (Stream 3: Regulated Professions only)
- List of achievements from the Ministère's list, or written opinion from a recognized Quebec partner (MEIE, FRQ, CALQ, or INS) demonstrating exceptional expertise (Stream 4: Exceptional Talent only)
- Signed Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract demonstrating financial capacity for 3 months after obtaining permanent residence
- Attestation d'apprentissage des valeurs démocratiques et des valeurs québécoises for all applicants and accompanying family members aged 18+
- Proof of relationship for spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children (marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.)
- Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician (collected at the federal stage, after receiving the CSQ)
- Police clearance certificates from every country where you lived for 6+ months since age 18 (collected at the federal stage)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated collection centre (collected at the federal stage)
Application Process
How to Apply for Quebec Permanent Residence: Step-by-Step Process
Identify Your PSTQ Stream
Find the NOC code for your main occupation and determine which PSTQ stream applies: Stream 1 (FEER 0-2 — university/management), Stream 2 (FEER 3-5 — trades/manual), Stream 3 (regulated professions requiring a licence in Quebec), or Stream 4 (exceptional talent). Check whether your profession is regulated in Quebec by consulting the Ministère's List of Regulated Professions.
Learn French to the Required Level
French language proficiency is mandatory for all PSTQ streams. Streams 1 and 3 (FEER 0-2) require oral French at level 7+ and written at level 5+ on the Échelle québécoise. Streams 2 and 3 (FEER 3-5) require oral French at level 5+. Take an approved French test and obtain documentary proof of your proficiency level. A higher French score significantly improves your Declaration of Interest score in Arrima.
Submit a Declaration of Interest in Arrima
Create a profile and submit a Declaration of Interest in Arrima — Quebec's online EOI portal. Your profile is scored based on your occupation, work experience, education, French proficiency, and other criteria. Your Declaration of Interest is entered into the bank of declarations and ranked against other candidates.
Receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Selection
If your Declaration of Interest scores the required number of points and matches Quebec's current priorities, the Ministère sends you an Invitation to Apply for permanent selection. Quebec issues invitations through periodic draws based on labour market and immigration targets. Not all candidates who submit a Declaration of Interest receive an invitation.
Submit an Application for Permanent Selection
After receiving an Invitation to Apply, submit a complete application for permanent selection to the Ministère. Pay the Quebec processing fee. Provide all required documents for your stream, including language test results, work experience, education credentials, and the Attestation of Democratic and Quebec Values. For regulated professions, include the authorization or recognition from the Quebec regulatory authority.
Receive Your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)
If your application is approved, the Ministère issues a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). The CSQ confirms that Quebec has selected you as an immigrant. It does not grant permanent residence — you must still apply separately to the federal government. The CSQ is valid for a specific period and covers you and your accompanying family members.
Apply to IRCC for Federal Permanent Residence
After receiving your CSQ, submit a federal permanent residence application to IRCC using the Quebec-selected skilled worker stream. Pay the federal fee of CAD 1,525 per adult plus biometrics. IRCC conducts its own admissibility checks (medical, criminal, and security) before granting permanent residence. Note: Quebec-selected immigrants are processed through a separate federal stream — not through Express Entry.
Land in Canada and Settle in Quebec
After IRCC approval, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and PR visa. Land in Canada to activate your PR status and settle in Quebec. The Quebec government and its settlement organizations offer French language and integration services to help newcomers integrate into Quebec society.
Quebec's immigration system is fundamentally different from every other province in Canada. It selects its own skilled workers through the PSTQ and the Arrima portal, operates entirely outside the federal Express Entry system, and requires all applicants to demonstrate French language proficiency. For Indian immigrants, the most critical preparation step before considering Quebec is building French language ability to at least Échelle québécoise level 7 for professional roles or level 5 for skilled trades.
Review the PSTQ stream requirements carefully for your occupation's FEER category, ensure your French proficiency meets the minimum threshold for your stream, and submit a Declaration of Interest in Arrima. For the most current program details, intake status, and any pilot programs for your sector, visit quebec.ca/immigration and the official PSTQ program guide.
For detailed insights on eligibility, document checklist, visa validity, and common refusal reasons, explore PR Visa FAQs guide to know the answers of all your questions.
Related Resources
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