Does Stream 2 require written French?

The baseline table generally lists level 5 or higher in both oral skills and no separate written threshold; check the detailed round.

Is TCF Canada accepted for PSTQ?

Yes. Québec lists it among accepted proof, but use Québec's equivalency tables for the Québec scale.

How long are French results valid?

They generally must be no more than two years old when the permanent-selection application is submitted.

How long is an Arrima expression of interest valid?

Normally 12 months after submission; a new draft normally has 90 days to be completed and submitted.

Does meeting the French threshold guarantee an invitation?

No. A round may also set occupation, region, experience, education, or score criteria.

PSTQ French requirements: stream, TCF Canada, and Arrima

PSTQ French thresholds depend on the stream and the main occupation's TEER category. Stream 1 generally requires Québec level 7 in both oral skills and level 5 in both written skills; Stream 2 generally requires level 5 in both oral skills. TCF Canada is accepted, but use Québec's equivalency tables rather than an isolated NCLC result.

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French thresholds depend on the stream

For Stream 1 (FEER 0, 1 or 2), the principal applicant generally needs Québec French level 7 or higher in both oral skills and level 5 or higher in both written skills. Stream 2 (FEER 3, 4 or 5) generally requires level 5 or higher in both oral skills, with no written threshold in the published baseline table. Stream 3 follows the occupation's FEER category and regulated-profession rules. Stream 4 has no French criterion in the invitation baseline table, but its exceptional-talent conditions still have to be checked.

The spouse threshold is separate

For Streams 1 to 3, an accompanying spouse generally needs Québec French level 4 or higher in both oral skills. Do not replace the principal applicant's threshold with the spouse threshold, and do not assume that a spouse result can satisfy the principal applicant's profile.

TCF Canada is accepted, but use Québec equivalencies

Québec lists TCF-Québec, TCF-Canada and TCF among accepted French tests, along with TEF variants, DELF and DALF. Results must normally be two years old or less when the permanent-selection application is submitted. Use Québec's equivalency tables to map the certificate to the Québec scale; an NCLC conversion alone is not the PSTQ decision.

Arrima is an expression of interest first

The Arrima expression of interest is free, normally valid for 12 months after submission, and a new profile is not automatically invited. A new expression-of-interest draft must be completed and submitted within 90 days of creation. Invitation rounds can add or tighten occupation, region, experience, education, French or score criteria, so compare the detailed official round instead of relying on a predicted cut-off.

Frequently asked questions

What French does PSTQ Stream 1 require?: Generally Québec level 7 or higher in both oral skills and level 5 or higher in both written skills, plus the other stream and invitation conditions.
Does Stream 2 require written French?: The baseline table generally lists level 5 or higher in both oral skills and no separate written threshold; check the detailed round.
Is TCF Canada accepted for PSTQ?: Yes. Québec lists it among accepted proof, but use Québec's equivalency tables for the Québec scale.
How long are French results valid?: They generally must be no more than two years old when the permanent-selection application is submitted.
How long is an Arrima expression of interest valid?: Normally 12 months after submission; a new draft normally has 90 days to be completed and submitted.
Does meeting the French threshold guarantee an invitation?: No. A round may also set occupation, region, experience, education, or score criteria.

Official source

2026-08-22.

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