Québec has held another major PSTQ selection round, inviting candidates across all four streams of its skilled worker programme. The latest draw focused on workers already living in Québec, including people in highly skilled jobs, manual and intermediate occupations, regulated professions, and exceptional talent categories, while the province continues adjusting its immigration strategy for 2026.
Québec invites 523 candidates through the PSTQ
Québec has issued 523 invitations to apply for permanent selection under its Skilled Worker Selection Program, known in French as the PSTQ. The round was held by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration on July 30, 2026, with candidate profiles selected from the Arrima bank on July 27.
This draw is notable because invitations were sent across all four PSTQ streams. The largest share went to Stream 2, which covers intermediate and manual occupations. For many foreign nationals already working in Québec, this is an important sign that the province is still using occupation-based selection to meet labour needs, even while adjusting intake levels.
For readers comparing provincial and federal options, Québec runs its own selection system separately from federal Express Entry immigration pathways. After Québec approves a candidate for selection, the person can then move forward toward permanent residence in Canada through the federal stage. If you are unsure whether Québec or another province is a better fit, it may help to explore your Canadian immigration options early.
So far, Québec has held seven PSTQ selection rounds in 2026. This shows the province is continuing to invite targeted workers, but with a more controlled pace than earlier in the year.
How the invitations were divided across the four streams
Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills
Stream 1 accounted for 105 invitations. This stream is aimed at people working in TEER 0, 1 and 2 occupations under Canada’s National Occupational Classification system. In this round, candidates needed to be living in Québec and have at least 12 months of work experience gained within the previous five years.
The stream was split into three separate exercises, each with its own score threshold and occupation focus. Some invitations targeted people with qualifying diplomas and occupations linked to priority sectors. Occupations named by Québec included roles in health care, social services, science, and early childhood education. Examples included biologists, pharmacy technicians, social and community service workers, therapists, physician assistants, and early childhood educators.
This type of targeted selection matters because it rewards profiles that match current labour shortages rather than using only a general points ranking. Similar principles can also be seen in federal category-based draws and some Provincial Nominee Program streams outside Québec.
Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills
Stream 2 received the highest number of invitations, with 296 in total. This stream is designed for workers in TEER 3, 4 and 5 occupations who are already residing in Québec. It reflects the province’s effort to support sectors that rely on practical, hands-on work experience.
Some invitations under this stream were directed to candidates in priority occupations such as medical administrative assistants, nurse aides, pharmacy assistants, teacher assistants, home support workers, cooks, and light duty cleaners. Another large portion of invitations went to candidates whose main occupation fell broadly within TEER 4 or 5, without Québec publishing a specific occupation list for that exercise.
This is especially relevant for workers who may not fit the profile of a traditional high-scoring federal applicant. In many cases, people in support, caregiving, hospitality, and service roles may have stronger prospects through provincial systems or Québec-specific channels than through the federal Comprehensive Ranking System. If you are comparing your score under the federal system, you can review the Comprehensive Ranking System or use a CRS calculator for Canada immigration.
Stream 3: Regulated professions
Québec issued 110 invitations under Stream 3, which is reserved for people planning to work in regulated professions and who are already living in the province. This stream included three exercises.
The first two exercises focused heavily on priority occupations in health care, education, and social services. Québec listed a wide range of occupations, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, social workers, elementary and secondary school teachers, and several medical technology professions.
The third exercise under this stream was smaller and applied to regulated TEER 4 or 5 occupations, although the province did not publish a detailed occupation list.
For many applicants, regulated occupations involve more than immigration approval alone. They may also require licensing, registration with a professional order, language ability in French, and recognition of foreign education. Depending on the profession, candidates may need an Educational Credential Assessment, proof of work history, and language test results such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF or TCF for French. These practical steps are just as important as receiving an invitation.
Stream 4: Exceptional talent
Stream 4 was the smallest category in this round, with a limited number of invitations issued through two exercises. This stream is for candidates with exceptional profiles and at least 36 months of work experience during the previous five years.
One exercise was reserved for people holding a positive opinion letter from a recognised partner of Québec’s immigration ministry in a targeted field. The second applied to candidates who could prove an exceptional achievement listed by the province and who also held education equivalent to a Québec doctorate, including undergraduate doctorates.
Although this stream is narrow, it shows that Québec is keeping room in its immigration programme for specialised global talent, not only for workers in shortage occupations.
What this means for people planning immigration to Québec
The PSTQ remains Québec’s main economic immigration route for skilled workers seeking long-term settlement in the province. To be considered, candidates must first submit a declaration of interest through Arrima. Québec then reviews profiles and invites people who match current priorities.
Unlike the federal system, Québec’s selection model puts strong weight on a person’s occupation, local work experience, and ability to integrate into the province’s labour market and society. In real terms, that means your job title, your recent work history, and your location in Québec can make a major difference.
Applicants should also remember that receiving an invitation is only one step. A complete application still needs to be prepared carefully, with supporting records for identity, education, work experience, residence in Québec, and language ability where required. For many candidates, French remains a key factor in long-term success in Québec, whether through TEF Canada or TCF Canada results.
If Québec is not your only option, Canada offers other pathways as well, including Federal Skilled Worker Programme options, the Canadian Experience Class pathway, employer-driven streams, and regional programmes such as the Atlantic Immigration Program. Each route has different rules, so it is wise to assess your immigration options before choosing a strategy.
Why Québec is reducing PSTQ volume for now
This latest draw also needs to be understood in the context of Québec’s broader 2026 immigration planning. The province has said it is reducing PSTQ invitation levels for part of the year while the Québec Experience Program, or PEQ, reopens and begins a new intake period.
Through October 31, 2026, Québec plans to be more selective with PSTQ invitations so it can remain within the admission targets set in its 2026–2029 immigration plan. During this period, the province has signalled special attention to candidates in TEER 4 and 5 occupations and to workers who have not yet accumulated two full years of work experience.
After that, Québec expects to review how many applications it receives through the PEQ and then adjust PSTQ invitation levels from November onward. The government has indicated that it wants to issue a balanced number of Québec Selection Certificates through both programmes over the remaining years of the plan.
For applicants, the message is clear: timing matters. Two people with similar profiles may not receive the same result if they apply at different moments in the year. That is why many candidates benefit from a personalised strategy rather than relying only on general news updates. If you want a clearer picture of your next step, you can seek a professional immigration evaluation based on your work history, language scores, and long-term settlement goals.
Immigration rules, score thresholds, and programme requirements can change quickly, so readers should always confirm current details with IRCC, Québec’s official immigration authorities, or a licensed immigration professional before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, compassionate support at every stage of your move to Canada, from planning to application strategy and beyond. If you are ready to move forward, you can book your free immigration assessment and get a professional evaluation of your options.
