Quebec immigration has taken an interesting turn this year. Since July 1, 2025, the province has issued 11 additional invitations for permanent selection outside the regular Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) streams. These invitations fall under special provisions of the Quebec Immigration Act, targeting specific applicants whose skills and profiles meet Quebec’s evolving labor needs.
What Makes Quebec Immigration Different in 2025?
Quebec has always had an immigration system distinct from the rest of Canada, with its own criteria, selection process, and French-language requirements. In 2025, this distinction is even more visible. The province is not just issuing invitations under the standard PSTQ streams but also leveraging special provisions (sections 26 and 47 of its immigration regulations) to invite a select group of candidates.
Interestingly, Quebec excludes certain occupations that require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, such as law enforcement, military roles, and investigative services. This ensures that its immigration selection focuses on positions open to qualified newcomers.
Breakdown of PSTQ Invitations in 2025
The PSTQ is divided into four main streams, each targeting a different skill category:
| Stream | Focus Area | Key Requirements | Invitations (2025) |
| Stream 1 | Highly qualified & specialized skills | FEER 0–2 jobs, 12 months experience, advanced French (oral level 7, written level 5) | July 17, 2025 |
| Stream 2 | Intermediate & manual skills | FEER 3–5 jobs, intermediate French (oral level 5) | July 31, 2025 |
| Stream 3 | Regulated professions | For occupations requiring specific provincial licensing | None in July |
| Stream 4 | Exceptional talent | Recognized achievements or partner endorsements, 36 months experience | July 17, 2025 |
Beyond these, 11 additional invitations were issued outside these streams for candidates who still met Quebec’s labor and demographic priorities.
Why Quebec Uses Special Provisions
Quebec immigration has unique authority to select candidates who meet its demographic and labor market needs. Using special provisions allows the province to:
- Fill urgent workforce gaps not fully addressed through regular PSTQ streams.
- Respond quickly to market demands in sectors requiring immediate staffing.
- Attract talent with rare skills or unique profiles beneficial to Quebec’s economy.
These supplementary invitations are especially valuable for candidates who may not neatly fit into a defined stream but still meet Quebec’s requirements for French proficiency and work experience.
Who Is Excluded from These Invitations?
Quebec’s special provisions explicitly exclude candidates in occupations reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This includes roles like:
- Commissioned police officers and investigators
- Canadian Armed Forces commissioned and operational members
- Correctional service officers
- Specialized military occupations
The exclusion ensures fairness in the selection process while keeping immigration focused on roles available to foreign talent.
How Does This Impact Prospective Applicants?
For immigration candidates, this update presents two opportunities:
- Broader selection pathways: Even if a candidate does not qualify under a regular PSTQ stream, there may still be a chance to receive an invitation under special provisions.
- Focus on French language skills: Strong French skills remain a key requirement, with specific minimum oral and written proficiency levels outlined for each stream.
Candidates aiming to benefit from these changes should prioritize language training, ensure their work experience matches in-demand sectors, and keep an active profile in Arrima, Quebec’s official immigration portal.
Quebec Immigration Moving Forward
The province has already issued 522 PSTQ invitations in 2025, including the 11 under special provisions. These numbers reflect Quebec’s ongoing focus on attracting skilled workers to maintain economic growth and meet labor market demands.
For potential immigrants, Quebec continues to be an appealing option due to its unique programs, strong demand for skilled labor, and cultural diversity. However, understanding its separate immigration pathways and French language requirements is crucial for success. The latest PSTQ update highlights how Quebec immigration is adapting to changing labor needs by using both regular streams and special provisions to invite a wider range of qualified candidates.
While some roles remain restricted, skilled workers with relevant experience and strong French proficiency have more opportunities to obtain permanent selection in 2025. Applicants should keep their Arrima profiles updated and consider professional immigration guidance to maximize their chances under these evolving programs.
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