{"id":32687,"date":"2025-06-20T16:39:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T20:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immetis.com\/how-to-immigrate-to-quebec-through-the-skilled-worker-selection-program-swsp\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T14:51:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T18:51:32","slug":"how-to-immigrate-to-quebec-through-the-skilled-worker-selection-program-swsp-pstq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/immetis.com\/en\/how-to-immigrate-to-quebec-through-the-skilled-worker-selection-program-swsp-pstq\/","title":{"rendered":"Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ): Immigrate to Quebec"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What you need to know about the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) to obtain permanent residence.<\/h1>\n\n
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Following the suspension of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for Quebec graduates in Fall 2024, and the sudden suspension<\/a><\/strong> of the skilled worker stream on June 5, 2025, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)<\/strong> is now the only pathway to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n

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The CSQ: An essential step toward obtaining Permanent Residence in Quebec<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Quebec is the province with the highest level of autonomy in selecting its immigrants. Therefore, any foreign national wishing to settle there long-term must obtain a Certificat de s\u00e9lection du Qu\u00e9bec (CSQ- Quebec Selection Certificate), which confirms the Quebec government’s approval of their integration as a permanent resident.<\/p>\n\n

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Once issued, the CSQ is valid for a period of two years<\/strong>, during which time the application for permanent residence can be submitted to the federal government.<\/p>\n\n

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Until recently, there were two pathways to obtain a CSQ: the Programme de l’exp\u00e9rience qu\u00e9b\u00e9coise (PEQ-Quebec Experience Program), both streams of which are suspended until at least November 30, 2025, and the Programme de s\u00e9lection des travailleurs qualifi\u00e9s (PSTQ-Skilled Worker Selection Program), which replaced the former programme r\u00e9gulier des travailleurs qualifi\u00e9s (PRTQ-Regular Skilled Worker Program) on November 19, 2024. Invitations are expected to begin as early as July 2025.<\/p>\n\n

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The advantages of Permanent Resident status in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Permanent resident status <\/strong>is valid for life, <\/strong>provided certain conditions are met. Additionally, <\/strong>the permanent resident card <\/strong>is required to enter and leave Canada freely.<\/p>\n\n

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However, to maintain this status, one must be physically present in Canada for at least 2 years<\/strong> within every 5 year<\/strong> period. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the revocation of permanent resident status. Moreover, the permanent resident card must be renewed every 5 years, as long as one has not become a citizen.<\/p>\n\n

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Permanent residence is also a prerequisite for Canadian citizenship<\/strong>. For many immigrants, it serves as a stepping stone toward citizenship<\/strong>, while others choose to remain permanent residents without applying for citizenship.<\/p>\n\n

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Permanent residents enjoy many rights similar to those of Canadian citizens<\/strong>, with the exception of the right to vote.<\/p>\n\n

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The Programme de S\u00e9lection des Travailleurs Qualifi\u00e9s (PSTQ-Skilled Worker Selection Program)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Introduced to replace the former Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ-Programme R\u00e9gulier des Travailleurs Qualifi\u00e9s)<\/strong>, the SWSP<\/strong> was unveiled in November 2024, then immediately suspended.<\/p>\n\n

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The program features a structure similar to Express Entry, with a points<\/strong>-based system built around a candidate profile<\/strong> and invitations to apply<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

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To be eligible, a candidate must:– Be 18 years of age or older ;– Demonstrate an intention to settle in Quebec for work ;– Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves.<\/p>\n\n

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The SWSP is based on a points system, with points awarded according to various criteria:– Proficiency in French and English– Qualified work experience– Level of education– Age and adaptability– Presence of a validated job offer (optional)<\/p>\n\n

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To maximize their chances of being selected, candidates are encouraged to obtain a validated job offer with the support of their Quebec employer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

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The steps to follow under the SWSP, in brief:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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