Quebec Issues More Than 200 Invitations for Provincial Immigration

In a significant move to address its labor market needs and promote local integration, Quebec issued over 200 invitations in 2025 through its Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). This targeted approach reflects the province’s evolving immigration strategy, which prioritizes French language proficiency, specific occupational demands, and the integration of skilled workers into Quebec society.

The invitations were extended via the Arrima system, a digital platform used by Quebec to manage expressions of interest from potential immigrants. The latest rounds, conducted in July and August 2025, focused on highly educated professionals and individuals with exceptional talent, aligning with the province’s economic priorities and demographic goals.

Quebec’s immigration system operates independently of the federal Express Entry system, with distinct criteria and streams tailored to the province’s unique needs. The PSTQ program is divided into four main streams, each designed to address specific labor market requirements. These streams include:

• Highly qualified professionals with specialized skills
• Intermediate and manual skills workers
• Regulated professions requiring provincial licensing
• Exceptional talent with recognized achievements

In the August 28, 2025, draw alone, 231 invitations were issued under the PSTQ program. The majority of these—227 invitations—went to professionals under Stream 1, who demonstrated advanced French proficiency (oral level 7, written level 5) and at least 12 months of recent experience in high-demand occupations classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as FEER 0–2 jobs. Stream 4, targeting exceptional talent, also saw invitations during this round.

All candidates invited in the August draw had to meet a minimum Arrima score of 760, ensuring they met the program’s rigorous selection criteria. Additionally, applicants physically present in Quebec at the time of the draw were prioritized, emphasizing the province’s focus on retaining talent already integrated into the local economy.

Quebec’s immigration strategy also places a strong emphasis on French language ability, not only for principal applicants but also for their spouses. Spouses included in applications were required to demonstrate at least an oral French level of 4, further reinforcing the province’s commitment to linguistic and cultural integration.

These recent invitation rounds highlight Quebec’s adaptive approach to immigration, balancing economic needs with social integration. By targeting highly skilled, French-speaking professionals and exceptional talent, the province aims to address specific labor shortages while preserving its unique cultural identity.

Key Features and Breakdown of Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Strategy

Quebec’s Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) in 2025 has been characterized by its highly targeted approach, with invitations issued through four distinct streams. These streams are designed to address specific labor market needs while ensuring strong integration into Quebec society.

PSTQ Streams and Invitation Breakdown

The PSTQ program is divided into four main streams, each with unique focus areas and requirements:

• Stream 1: Highly qualified professionals – Targets individuals with specialized skills in high-demand occupations (FEER 0–2 jobs). Applicants must have at least 12 months of experience, advanced French proficiency (oral level 7, written level 5), and a local diploma. Invitations for this stream were issued in July and August 2025.
• Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills workers – Focuses on occupations classified under FEER 3–5 jobs, requiring intermediate French proficiency (oral level 5). Invitations for this stream were issued in July 2025.
• Stream 3: Regulated professions – Requires provincial licensing for regulated professions. No invitations were issued under this stream in July 2025.
• Stream 4: Exceptional talent – Targets individuals with recognized achievements and at least 36 months of experience, often requiring partner endorsements. Invitations for this stream were issued in July and August 2025.

Recent Invitation Rounds

On August 28, 2025, Quebec issued 231 invitations under the PSTQ program. Stream 1 received the majority of these invitations, with 227 going to highly qualified professionals. Stream 4 also saw invitations for individuals with exceptional talent. All candidates required a minimum Arrima score of 760 and had to be physically present in Quebec at the time of the draw.

In addition to the regular streams, Quebec issued 11 special invitations in July 2025 under sections 26 and 47 of its immigration rules. These invitations targeted candidates who met unique labor or demographic needs, further demonstrating the province’s adaptive approach to immigration.

Distinctive Criteria and Exclusions

Quebec’s immigration process excludes certain occupations restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, such as law enforcement and military roles. Instead, the program focuses on sectors open to newcomers, ensuring alignment with the province’s economic priorities.

Regulated professions under Stream 3 require Quebec-specific licensing, and no invitations were issued for these professions in July 2025. The program also emphasizes French-language ability for both principal applicants and their spouses, with spouses required to demonstrate at least an oral French level of 4.

The Arrima Points System

The Arrima system uses a points-based ranking to evaluate candidates. In 2025, only profiles meeting a minimum score of 760 were invited to apply for permanent selection. This threshold ensures that only highly qualified candidates proceed in the process.

Candidates who submitted their declaration of interest before the program changes effective on November 29, 2024, were required to update their profiles to reflect the new criteria. This ensures that all applicants are evaluated under the same standards.

Applicant Experience

The 2025 invitation rounds have primarily targeted candidates already living in Quebec, particularly those with local educational credentials and work experience in high-demand occupations. This approach reflects Quebec’s strategy to retain talent already integrated into the local economy and society.

By focusing on highly skilled, French-speaking professionals and exceptional talent, Quebec aims to address specific labor shortages while preserving its unique cultural and linguistic identity. The ongoing draws and program adaptations highlight the province’s commitment to a balanced immigration strategy that prioritizes both economic needs and social integration.

Conclusion

Quebec’s issuance of over 200 invitations through the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) in 2025 underscores its strategic approach to immigration. By prioritizing highly skilled professionals, exceptional talent, and French language proficiency, the province aims to address labor market needs while fostering cultural and social integration. The focus on streams tailored to specific occupational demands and the emphasis on local presence highlight Quebec’s commitment to a balanced immigration strategy that supports economic growth and preserves its unique identity.

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