If you are working in Quebec on a temporary permit, your path to permanent residence runs through Quebec first: you need a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before you can apply to IRCC. In 2026 there are two doors to that certificate — the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program), with monthly invitation rounds, and the PEQ (Quebec Experience Program), which reopened on July 2, 2026 for a limited application period. Here is how each works for temporary workers, and which one to look at first.
Quick Answer
Temporary workers in Quebec get permanent selection through a CSQ from Quebec’s immigration ministry (MIFI), then apply to IRCC for PR. The PEQ reopened on July 2, 2026; the first application period runs until October 31, 2026, with no cap on applications received in that period. The temporary worker stream requires, among other things, two years of full-time work in Quebec in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job, a current eligible job, and French at level 7 (oral). The PSTQ is invitation-based: you submit an expression of interest in Arrima and MIFI invites candidates by stream, occupation and score. In 2026 invitations have focused on people already living in Quebec.
Quebec’s rules change often and details (French levels, invitation criteria, application periods) are set by MIFI. This guide summarizes the rules as of September 2026. It is not legal advice; for your situation, confirm on Québec.ca or with a licensed consultant or lawyer (in Quebec, consultants must also be recognized by MIFI).
PEQ vs PSTQ at a Glance
| PEQ — temporary worker stream | PSTQ | |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Application in Arrima during an open period | Expression of interest in Arrima, then invitation |
| Status | Reopened July 2, 2026 until July 2, 2028; first period July 2 – October 31, 2026 | Monthly invitation rounds |
| Work experience | Two years full time in Quebec, TEER 0–3 (Quebec set a reference date of November 19, 2025 for this experience) | Depends on stream; stream 2 (TEER 3–5) has required 24 months |
| French | Oral level 7 (spouse oral level 4) | Stream 1: oral 7; stream 2: oral 5; varies by stream |
| Where you must be | Legally staying in Quebec, in an eligible job when you apply | 2026 rounds have targeted people staying in Quebec |
| Guarantee | If you meet the conditions, you can apply | No — you must be invited |
The Four PSTQ Streams
- Stream 1 — Highly qualified and specialized skills: TEER 0, 1 and 2 jobs.
- Stream 2 — Intermediate and manual skills: TEER 3, 4 and 5 jobs. This is one of the few PR paths in Canada open to TEER 4 and 5 workers (other TEER 4–5 pathways).
- Stream 3 — Regulated professions: for people with authorization to practise a regulated profession in Quebec, or in the process.
- Stream 4 — Exceptional talent.
Interpretation: in 2026, rounds have increasingly required a Quebec diploma or experience in priority occupations (health, construction, technology and others), and invitation volumes dropped after the PEQ reopened, since Quebec shares its selection targets between the two programs. Check each round’s criteria on Québec.ca rather than relying on past cut-off scores.
Practical Steps for Temporary Workers
- Check PEQ first if you have two years of full-time TEER 0–3 work in Quebec and French at level 7. The current application period closes on October 31, 2026.
- Test your French with a test recognized by MIFI (results have a validity period). French level is the most common blocker.
- Create or update your Arrima profile for the PSTQ, with your exact occupation code and experience.
- Keep your status valid. Both programs require you to be legally in Quebec. Apply to extend your permit before it expires (work permit extension). If your employer or job changes, your eligibility and your permit can both be affected (changing employers on a closed permit).
- After you receive a CSQ, apply to IRCC for PR under the Quebec skilled worker class. If your permit will expire while that application is processing, you may qualify for a bridging open work permit (for Quebec skilled workers it is limited to Quebec) once IRCC confirms your application is complete.
Can Express Entry Help?
No. Quebec does not participate in Express Entry, and you must intend to live outside Quebec to use it. If you plan to move to another province, see moving provinces as a newcomer.
FAQ
Is the PEQ open in 2026?
Yes. Quebec reopened it on July 2, 2026 for two years, with application periods; the first runs until October 31, 2026.
Can I apply for the PSTQ from outside Quebec?
You can create an Arrima profile, but 2026 invitation rounds have targeted people staying in Quebec.
Do I need a job offer for the PSTQ?
Not always, but a validated job offer or current Quebec job adds points and some rounds target people already working in Quebec.
