A major change has just reshaped the provincial immigration path for skilled workers in Canada’s largest French-speaking province. As of November 29, 2024, the Quebec PSTQ program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) officially replaced the former skilled worker category PRTQ (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés). This is an event that anyone pursuing Quebec skilled worker immigration needs to understand clearly, since the rules around French language, how applications are categorized into streams, and the timing of invitations have all changed. The My Second World team has put together the full timeline so you have an accurate picture.
How the Quebec PSTQ program came about
Quebec is the only province in Canada with the authority to select economic immigration candidates under its own criteria, separate from the federal Express Entry system. Previously, the province selected skilled workers through the PRTQ category, which did not require candidates to know French. However, to address labor shortages and preserve the French language, the Quebec government overhauled its entire economic immigration system.
Theo According to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration of Quebec (MIFI), the Quebec PSTQ program officially took effect on November 29, 2024 and completely replaced the former PRTQ category. The program’s goal is to select people with French proficiency and skills sufficient to integrate into the labor market in their own field, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.
Invitations paused, then selection reopened
The transition between the two programs brought a “freeze” period that left many Vietnamese candidates uncertain. Specifically, Quebec paused issuing permanent residence application invitations from October 31, 2024. During this time, no draws were held, even for applications submitted earlier.
Selection only reopened on June 30, 2025, this time entirely under the framework of the Quebec PSTQ program. When it resumed, the first invitation rounds prioritized people already living in Quebec, before gradually expanding further. This means candidates abroad need to prepare their applications thoroughly and patiently track each invitation round published on the Arrima portal.
Four selection streams under the Quebec PSTQ program
The core difference between the Quebec PSTQ program and the former PRTQ category is that applications are now divided into four separate streams (volets), each serving a different occupational group and skill level. According to the Government of Quebec, the four streams are:
- Stream 1 – High skills and expertise: for occupations requiring a high level of qualification and expertise, assessed by occupational classification group and accumulated work experience.
- Stream 2 – Intermediate and manual skills: for occupations at an intermediate skill level and manual labor jobs.
- Stream 3 – Regulated occupations: mandatory for those whose primary declared occupation is one that is regulated or requires a professional license in Quebec.
- Stream 4 – Exceptional talent: for candidates with outstanding abilities, a rare exception that may be exempt from the French language requirement.
Determining the correct stream from the outset is crucial, as each stream has different French proficiency thresholds and scoring methods. Declaring the wrong stream can lead to an application being rejected or missing the chance to receive an invitation.
French language requirements far stricter than the old category
This is the change with the most direct and significant impact on Vietnamese candidates. The former PRTQ category did not require French, and many people could apply with just strong English. But under the Quebec PSTQ program, nearly every economic immigration category in the province now requires French, except for a very small number of exceptional talent cases.
The required French level varies by stream and is measured on Quebec’s French proficiency scale (Échelle québécoise). In simple terms, candidates need to demonstrate listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French at a certain level before being considered for an invitation. As a result, a study plan and French test for Canadian immigration is now a step that cannot be skipped if you are targeting Quebec, instead of focusing solely on English as before.
What those who already submitted an EOI need to do now
If you previously submitted an expression of interest (EOI) on the Arrima portal before November 29, 2024, that profile is not automatically canceled. However, to be considered under the new framework, candidates need to update their EOI profile so that it accurately reflects the criteria of the Quebec PSTQ program, including information on French proficiency, occupation, and the appropriate stream.
The Arrima portal remains the only place to declare interest and receive official invitations. Since invitation rounds are now assessed based on scores and criteria specific to each stream, an old, unupdated EOI profile will struggle to compete. In addition, the more complete a profile is with evidence of French proficiency, experience and qualifications, the higher the chance of being selected for an invitation.
Significance for Vietnamese candidates
Quebec operates its own mechanism, so it does not fall under the same Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) group as usual, though it is still fundamentally a provincial immigration pathway where the province selects its own candidates. Under the Quebec PSTQ program, the advantage now clearly favors those who know French, have studied or worked in Quebec, and work in a sector facing labor shortages.
Therefore, Vietnamese workers interested in Quebec should decide early: either invest seriously in French to meet the required threshold, or consider federal pathways through Express Entry and the PNP of English-speaking provinces. Each direction has its own pros and cons depending on the individual’s profile, occupation and language ability.
Summary
The launch of the Quebec PSTQ program on November 29, 2024 marks a turning point: the former PRTQ category has closed, the French language requirement has become an almost mandatory condition, applications are now divided into four clear streams, and selection only reopened on June 30, 2025. For Vietnamese candidates, this is both a language challenge and an opportunity if prepared in the right direction from the start. The My Second World team recommends that you review your EOI profile in Arrima, build a French learning plan suited to your intended stream, and always cross-check information against official sources from the Government of Quebec before making decisions. If you need a specific profile assessment, we are ready to accompany you.
