Quebec Opens Permanent Selection Path for 519 Workers

Quebec has invited 519 skilled workers to apply for permanent selection through the Skilled Worker Selection Program, known as the PSTQ. The invitations were issued on September 24 across all four program streams, with most going to workers in intermediate and manual occupations.

Candidates who receive permanent selection and obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate, or CSQ, can later apply to the federal government for permanent residence, provided they intend to settle in Quebec.

Stream 1 targets highly skilled workers

Quebec issued 86 invitations under Stream 1, which is aimed at workers in TEER 0, 1 and 2 occupations. Candidates had to live in Quebec and have at least 12 months of recent experience in their main occupation.

Three exercises were held under this stream. Cutoff scores ranged from 634 to 706. The occupations targeted included jobs in health care, education, science, engineering, technology, manufacturing and skilled trades.

Among the listed occupations were early childhood educators, pharmacy technicians, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, carpenters, welders and industrial mechanics.

Stream 2 receives most invitations

Stream 2 accounted for the largest share of the round, with 316 invitations. It covers intermediate and manual occupations classified under TEER 3, 4 and 5.

Candidates needed at least 24 months of work experience in their main occupation during the previous five years, including at least 12 months gained in Quebec.

Four exercises were conducted, with reported cutoff scores between 611 and 706. Targeted occupations included caregivers, medical assistants, cooks, cleaners, truck drivers, construction workers and several manufacturing roles.

Stream 3 focuses on regulated professions

Quebec issued 110 invitations under Stream 3 to candidates planning to work in regulated occupations.

The province held four exercises, with cutoff scores ranging from 380 to 697. Priority occupations covered health care, education, engineering, skilled trades and transportation.

The list included physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, teachers, psychologists, electricians, plumbers and aerospace engineers.

Exceptional talent stream issues seven invitations

Another seven invitations were issued under Stream 4 for exceptional talent.

Candidates needed at least 36 months of work experience in their main occupation within the previous five years. Some applicants required a positive opinion letter from a recognized Quebec partner, while others needed an approved exceptional achievement and education equal to a Quebec doctorate.

Quebec adjusts selection strategy

The September 24 round was Quebec’s ninth PSTQ selection round of 2026.

The province has reduced PSTQ invitation volumes while the first intake under the reopened Quebec Experience Program, or PEQ, remains open until October 31.

Quebec says PSTQ invitation levels will be adjusted from November based on PEQ application numbers, as the province works toward its 2026–2029 immigration targets. The government plans to issue equal numbers of CSQs through the PSTQ and PEQ over that planning period.

Eligible profiles for Streams 1, 2 and 3 were taken from Quebec’s candidate pool on September 21. Stream 4 profiles were extracted on September 24. Applicants living in Canada may also qualify for a bridging open work permit after submitting their federal permanent residence application successfully.