Quebec Skilled Worker (now PSTQ) — Canada

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) was replaced on November 29, 2024 by the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) — the Skilled Worker Selection Program. The PSTQ is now Quebec’s main program for skilled workers who want to settle in Quebec as permanent residents.

You must first be selected by Quebec under the PSTQ before you submit your permanent residence application to IRCC.

Program purpose and scope

The PSTQ is for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Quebec, whether they are already in Quebec or abroad.

It operates under Quebec immigration authority, not through federal programs like Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, or the Self-Employed Persons Program.

The program has four streams, and your main occupation determines which stream applies to you:

Knowledge of French is a selection condition for streams 1, 2 and 3. After Quebec selects you and issues a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. At that point, you’ll submit federal forms like Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669. IRCC then assesses your admissibility under Canadian immigration law.

Quebec selection requirement

You need a selection from Quebec — the CSQ — before applying for permanent residence. Without Quebec’s approval, IRCC won’t finalize your application under this program.

This separates the PSTQ from federal pathways managed entirely by IRCC. Quebec controls who gets selected as a skilled worker for the province, and your intention to live in Quebec is central to your eligibility.

Key points:

• Apply to Quebec first under the PSTQ.
• Quebec assesses you against the general requirements and your stream’s criteria.
• Only after selection (CSQ) do you apply to IRCC.
• IRCC handles permanent residence processing and admissibility.

If you were invited or submitted an application under the old program (PRTQ) before November 29, 2024, your file is still processed under that program’s rules.

Declaring interest (Arrima)

Before Quebec can consider you for selection, you must submit a declaration of interest through the Arrima system.

This step is mandatory. If you don’t file a declaration of interest in Arrima, you can’t enter the selection process. Declarations filed before November 29, 2024 had to be updated to be considered under the PSTQ.

The sequence looks like this:

1. Submit a declaration of interest in Arrima.

2. Enter Quebec’s declaration of interest bank, where profiles are ranked under the PSTQ scoring system.

3. Apply for permanent selection if invited.

4. After selection, apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Quebec suspended Arrima invitations while the PSTQ came into force, then resumed them in July 2025. Regular draws have been running through 2026, prioritizing people already living in Quebec — particularly French speakers, workers in the regions, and occupations in shortage.

You start by declaring your interest with Quebec through Arrima. The process involves two stages: provincial selection under the PSTQ and federal permanent residence processing.

You need to follow Quebec immigration instructions and use the correct IRCC forms.

Declare interest and invitation steps

Begin by completing a declaration of interest in Arrima, Quebec’s online system.

This doesn’t grant permanent residence. It places your profile in the declaration of interest bank for consideration under the PSTQ.

If Quebec selects your profile, you’ll get an invitation to apply for permanent selection in your Arrima message centre. Strict deadlines then apply:

1. Accept the invitation within 30 days of the date it is issued.

2. Submit your application for permanent selection within 60 days of acceptance, with the required documents and fees (streams 1, 2 and 4, or stream 3 if you already hold proof of recognition from your regulatory authority).

3. Under Stream 3, if you don’t yet have proof of recognition from the regulatory authority, you have up to one year from acceptance to submit.

Quebec’s examination fee is CA$940 for the main applicant, plus CA$201 for a spouse or common-law partner and CA$201 for each dependent child (as of January 1, 2026; fees are adjusted every January 1 and are non-refundable).

Quebec immigration is separate from Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams used by other provinces.

Don’t submit an Express Entry profile for the PSTQ unless you also qualify under a separate federal program.

IRCC and provincial forms

Once Quebec issues your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), you need to complete the required IRCC permanent residence forms.

Get the current Quebec Skilled Worker application package and instructions directly from IRCC. Check the instructions for your eligibility category before filling out any form.

You may need to submit several forms together. Common federal forms include:

IRCC processes your permanent residence application. Quebec’s selection decision is a separate step.

Don’t mix up the PSTQ with the Self-Employed Persons Program or federal economic streams. Each has its own eligibility and form requirements.

Filing, signing and submitting evidence

Complete every required section of each form.

If a question doesn’t apply to you, follow the application guide instructions instead of leaving it blank. Incomplete forms can delay your case.

For the Quebec stage, scan supporting documents in colour and make sure they are legible and complete. Documents not written in French or English must be accompanied by a translation from a recognized translator.

Before submitting, make sure you:

• Signed all required forms
• Included all supporting documents listed in the instructions
• Submitted every required form in the package
• Didn’t include unnecessary personal information

Submit your application exactly as instructed in the official guide. Use IRCC’s submission process for your category.

Keep copies of everything you file, including forms and supporting evidence.

After IRCC grants you permanent resident status through Quebec immigration, you have legal status under federal law.

You must comply with IRCC requirements and remain admissible to Canada, as enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Work and study pathways after selection

Once IRCC approves your permanent residence application, you have the right to live in Canada as a permanent resident.

You don’t need to apply for temporary work or study permits through IRCC for regular employment or education activities linked to your permanent resident status.

You still have to follow federal and provincial rules that regulate certain occupations and educational institutions.

Quebec sets its own immigration selection rules, but IRCC issues your permanent resident status after you submit required federal forms such as:

• Form IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada)
• Form IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration)

IRCC assesses medical, security, and background requirements. CBSA checks admissibility at the border if you travel.

If you change employers, begin studies, or move within Canada, you don’t file a new permanent residence application. You keep your status as long as you meet IRCC’s legal obligations.

Next-step immigration pathways

After becoming a permanent resident through Quebec immigration, you might later consider federal programs if your situation changes.

Each pathway is managed by IRCC.

If you sponsor family members or support another applicant, IRCC may require forms such as IMM 0008 and IMM 5669 again for their file.

Quebec’s selection system is separate from Express Entry and most Provincial Nominee Program streams.

You need to review current eligibility rules directly with IRCC before starting any new immigration process.

Submitting an application under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) doesn’t guarantee approval.

If eligibility is unclear or documents are incomplete, the risk of refusal goes up.

Situations that benefit from expert guidance

Professional guidance is valuable if you’re unsure whether you or a family member meet eligibility requirements.

Applications that don’t meet program rules will be refused by IRCC.

Guidance is also helpful if you’re deciding between Quebec immigration and federal options such as:

Mistakes on required forms like Form IMM 0008 or Form IMM 5669 can lead to delays or refusal.

If you’re not sure how to complete these forms accurately, get help before submitting.

You should also seek help if:

• Your personal history is complex
• A family member may not qualify
• You’re unsure which documents IRCC requires

Expert tips to avoid delays

Follow the official IRCC instructions line by line.

Don’t assume experience under Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program applies to Quebec requirements.

Before you submit, check that you’ve included every required document. Missing documents cause delays or refusals.

Use this checklist:

• Review the latest IRCC application guide
• Complete IMM 0008 fully and consistently
• Complete IMM 5669 without gaps in personal history
• Make sure each supporting document matches the instructions
• Ensure information is consistent across all forms

If you’re uncertain about any requirement, confirm it directly through IRCC’s official guidance.

Careful preparation reduces delays and prevents refusals based on incomplete or inconsistent information.

IRCC calculates processing time using fixed start and end points.

You need to know exactly when the clock starts and stops to track your Quebec immigration file accurately.

How processing time is measured

IRCC measures processing time from the date it receives your complete permanent residence application until it makes a final decision.

“Complete” means all required forms, such as Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669, are filled out without missing fields or signatures.

If your package is missing required information, IRCC won’t treat it as complete. That delays the start of your processing time.

This approach applies to permanent residence streams handled by IRCC, including:

• Quebec immigration cases after selection
• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Self-Employed Persons Program

IRCC doesn’t measure processing time from the day you prepare documents or receive a Quebec selection decision. It starts only when IRCC physically receives a complete file.

Processing start and end points

Your processing time starts the day IRCC receives your complete permanent residence application.

For Quebec Skilled Worker applicants, this is after Quebec immigration authorities issue your selection and you submit your federal application package to IRCC.

The processing period ends when IRCC makes a decision on your permanent residence application. The decision could approve or refuse your case.

The timeline doesn’t end when you submit biometrics, respond to requests, or pass medical exams. It ends only when IRCC records a final decision.

You should:

1. Confirm all required forms are complete before submission.

2. Ensure required documents are included.

3. Keep proof of delivery showing when IRCC received your file.

Tracking these dates helps you understand your real processing window and manage expectations while IRCC reviews your application.

After you become a permanent resident through Quebec immigration, you apply for Canadian citizenship with IRCC.

You need to submit the correct citizenship forms and supporting documents directly to IRCC.

Forms and steps for citizenship

Apply for citizenship using the form that matches your age and situation. IRCC provides separate applications for adults and minors.

Common citizenship application forms

Steps include:

1. Confirm you meet citizenship eligibility requirements under the Citizenship Act.

2. Complete the correct CIT form.

3. Gather required documents and fees (see IRCC for the current amounts in CA$).

4. Submit your application to IRCC.

5. Respond to any IRCC requests for additional information.

If you immigrated through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) — or its predecessor, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program — Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or the Self-Employed Persons Program, the citizenship process is the same once you’re a permanent resident.

If you appoint someone to act for you, file IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative.

Documents referenced by IRCC

IRCC requires specific supporting documents with your citizenship application. You have to follow the document checklist that matches your form.

Key documents typically include:

• Proof of permanent resident status
• Identity documents
• Travel history and residence details
• Fee payment receipt (see IRCC’s fee schedule for current CA$ amounts)

IRCC sometimes issues tools and addenda for specific situations.

Your earlier permanent residence application likely included forms like Form IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada) and Form IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration). You don’t need to resubmit those for citizenship, but IRCC may compare past information for consistency.

Always use the most recent version of each IRCC form before applying.

You must keep your Permanent Resident (PR) card valid to travel back to Canada by commercial carrier. IRCC processes PR card renewals separately from permanent residence applications submitted through Quebec immigration, Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or the Self-Employed Persons Program.

Fees and biometrics for identity checks

When you apply for permanent residence through Quebec immigration or another federal program, IRCC charges specific processing and identity verification fees.

The CA$1,590 total for a principal applicant includes the CA$990 processing fee and the CA$600 right of permanent residence fee, reflecting IRCC’s April 30, 2026 fee increase.

You submit IMM 0008 as part of your permanent residence application, not for a PR card renewal. IRCC may also require background details through forms like Form IMM 5669, depending on the program.

Biometrics fees apply per person, up to a maximum of CA$170 for a family applying together. IRCC uses biometrics to confirm identity and conduct security checks.

Group and related fee notes

Family fee caps apply to some temporary applications, not to permanent residence processing fees. For example, IRCC caps the visitor visa (temporary resident visa) fee at CA$500 per family when family members apply at the same time and place and the children qualify as dependants.

Work permit fees follow different rules.

A maximum group fee may apply to three or more performing artists and their staff if they apply together at the same place.

PR card renewals are separate from work permit applications and permanent residence forms such as IMM 0008.

You pay government fees and wait for IRCC to finalize your permanent residence after Quebec selects you. As of July 2026, IRCC’s published processing time for Quebec Skilled Worker permanent residence applications is about 11 months, but your timeline depends on several variables.

Current fees and biometrics

You pay permanent residence fees directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after Quebec approves you and issues your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). IRCC sets the official fee amounts in CAD (CA$) and adjusts permanent residence fees every two years — most recently on April 30, 2026.

Current amounts:

• Processing fee (principal applicant): CA$990
• Right of permanent residence fee: CA$600
• Accompanying spouse or partner: CA$990 processing fee plus CA$600 right of permanent residence fee
• Each dependent child: CA$270
• Biometrics: CA$85 per person (maximum CA$170 for a family applying together)

Biometrics means giving your fingerprints and photo at an authorized collection point. IRCC will instruct you if biometrics apply to your case.

Your application package typically includes federal forms such as:

• Form IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada)
• Form IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration)

Quebec immigration selection does not replace federal processing. IRCC still conducts medical, criminal, and background checks before granting permanent residence.

Processing time estimates and variables

As of July 2026, IRCC lists the federal processing time for the Quebec Skilled Worker category at:

The Quebec selection stage runs on its own clock. In mid-2026, the Ministère was examining PSTQ applications received in October and November 2025, and since May 13, 2026 it has prioritized applicants in Quebec whose work permits are expired or about to expire.

The processing times vary by:

• Application category
• Processing location
• Volume of applications received
• Annual immigration levels

If you live outside Canada or the United States, add 3 to 4 months for mailing and document transfer time.

IRCC may take longer to review non-routine applications. Delays can occur if background checks are complex or if application volumes exceed annual admission targets.

This timeline differs from programs such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or the Self-Employed Persons Program, which operate under separate processing streams and timelines.

How processing times are calculated

IRCC calculates processing times based on how long it takes to finalize most complete applications.

The posted timeframe represents:

• The estimated time to process an application received today, or
• The estimated time to reach a final decision for applications submitted in a specific month and year

IRCC updates these estimates regularly to reflect real case volumes and processing performance.

If your file requires additional review, IRCC may move it outside standard timelines. Non-routine cases often involve extended background screening or document verification.

The processing times also reflect annual immigration limits. If more people apply than Canada can admit in a given year, some files may carry over into the next processing cycle.

You can track your application status through your IRCC account after submission.

You qualify under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) — which replaced the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW) on November 29, 2024 — only if you submit a declaration of interest through Arrima, receive an invitation, and meet the requirements of the stream that matches your main occupation. Quebec immigration operates separately from federal programs such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and other Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

The four PSTQ streams

Your main occupation’s “training, education, experience and responsibilities” (FEER) category under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) determines your stream.

French levels refer to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français. For streams 1, 2 and 3, an accompanying spouse must also show oral French at level 4 or higher.

For all streams, you must also sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract (covering your first three months as a permanent resident) and obtain the Attestation of learning of democratic and Québec values (accompanying family members aged 18 or over need one too).

Quebec immigration decisions under the PSTQ differ from federal pathways managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) or the Self-Employed Persons Program.

IRCC processes permanent residence applications after Quebec selects you, but Quebec controls the selection stage.

PSTQ: Arrima declaration

You must first submit a declaration of interest through the Arrima platform. This step is mandatory.

Your declaration signals that you want to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker.

Quebec uses this system to identify candidates who match its labor and selection priorities.

Follow these steps:

1. Complete and submit your Arrima declaration of interest.

2. Ensure your profile accurately reflects your main occupation, French-language ability, education, and experience.

3. Wait for Quebec to review and invite candidates based on the PSTQ scoring system and program needs.

Submitting a declaration does not guarantee selection. Quebec chooses candidates who both meet the criteria and align with its priorities at the time of the draw — through 2025 and 2026, draws have favored people already living in Quebec, French speakers, and workers in the regions.

This process is separate from Express Entry and other Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

Conditional eligibility rules

You must satisfy all program requirements to be eligible for selection. Partial compliance does not qualify you.

Key conditions include:

• Completing a declaration of interest in Arrima
• Receiving an invitation and accepting it within 30 days
• Meeting the general requirements and your stream’s specific criteria, including French

If Quebec selects you, it issues a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), and you then proceed with the permanent residence process handled by IRCC. At that stage, you submit the required federal forms, such as Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669, as part of your permanent residence application.

Quebec controls selection under the PSTQ. IRCC manages the permanent residence application after selection.

Most refusals under Quebec immigration streams result from preventable application errors. You can avoid many problems by submitting complete, accurate forms and following document instructions exactly as written by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Incomplete or incorrect information

IRCC frequently delays or refuses applications because forms contain missing fields, inconsistent answers, or unsupported claims. Even minor omissions can affect your file.

You must complete every required form in full, including Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669, if they apply to your case.

Do not leave blanks unless the form instructions allow it. Ensure dates, employment history, and personal details match across all documents.

Common issues include:

• Missing signatures
• Unanswered background questions
• Inconsistent job titles or dates
• Failure to include all required supporting documents

Use this checklist before submission:

If your application appears incomplete, IRCC may return it or refuse it without further review.

Other common application weaknesses

Weak applications often show patterns of carelessness rather than ineligibility. Errors suggest that the information may not be reliable.

You increase refusal risk when you:

• Submit documents that do not match the instructions
• Provide unclear or conflicting personal history
• Omit required details in your background declarations

Quebec immigration programs operate separately from Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) and other federal streams such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Self-Employed Persons Program.

Do not assume that requirements from one program apply to another.

Review the official instructions for your specific Quebec immigration pathway. Follow them exactly. Precision and completeness protect your application from avoidable refusal.