The only program that allows qualified workers to apply to live in Quebec is the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ or Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés). That is, for the time being, since the situation could change with the appointment of a new Quebec premier.
In the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership race, candidates discussed the possibility of temporarily bringing back the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ or Programme de l’expérience québécoise). Whether that happens or not, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ or Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) is currently the only way for qualified workers to immigrate permanently to Quebec.
How does it work and how is the PSTQ different from previous programs? We asked these questions to two lawyers specialized in immigration law, Me Patrice Brunet and Me Julien Otis-Bouchart d’Orval.
Better control
According to Me Brunet, the government’s objective with the introduction of the PSTQ is to have more flexibility and predictability to answer workforce demands in Quebec. It also aims to better control applications for Quebec Selection Certificates. As a reminder, residents in Quebec must submit a Quebec Selection Certificate when they apply for permanent residence.
The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is fundamentally different from the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) specifies the lawyer. “The PEQ is a program where the government didn’t have any control,” he says. “If candidates met a few of the existing criteria, whether students or workers, the government’s hands were tied. They were forced to issue a Quebec Selection Certificate.”
The obligation to issue a certificate to a qualified person doesn’t exist anymore with the PSTQ, says the lawyer. The qualified worker has to sign up to the program.The government then sends invitations to specific people so that they can make a request for a Quebec Selection Certificate. Invitations are sent based on criteria that can change over time.
These criteria can sometimes depend on a specific region or profession that has a labour shortage at a particular time.
A point system
When a qualified worker signs up to the program, they accumulate points. “Points are calculated based on many factors, such as someone’s age, level of education, level of experience, knowledge of French and whether they have minor children,” states Me Brunet.
Living outside of the Greater Montreal Area can also allow someone to accumulate points, adds Me Otis-Bouchart d’Orval.
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To summarize, here are some conditions that can allow someone to be prioritized in the process:
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A four-stream program
When a person applies to the PSTQ, they have to find the code that corresponds to their job by referring to the National Occupational Classification. This code determines which stream, or which category, of the program applies to the applicant. “[This classification] categorizes every job we can think of,” explains Me Brunet. “Our job as lawyers is to make sure the worker’s job description matches the right profession.”
The PSTQ is divided in four streams:
- Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills
- Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills
- Stream 3: Regulated professions
- Stream 4: Exceptional talent
Since requirements vary from one stream to another, does a person who wants to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate by applying to this program need a legal professional’s help?
“Anyone can represent themselves in court or file their own tax return. By the same logic, anyone can submit their own immigration request,” answers Me Brunet.
However, many choose to hire a legal professional to file their immigration request, he states. “First off, because the process is very complicated in 2026. Secondly, because there is no room for error,” warns the lawyer. “If there’s a small mistake […] the request will generally be refused with no opportunity for appeal or revision.”
But it remains a personal choice, despite the uncertainty caused by the end of the Quebec Experience Program. This uncertainty is further fueled by the program’s possible return, at least temporarily, to allow people already in Quebec to receive their Quebec Selection Certificate.
In addition, some individuals are unable to renew their federal work permit, leaving them no time to apply to the PSTQ and receive an invitation.
The interviews with Me Patrice Brunet and Me Julien Otis-Bouchart d’Orval were conducted in French. All quotes in this text have been translated into English.