Expression of Interest System (EOI)
Welcome to Quebec’s dynamic Expression of Interest System, your gateway to the coveted Quebec Skilled Worker program.
Note: The Quebec government officially rebranded the ‘Expression of Interest (EOI)’ to ‘Declaration of Interest’ under the new PSTQ system. Both terms are currently used; ‘Declaration of Interest’ is the current official term.
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ – Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) invites immigrants with a special skill set to permanently settle in Quebec to meet the labor market needs. This program receives applications from skilled workers in the form of an Online Expression of Interest (EOI). Basis this information, an applicant is assessed and ranked against other applicants in the pool.
Navigate this streamlined process so that candidates with exceptional credentials take the lead in Quebec’s immigration pursuit.
What is the Quebec Expression of Interest System?
The Quebec Expression of Interest points system strategically ranks profiles, allowing the best to shine. The EOI is submitted through Arrima. From the date of submission, the EOIs are valid for one year and can be updated at any time, even after submission.
It is administrated under the vigil of Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). This federal authority organizes regular rounds of the invitations of the selected candidates’ basis their processing capacity and the annual Quebec Immigration Levels Plan.
Under the 2026–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, Quebec’s annual permanent resident target is 45,000, with 64% allocated to economic immigrants. MIFI now has greater discretion in setting selection criteria and issuing invitations, prioritizing French proficiency, Quebec-based experience, and regional settlement.
Related Links:
Quebec Skilled Worker
Arrima Portal
PEQ
Quebec Immigration Levels Plan
How the Quebec EOI System Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Submission of EOI Profile: Begin your journey by submitting an Expression of Interest profile online through Arrima.
- Pooling and Ranking: Profiles enter a pool, where a 1,400-point system ranks them against each other. These profiles remain valid for one year.
- Invitation to Apply: The highest-ranking candidates receive invitations for the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) through periodic draws.
- Full Application Submission: Invited candidates have a generous 60 days to submit a comprehensive application, progressing to the next phase.
- Nomination Certificate and Federal Application: Approved candidates, armed with a nomination certificate (CSQ), can then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.
Requirements for Quebec Expression of Interest (EOI)
The points system hinges on two categories of factors: primary applicant factors and additional factors.
Primary Applicant Factors
- Education and professional training (max 14 points)
- Training area – aligned with Quebec labour market needs (max 12 points)
- Work experience over the past five years (max 8 points)
- Age candidates aged 18–35 receive the highest scores (max 16 points)
- Language proficiency, French is the primary language and is heavily weighted; English proficiency also earns points
Under the new PSTQ 1,400-point grid, French language proficiency carries significantly more weight than under the old EOI system. By 2029, Quebec aims for 80% of new arrivals to have intermediate French proficiency. Candidates who indicate willingness to settle outside Montréal also earn additional points.
- Stay and family ties in Quebec
- Validated job offer from a Quebec employer
- Financial self-sufficiency for a minimum of three months
Spousal/Partner Factors
- Age of spouse or common-law partner
- Education of spouse or common-law partner
- Language proficiency of spouse or common-law partner
Minimum Point Score Requirements
Single applicants must achieve a minimum score to receive an invitation to apply. Accompanied applicants (with spouse/partner) face a higher threshold. Note that minimum scores may change with each invitation round, candidates should monitor the Arrima portal and MIFI communications for current cutoff scores.
2026 UPDATE: Cutoff scores under the PSTQ differ from the old EOI system and vary by invitation round. Unlike the fixed 50/59-point thresholds of the QSWP, MIFI now applies discretionary selection criteria. There is no publicly guaranteed cutoff score under the PSTQ. ImmigCanada recommends consulting an RCIC to assess your competitiveness before submitting.
Processing Times
Quebec’s Expression of Interest points system, promises a swift 6-month processing time for federal applications, 11 months for Skilled Workers to 67 months for Parents and Grandparents (PGP) sponsorship. This timeline begins once the complete application is received, post-EOI, and Invitation to Apply stages.
In order to ensure that your profile is suitable to receive the highest rank, take guidance from our licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC). Connect with ImmigCanada for personalized guidance, ensuring a seamless experience in your pursuit of Quebec residency.
