Florence Bollet Michel’s immigration score has been stagnant for months in Quebec’s database for permanent residency seekers, but it is now set to decrease. She is part of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which assesses applicants based on a points system aligned with government priorities.
Each month, the Immigration Ministry selects candidates with the highest scores based on the province’s specific needs and invites them to apply for permanent residency. Despite nearly 7,000 individuals receiving invitations since December, Bollet Michel was not among them. This ongoing uncertainty and disappointment have been challenging for her and others in a similar situation.
With over 15 years of experience in a profession deemed in demand by Quebec, Bollet Michel’s current score stands at 611. However, various factors, such as her age, marital status, and impending job offer expiration, work against her achieving the maximum score of 1,400 under the PSTQ’s scoring system.
The PSTQ was introduced by Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge to replace the previous PEQ program, aiming to prioritize skilled candidates in key sectors and distribute immigrants more evenly across regions. The PSTQ comprises four streams, each with specific criteria for applicants to fulfill through the Arrima platform.
Immigration lawyer Maxime Lapointe criticizes the PSTQ for potentially overlooking valuable individuals due to its stringent selection criteria, suggesting a more flexible approach. The program has issued some Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) since January, but specific data remains undisclosed at this time.
Bollet Michel’s experience with the abrupt suspension of the PEQ program in 2025 has led her to advocate for immigrant rights through the group Le Québec c’est nous aussi. While she continues to wait for a favorable outcome, she acknowledges the uncertainty of her situation and remains open to exploring opportunities in other provinces if necessary.