Quebec Invites 790 Skilled Workers in Latest PSTQ Draw

Quebec has invited 790 candidates to apply for permanent selection through its latest Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) draw, with the largest share going to workers in intermediate and manual occupations.

Latest Selection Round

Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) conducted the selection round on August 27, 2026, across all four PSTQ streams. Candidate profiles were taken from the pool on August 24 at 11:48 a.m.

Those who received invitations can now submit complete applications for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). If approved, the CSQ allows candidates to apply to the federal government for permanent residence in Canada with the intention of settling in Quebec.

The latest draw is the eighth PSTQ selection round held by MIFI in 2026.

Four Streams Target Different Workers

Stream 1, for highly qualified and specialized workers, issued 87 invitations through three selection exercises. Candidates generally needed to work in TEER 0 to 2 occupations, live in Quebec and have at least 12 months of work experience during the previous five years.

The selections focused on priority occupations in areas such as health care, education, natural sciences, food services, engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades and technology. Cutoff scores ranged from 639 to 710.

Stream 2, which covers intermediate and manual skills, received the largest share of invitations. The program targeted workers in TEER 3 to 5 occupations who live in Quebec and have 24 months of work experience over the past five years, including 12 months in the province.

Among the occupations targeted were teacher assistants, home support workers, medical administrative assistants, medical laboratory workers, nurse aides, pharmacy assistants, cooks and light-duty cleaners.

Regulated Professions and Exceptional Talent

Stream 3 issued 109 invitations to candidates living in Quebec who intend to work in regulated professions. The selection included workers in health care, education, social services, engineering, skilled trades and transportation.

Stream 4, for exceptional talent, issued 21 invitations. Candidates needed at least 36 months of work experience during the previous five years. Some were selected through a positive opinion letter from a MIFI partner, while another group qualified through exceptional achievements and doctoral-level education.

Changes to Quebec’s Immigration Strategy

The latest PSTQ draw comes as Quebec adjusts its immigration selection strategy following the reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on July 2, 2026.

Until October 31, Quebec plans to limit PSTQ invitations so that overall admissions remain within the province’s 2026–2029 immigration targets. During this period, invitations are being focused on candidates in TEER 4 and 5 occupations and those who have not yet reached two years of work experience.

From November, the number of PSTQ invitations is expected to change based on applications received through the first PEQ intake period. Quebec has stated that it plans to issue the same number of CSQs through the two programs for the remainder of the immigration plan.