SWSP — Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Canada•North America

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SWSP — Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

17-21 months

Application Fee

2,615 CAD

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Allowed

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Quebec's points-based permanent residence pathway for skilled workers. This program officially replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024.

The PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) is Quebec's points-based permanent immigration program for skilled workers. Replacing the PRTQ in November 2024, it uses an Expression of Interest in Arrima and four streams based on occupation type, awarding priority to French-speaking candidates.

Applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), then apply for federal PR — a two-stage process of 17–21 months total. Fees include CAD 940 (Quebec) plus CAD 990 federal processing and a CAD 600 RPRF. Spouses and dependents are included; bridging work permits are available while awaiting PR.

This visa is ideal for skilled workers with French proficiency who intend to settle and work in Quebec and want a transparent points-based route to Canadian permanent residence.

Fee Breakdown

Quebec Selection Principal Applicant	940 CAD
Federal Processing Fee	990 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	600 CAD
Biometrics Fee	85 CAD

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

45,000 to 50,000 total admissions

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must intend to reside and work in the province of Quebec.

Must qualify under one of the four PSTQ streams.

Must score sufficient points on the Quebec Selection Grid.

Must obtain an Attestation of Learning about Democratic Values and Quebec Values.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and civil status documents

Diplomas and transcripts

Detailed work experience letters

Official French language test results

Proof of financial self-sufficiency

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Direct path to PR
Points-based transparency
Family inclusion

Worth Knowing

Mandatory French proficiency
Long processing times
Quebec-specific residency requirement
Insufficient points on selection grid
Lack of mandatory French proficiency for specific streams
Failure to complete Quebec Values test

Application Process

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in Arrima

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Submit Application for Permanent Selection (DSP)

Complete Quebec Values test

Receive CSQ

Submit PR application to IRCC

Complete biometrics and medicals

Receive PR approval

Application Forms

Go to application portal

MIFI Arrima Portal	Fill online
IRCC Permanent Residence Portal	Fill online

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in Arrima; Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA); Submit Application…	quebec.ca
Dependent Visa	Spouses/partners and dependent children can be included in the application.	quebec.ca
Fee Breakdown	Quebec Selection Principal Applicant: 940 CAD; Federal Processing Fee: 990 CAD; Right of Permanent R…	quebec.ca
Fees	CAD 2,615 (Quebec Selection 940 + Federal 990 + RPRF 600 + Biometrics 85)	immigcanada.com
Forms	MIFI Arrima Portal; IRCC Permanent Residence Portal	arrima.mifi.gouv.qc.ca
Job Offer Required	false	quebec.ca
Language Req	French proficiency mandatory for Streams 1, 2, and 3 (oral: Level 7+, written: Level 5+ on Échelle q…	quebec.ca
Application Portal	https://arrima.mifi.gouv.qc.ca/	quebec.ca

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