On This Page, You Will Find
- Key features of Quebec’s new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
- How the PSTQ differs from the previous Regular Skilled Worker Program
- Points grid, eligibility requirements, and Arrima portal submission process
- Overview of Quebec’s two-year suspension on family reunification sponsorships
- Legal and policy implications for immigration practitioners and affected families
Quebec’s immigration landscape is undergoing a profound transformation with the long-anticipated launch of the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and a contentious suspension of family reunification sponsorships for certain categories. These changes collectively mark a strategic recalibration of the province’s immigration priorities—one that strongly emphasizes economic integration while drawing criticism for restricting family unity pathways.
A New Era for Skilled Immigration: The PSTQ
The official introduction of the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) signals a pivotal evolution in Quebec’s economic immigration framework. Replacing the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), the PSTQ aims to better align immigrant selection with Quebec’s labour market needs, regional development objectives, and linguistic integration goals. After administrative delays, a ministerial order on July 2, 2025, confirmed the PSTQ’s operational framework, setting the stage for its activation.
The PSTQ is structured around four targeted streams: highly qualified and specialized workers, intermediate and manual labourers, regulated professionals, and individuals with exceptional talent. All candidates must submit a declaration of interest through the Arrima portal, which remains the central digital intake system. Profiles are ranked automatically using a revamped points grid expanded to 1,400 points, enabling a more nuanced assessment of each applicant’s potential contribution to Quebec society.
A defining feature of the PSTQ is its strong emphasis on French-language proficiency, Quebec-based education and work experience, and a demonstrated willingness to settle outside the Montréal metropolitan area. This scoring model reflects Quebec’s enduring commitment to promoting linguistic and geographic dispersion, awarding substantial points for French skills and regional settlement. Applicants with local ties and in-demand occupations stand to benefit significantly under this system.
While the PSTQ introduces welcome transparency with published invitation criteria and scoring thresholds, it also raises the bar for applicants. The mandatory French language requirement for most streams, consistent with Quebec’s integration priorities, may limit access for skilled workers from non-Francophone backgrounds. Additionally, the increased complexity of the points grid could disadvantage candidates unfamiliar with Quebec’s context or lacking access to expert immigration advice.
Nonetheless, the PSTQ’s design offers structural improvements tailored to Quebec’s economic realities, promising faster and more sustainable integration outcomes. For immigration lawyers, the program opens new advisory avenues in strategic application planning, credential recognition, and regional settlement support. The upcoming self-assessment tool will further empower legal practitioners to guide clients through the system with precision.
A Stark Pause on Family Reunification
In sharp contrast to progress in skilled immigration, Quebec’s recent decision to suspend new sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, and dependent adult children until June 25, 2026, marks a regressive turn in family immigration policy. Announced by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) on July 9, 2025, this moratorium has sparked widespread concern among legal and immigrant communities.
The suspension is justified by Quebec’s claim to have reached its intake cap of 10,400 applications for the 2024–2026 period. However, this is not a mere administrative backlog but a blanket freeze lasting two years, affecting some of the most fundamental family relationships. Applications submitted after the cap are returned unprocessed and without fees, with exceptions only for minor children, adopted children, and dependents with disabilities.
This policy shift threatens to undermine family support—a critical factor in successful immigrant integration. By closing spousal and adult child sponsorships, Quebec risks weakening the social cohesion and labour force participation it seeks to bolster through skilled immigration reforms. The freeze also imposes significant emotional and financial hardships on immigrant families already navigating resettlement challenges.
From a legal standpoint, the suspension raises equity concerns and may invite scrutiny under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, especially for immigrants residing in Quebec who face prolonged separation from close family members. Ottawa may also consider measures to accept sponsorship applications, exceptionally, without Quebec endorsement.
A Mixed Message on Quebec’s Immigration Priorities
Together, these policy directions reveal a profound shift in Quebec’s immigration strategy. The PSTQ offers a modern, data-driven, and labour-market-responsive framework for skilled worker selection, prioritizing integration through language and local experience. Conversely, the indefinite freeze on family sponsorships sends a chilling signal regarding the province’s commitment to humanitarian values and the central role of family in immigrant life.
For immigration lawyers, these developments demand a dual approach. Advising skilled worker candidates now requires maximizing PSTQ scores through language preparation, credential evaluation, and regional ties. Simultaneously, counsel for affected families must focus on mitigation strategies, including exploring federal immigration pathways where possible, advocating for policy reform, and supporting clients through distress and delays.
As Quebec’s immigration policy continues to evolve, the legal community will be crucial in ensuring that economic priorities do not eclipse the fundamental importance of family unity. The PSTQ may well serve as a blueprint for efficient skilled immigration—but it must not come at the expense of closing doors to loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PSTQ and how does it differ from the previous Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) replaces the Regular Skilled Worker Program. It features a more detailed points system, four specialized streams, and a strong focus on French language skills and regional settlement.
How are candidates assessed under the new PSTQ?
Candidates are evaluated using a revamped 1,400-point grid based on education, work experience, language proficiency, Quebec ties, and settlement outside Montréal. Profiles must be submitted through the Arrima portal.
Who is affected by Quebec’s suspension of family reunification applications?
The suspension applies to sponsorships for spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, and dependent adult children. It excludes minor children, adopted children, and dependents with disabilities.
Why did Quebec freeze family sponsorships until June 2026?
Quebec says it reached its application cap of 10,400 for the 2024–2026 period. However, critics argue the freeze harms family unity and imposes emotional and financial stress on immigrants.
Can families explore federal options if blocked by Quebec’s moratorium?
Yes, in some cases. While Quebec controls family sponsorships within the province, legal experts may explore federal alternatives or challenge the policy’s fairness based on constitutional rights.
