Quebec PSTQ’s First Invitation: Are You on the “Priority List”?

By Wei Zou (RCIC – Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant)

On July 22, 2025, Quebec officially launched the first round of invitations under the new PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) system.

Have you already submitted your Arrima profile? Do you know which “invitation stream” you fall under? Have you updated your information according to the new system?

This round of invitations primarily targets two groups:

• Highly Skilled Professionals (Volet 1)

• Exceptional Talents (Volet 4)

Put simply, if you have Quebec-based education or work experience, solid French skills, and you work in an in-demand sector, this is your window of opportunity.

Why Does This PSTQ Invitation Matter?

Quebec has always had a reputation for slow immigration processing and tight quotas. This “breakthrough” rapid invitation marks two major changes:

1️⃣ PSTQ Fully Replaces the Old QSWP

PSTQ introduces a new points system combined with targeted invitations. No longer is “high score” a guarantee—instead, it’s about multi-dimensional matching and precision selection.This first round is focused on people already living in Quebec, especially those with strong language skills and local experience.

2️⃣ The Government Is Sending an Urgent Signal for In-Demand Talent

PSTQ clearly targets candidates who can “hit the ground running”—including international students and workers in Quebec’s regions, as well as those with Quebec experience, strong French, and an in-demand occupation.

Sample In-Demand Occupations:

• Healthcare professionals

• Engineers

• IT specialists

• Educators

• Skilled trades in construction and manufacturing

(For a detailed list, please refer to the official Quebec government website.)

Why Some High-Scoring Candidates Missed Out

Many applicants with seemingly strong profiles were not invited because of these key oversights:

• Outdated Arrima Profiles:Many who submitted profiles before 2024 did not update their information under the new rules and were simply ignored by the system.

• Incorrect Stream (Volet) Matching:PSTQ categorizes applicants into four different streams, each with its own weighting and invitation strategy. If you’re not matched to the right stream, even a high score may not help.

• French Language Skills Not Properly Demonstrated:Quebec is not a place where “the highest points always win.” Actual French proficiency and community integration weigh more than numbers.

• Occupation Not in the “In-Demand” List:Experience in high-demand sectors—such as education, healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction—gives a distinct edge.

Consultant’s Advice

✅ Log in to Arrima and Update Your Profile NowEnsure your language results, education credentials, and work history are up-to-date, and clarify your Volet assignment.

✅ Align Your Occupation and Region with DemandNot everyone should aim for “the highest points.” Strategic planning and proper packaging can help you enter the priority pool.

✅ Leverage Quebec’s Regional Advantage PoliciesIf you studied or worked in Quebec’s regions, or currently live outside Montreal’s core, you are likely to be prioritized.

✅ Don’t Wait for “Clearer” Policies—The Process Has Already BegunInvitations have already been sent, and more will be issued in the coming weeks. If you haven’t optimized your profile or strategy, you’re losing your chance.

What Signals Is Quebec Sending?

• Local experience + French language skills are now the “hard currency.”

• The government is making the selection process more proactive and focused on retaining local talent.

• Applicants outside Quebec still have a chance—but must be more strategic and targeted than ever.

PSTQ is now fully operational. This is no longer a “plan”—it’s an active selection process. Are you ready to make the right moves for your immigration status, career, and family’s future? The next round of invitations could come any day.

For one-on-one assessments, profile diagnostics, or customized immigration planning:

📧 info@createca.ca📍 Richmond, BC or Online

WeChat: whyelva

WhatsApp: +1 604-719-5340

Consultations by appointment only.

Author: Wei ZouRCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant)

Specialist in status planning, employer sponsorship, and career-education pathways.

If you need help preparing or optimizing your profile, feel free to reach out for a professional assessment. The window is open—don’t let it close on you!