Quebec landscape
QC | Canada

Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec manages its own immigration with unique French-language requirements. The province offers distinct pathways through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) via Arrima and its business programs for those committed to integrating into Quebec society.

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Processing

6-24 months for CSQ, then 12-18 months federal

Provincial Fee

$851 CAD (principal applicant)

Streams

3 Available

CRS Boost

+600 Points

Program Overview

About the PSTQ

Quebec has a unique agreement with the federal government allowing it to select its own immigrants. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province runs its own programs, application processes, and requirements that differ from federal programs like Express Entry, and it is not part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

French language proficiency is central to Quebec immigration. The province prioritizes candidates who can demonstrate French ability or commitment to learning French. This reflects Quebec's mandate to protect and promote French language and culture.

The main economic pathway is the Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés, PSTQ), which replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). Candidates declare interest in the Arrima portal and receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) ended on November 19, 2025, and is no longer accepting applications. Successful applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying to the federal government for permanent residence.

In-Demand Occupations

Software DevelopersHealthcare ProfessionalsEngineersFinancial AnalystsSkilled TradesVideo Game Industry

Free Eligibility Assessment

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RCIC License: R515110

Immigration Streams

PSTQ Streams

Quebec offers 3 immigration streams. Find the one that matches your situation.

Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

No Job Offer

Quebec's main economic program, which replaced the old Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). You declare interest in the Arrima portal and are invited to apply across four streams. French proficiency is central to selection.

Submit an expression of interest in the Arrima portal
Receive an invitation before applying for permanent selection
French proficiency (key selection factor)
Work experience and education matching a program stream

Quebec Entrepreneur Program

No Job Offer

For experienced entrepreneurs who want to start or acquire a business in Quebec.

Net worth of at least $900,000 CAD
Business management experience
Business plan for Quebec enterprise
Language proficiency (French preferred)

Quebec Self-Employed Worker

No Job Offer

For self-employed professionals in specific fields who can establish in Quebec.

Self-employment experience in eligible field
Net worth of at least $100,000 CAD
Detailed professional project
French proficiency beneficial
Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

General requirements for PSTQ streams. Specific requirements vary by stream.

Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

  • Expression of interest in the Arrima portal
  • Invitation to apply for permanent selection
  • French proficiency (key factor)
  • Work experience and education matching a stream

Entrepreneur

  • Required net worth
  • Business management experience
  • Business plan for a Quebec enterprise
  • Intent to settle in Quebec

Self-Employed Worker

  • Self-employment experience in an eligible field
  • Required net worth
  • Detailed professional project
  • Intent to settle in Quebec
Draw Information

PSTQ Draws & Invitations

Quebec invites PSTQ candidates from the Arrima expression of interest pool

Draw Frequency

Invitation rounds through the Arrima portal

Score Range

Ranked by Arrima profile; no fixed points grid since the move to PSTQ

Application Fees

Provincial Fee$851 CAD (principal applicant)
Federal PR Fee$1,365 CAD (PR application after CSQ)
CRS Boost+600 Points

A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 points to your CRS score, which puts most candidates above the cut-off in provincial nominee rounds of invitations.

Calculate your CRS score with PNP boost
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the PSTQ

Is Quebec accepting immigrants?
Quebec actively recruits immigrants through its own programs under the Canada-Quebec Accord, separate from the federal Provincial Nominee Program. The main economic pathway is the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) through the Arrima portal; the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) ended on November 19, 2025. French proficiency is central to selection. An application fee around $851 applies for the principal applicant. Processing spans 6-30 months depending on stream. Quebec immigration operates outside federal Express Entry. Consultation confirms French requirements and quebec immigration program eligibility for your profile.
Who is eligible for the Quebec skilled worker program?
The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) targets candidates with French language ability, relevant education, and work experience matching one of its four streams. Work experience in Quebec strengthens applications. You declare interest in the Arrima portal and are ranked there, then receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection. An application fee around $851 applies for the principal applicant. Processing takes 6-30 months. Consultation assesses Quebec skilled worker eligibility and timeline.
What is the 2026 immigration plan for Quebec?
Quebec targets approximately 50,000 immigrants for 2026 across all of its selection streams, a reduced and restructured intake that emphasizes French speakers and skilled workers. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) ended on November 19, 2025, so the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) through the Arrima portal is now the main economic pathway. French language requirements remain central. Check the Quebec Immigration website for official 2026 announcements. Consultation aligns your credentials with Quebec's current immigration priorities.
Who is eligible for TR to PR 2026?
TR (Temporary Resident) to PR pathways depend on federal programs, not Quebec alone. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) ended on November 19, 2025, so temporary residents and graduates in Quebec now declare interest through the Arrima portal for the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) instead. Federal Express Entry TR-to-PR streams exist but not exclusively Quebec. Quebec immigration operates independently from federal pathways. Consultation identifies which TR-to-PR route fits your Quebec status and language ability.
Which province in Canada gives PR fast?
PEI delivers fastest PR at 3-6 months provincially through monthly draws. Nova Scotia processes 3-12 months and charges $1,000 worker / $2,000 entrepreneur from 1 September 2026 (EOI free). Newfoundland matches PEI at 3-6 months. Yukon spans 6-12 months. Quebec runs 6-30 months depending on stream. Saskatchewan requires 8-26 weeks. Fastest provinces concentrate in Atlantic Canada. Quebec immigration timeline depends on stream and application completeness.
Which province is easy to get PR in 2026?
Nova Scotia still offers 3-12 month processing, with $1,000 worker / $2,000 entrepreneur fees from 1 September 2026 (EOI free). PEI's monthly draws offer 3-6 months. Newfoundland matches at 3-6 months. Quebec requires French proficiency and 6-30 month timelines. Saskatchewan demands 60+ SINP points. Your easiest pathway depends on French ability, occupation demand, and provincial fit. Quebec immigration suits French speakers; Atlantic provinces appeal to English speakers.
Is TR to PR coming again?
Federal TR-to-PR programs have paused recent expansions. In Quebec, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) ended on November 19, 2025; temporary residents who meet the criteria now declare interest through the Arrima portal for the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). No major new TR-to-PR federal programs announced for 2026 currently. Existing pathways like Express Entry serve temporary residents strategically. Consultation tracks federal announcements and identifies available TR-to-PR routes for your situation.
Which province gives easy PR in Canada?
Nova Scotia still offers multiple accessible streams and 3-12 month processing, with $1,000 worker / $2,000 entrepreneur fees from 1 September 2026 (EOI free). PEI's transparent monthly draws (3-6 months) rank well. Newfoundland matches PEI timelines. Quebec requires mandatory French and 6-30 months. Saskatchewan demands competitive SINP points (60+). Your easiest fit balances French ability, occupation demand, and provincial labour needs. Consultation recommends best-fit provinces for your profile.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.