Navigating Quebec’s PSTQ and Arrima Portal in 2025
CSQ Processing Times and Federal PR Application Steps
Summary
Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan aims to admit between 48,500 and 51,500 new permanent residents under its regular immigration stream, balancing labour market demands and demographic objectives. New skilled worker applicants must apply through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024. Expressions of Interest are submitted via the Arrima portal, where candidates are scored on factors such as French proficiency, education, and work experience. A temporary moratorium on new PSTQ and Québec Experience Program (PEQ) applications is in effect until June 30, 2025, pausing most invitation rounds for skilled workers and graduates. Successful candidates receive a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and then apply to IRCC for permanent residence, with CSQ processing times averaging 3–9 months and federal PR processing an additional 6–12 months.
On This Page You Will Find:
- A concise Summary of Quebec’s 2025 admission targets and program changes
- Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan and admission goals
- Skilled Worker Pathways under PSTQ and the transition from PRTQ
- Expression of Interest via Arrima portal mechanics
- Moratorium Impact on PSTQ & PEQ until June 30, 2025
- Selection Criteria emphasizing French proficiency and scoring factors
- Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and subsequent federal PR application
- Processing Times for CSQ and PR stages
- A brief Conclusion with applicant takeaways
Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan
Quebec’s Immigration Plan for 2025 was tabled on October 31, 2024 and sets targets to admit between 48,500 and 51,500 permanent residents under the regular stream. These targets align with Quebec’s broader 2024–2025 planning orientations to support economic growth while managing demographic pressures. The plan also introduces temporary suspension measures for PSTQ and PEQ to control growth in permanent immigration.
Skilled Worker Pathways
Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
As of November 29, 2024, Quebec replaced its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) with the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). Only candidates who received invitations before that date can still apply under PRTQ criteria. The PSTQ requires eligible candidates to obtain an invitation to submit a permanent selection application. The PSTQ operates via a Declaration of Interest system similar to federal models.
Expression of Interest via Arrima
Prospective skilled workers must file an Expression of Interest through the Arrima portal, managed by Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). Arrima allows candidates to register profiles free of charge and is used for PSTQ, PEQ, and other pilot programs. Profiles are scored on human capital and labour market criteria—French proficiency, education, work experience, and validated job offers—with invitations communicated via the Arrima message centre.
Moratorium Impact on PSTQ & PEQ
To manage housing and integration pressures, Quebec imposed a moratorium on new PSTQ and PEQ applications until June 30, 2025. This pause temporarily halts most invitation rounds for skilled workers and graduates, affecting the timing of candidate selection.
Selection Criteria
Under PSTQ, candidates must demonstrate a minimum level 7 oral proficiency in French according to Quebec’s proficiency scale. Other scoring factors include education, skilled work experience, age, and valid job offers. Economic immigration targets for 2025 include 30,600–32,350 skilled workers and 400–500 business immigrants. Rankings are based on a 1,320-point system tailored to Quebec’s labour needs.
Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and Federal PR Application
Selected applicants receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which they must include in their permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Upon receiving a CSQ, candidates have a 60-day window to submit their federal PR application and pay associated fees.
Processing Times
CSQ processing currently averages 3–9 months, depending on application volumes and completeness. After CSQ issuance, IRCC’s federal PR processing can take an additional 6–12 months, varying by visa office and applicant-specific factors.
Conclusion
Prospective applicants destined for Quebec in 2025 should prioritize strengthening their French language skills, accurately completing their Arrima profile, and closely monitoring invitation rounds following the moratorium. A clear understanding of Quebec’s unique selection streams and admission targets is essential to align candidate profiles with provincial priorities and maximize the likelihood of a successful permanent residence application.
