Quebec Extraordinary Ability Program
Quebec Extraordinary Ability Program
Program Introduction
On November 29, 2024, the Quebec Immigration Department made a major change to its skilled immigration policy, renaming the original Program for Regular Skilled Workers (PRTO) to PSTO. Exceptional Talents" (Exceptional Talents) program has become the only immigration pathway that does not require proof of English or French language proficiency, no academic qualifications, and no mandatory requirements such as an upper age limit.
Application Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- At least three years of relevant experience in the last five years (freelancing/working are both acceptable) Special requirements for the arts, five years of experience in the last seven years Relevant experience (freelancing/working are both acceptable)
- Proof of settlement funds For a family of four about $7000, in the form of a certificate of deposit.
Project Advantages
- No mandatory language requirement
French/English exemptions, especially suitable for non-language-dependent talents in the arts, sports, etc.
- No education and age limit
Proof of professional achievements only, no academic background or age limit is required.
- No need to prove assets
No requirement for financial deposits or investments, with “talent capital” as the core vetting criterion.
- Wide range of fields
economy, scientific research, culture, arts, sports, etc.
- Accelerated processing
Letters of recommendation from organizations designated by Quebec (e.g., arts associations, sports leagues) can significantly shorten the approval cycle.
- Family Immigration
Once the principal applicant is approved, the spouse and minor children can obtain status at the same time.
Application Process
- Process 1 : Resume Evaluation + Signing Initiation
- Process 2 : Gather materials, plan the program and prepare the necessary documents for the application.
- Process 3 : Submitted to the Expert Evaluation Committee and approved.
- Process 4 : registers in the Quebec Immigration System and submits the immigration application
- Process 5 : Upon receipt of the official invitation letter from , submit the complete application package.
- Process 6 : Processed by Quebec Immigration and approved by CSQ
- Process 7 : to federal application for medical examination + security background
- Process 8 : Approved for Immigration PR
- Process 9 : Land in Quebec and receive your maple leaf card.
Quebec Talent VS Canadian Self-Employment
| Quebec Talent | Self-employment in Canada |
| Artistic, cultural and sports people can apply | Artistic, cultural and sports people can apply |
| Depends on the excellence | No need for excellence, freelance work is valued |
| No need for English or French | Proof of English language proficiency is required |
| After expert assessment, the immigration officer will review and approve the application | Reviewed by immigration officers only |
| Predicts the outcome of the immigration process in 2 months | Immigration results will be known in 3-4 years |
| Depends on the 7 years of work experience | Depends on 10 years of previous experience |
| Freelancers and office workers can apply | Freelance work only |
Attention： Canada’s Self-Employed Immigrants Overstocked
In response to a serious backlog in application inventory, Immigration Canada has urgently decided to suspend new self-employed immigration applications. From April 30, 2024 until the end of 2026, no further applications will be accepted during this period. Quebec is a flat replacement for federal self-employment, and this program is a good choice for clients in the arts, culture and sports fields until the federal self-employment opens its doors.
Quebec Outstanding Talent Category
Arts and Culture
- Requirements:Applicants must have spent at least five of the past seven years in a related field, such as circus arts, multidisciplinary arts, digital arts, visual arts, comics, songwriting, film, television, dance, literary narratives, crafts, music and theatre, in any of these fields.
- Criteria for evaluation include: quality of work, uniqueness, contribution, national and international impact, etc.
- Evaluation: by experts from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALO).
- Online submission: passport and application form, letter of recommendation, curriculum vitae, list of accomplishments, supporting materials (e.g., images, audio, video, text files, and links to web pages), as well as media coverage and documentation.
Sports
- Requirements:Applicants must have been engaged in a sports-related occupation, e.g. as an athlete or coach, for at least three of the past five years.
- Required documents include: letter of application, 3-minute video presentation, diplomas and professional qualifications, mental health assessment and medical report, industry references, personal development plan, etc.
- Evaluation: Evaluation by experts from the Institut National de la Sport du Québec (INS). Materials to be transmitted by mail:Letter of application, 3-minute introductory video, academic certificates, mental health assessment, medical examination, industry references, professional development plan, other supporting materials. The expert assessment process is extremely critical and is an important guarantee for the success of the immigration application. It can be said that if the assessment is passed, there will be a great hope for the approval of the immigration.