Québec has invited 790 candidates to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), giving workers in healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing, transportation and other priority occupations another opportunity to pursue permanent residence in the province.
The latest selection was held on August 27, 2026, with candidate profiles extracted from QuĂ©becâs Arrima system on August 24. Invitations were issued across all four PSTQ streams, with the largest number going to workers in intermediate and manual occupations.
Quebec PSTQ Draw: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Selection date | August 27, 2026 |
| Profiles extracted | August 24, 2026 |
| Extraction time | 11:48 a.m. |
| Total invitations | 790 |
| Program | Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) |
| Application system | Arrima |
| Outcome | Invitation to apply for permanent selection |
| Certificate after approval | Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) |
Candidates who receive an invitation can submit a complete application for permanent selection. If Québec approves the application, the applicant receives a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and can then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence while intending to settle in Québec.
Four PSTQ Streams Received Invitations
Québec distributed invitations through all four streams of its skilled worker program.
Based on the detailed selection exercises, the 790 invitations were distributed approximately as follows:
| PSTQ Stream | Main Candidate Profile | Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Stream 1 | Highly qualified and specialized skills | 87 |
| Stream 2 | Intermediate and manual skills | 573 |
| Stream 3 | Regulated professions | 109 |
| Stream 4 | Exceptional talent | 21 |
| Total | â | 790 |
The selection shows QuĂ©bec’s continued focus on candidates who can address labour shortages and priority economic needs, particularly in lower- and intermediate-TEER occupations.
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
Québec issued 87 invitations under Stream 1.
Candidates generally had to:
- Work in a TEER 0, 1 or 2 occupation;
- Be residing in Québec;
- Have at least 12 months of experience in their main occupation during the previous five years;
- Meet the required French-language levels;
- Hold an eligible diploma; and
- Meet the score threshold applicable to their selection exercise.
Three selection exercises were conducted:
| Exercise | Invitations | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying diploma + priority occupation | 26 | 639 |
| Qualifying diploma + priority occupation | 11 | 710 |
| Qualifying diploma + priority occupation | 50 | 694 |
The targeted occupations included positions in healthcare and social services, education, engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades and technology.
Examples included early childhood educators, social and community service workers, pharmacy technicians, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, engineers, carpenters, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics and crane operators.
Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills Gets the Largest Share
The biggest portion of the latest selection went to Stream 2, which focuses on workers in TEER 3, 4 and 5 occupations.
The selection exercises included candidates working in areas such as:
- Healthcare support;
- Home care;
- Education support;
- Food services;
- Cleaning;
- Construction;
- Manufacturing;
- Transportation; and
- Aircraft assembly.
For the main Stream 2 exercises, candidates generally needed at least 24 months of work experience in their primary occupation during the previous five years, including at least 12 months of experience in Québec. French-language requirements also applied.
Important Stream 2 occupations
The selection specifically included occupations such as:
- Medical administrative assistants;
- Medical laboratory assistants;
- Nurse aides and patient service associates;
- Pharmacy assistants;
- Teacher assistants;
- Home support workers and caregivers;
- Cooks;
- Light-duty cleaners;
- Construction trades helpers;
- Roofers;
- Glaziers;
- Painters and decorators;
- Floor covering installers;
- Transport truck drivers;
- Aircraft assemblers; and
- Machining tool operators.
One of the most notable parts of the draw was the separate exercise for TEER 4 and 5 occupations, which issued 249 invitations with a minimum score of 616.
This is significant because Québec has been concentrating some of its PSTQ selection activity on workers in lower-TEER occupations as part of its current immigration strategy.
Stream 3: 109 Invitations for Regulated Professions
Québec issued 109 invitations through Stream 3 for candidates intending to practise regulated professions.
The selection focused heavily on healthcare, education, social services, engineering, skilled trades and transportation occupations.
Examples of targeted regulated occupations
Some of the occupations included:
- Physicians;
- Dentists;
- Pharmacists;
- Registered nurses;
- Nurse practitioners;
- Physiotherapists;
- Occupational therapists;
- Psychologists;
- Veterinarians;
- Medical laboratory technologists;
- Dental hygienists;
- Teachers;
- Social workers;
- Engineers;
- Electricians;
- Plumbers;
- Carpenters;
- Welders;
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics; and
- Crane operators.
The selection included different exercises based on occupation, TEER level, French proficiency and QuĂ©bec’s priority sectors.
Stream 4: 21 Invitations for Exceptional Talent
A further 21 candidates were invited through Stream 4, which is designed for individuals with exceptional talent or achievements.
The invitations were divided into two exercises:
| Exercise | Invitations |
|---|---|
| Positive opinion from a MIFI partner | 15 |
| Exceptional achievement + doctorate | 6 |
| Total | 21 |
Candidates selected under this stream generally needed at least 36 months of work experience in their main occupation during the previous five years. The second exercise also required an achievement recognized by Québec and education equivalent to a Québec doctorate.
French Language Remains Important for PSTQ Candidates
French proficiency continues to play an important role in QuĂ©bec’s skilled worker selection system.
For Streams 1, 2 and 3, candidates can be required to demonstrate different levels of French depending on their occupation and selection exercise.
For example, the general criteria published by Québec indicate that:
- Stream 1 candidates may need French level 7 or higher in both oral skills and level 5 or higher in written skills.
- Stream 2 candidates generally need level 5 or higher in both oral skills.
- Stream 3 candidates may face French requirements based on their occupation and TEER level.
- Accompanying spouses can also be subject to French-language requirements.
Applicants should therefore review the specific criteria attached to the selection exercise that applies to their profile rather than relying only on general PSTQ requirements.
How the Quebec PSTQ Immigration Process Works
The PSTQ is QuĂ©bec’s main economic immigration pathway for skilled workers who want to settle permanently in the province.
The process generally follows these stages:
1. Submit an Expression of Interest
Candidates begin by submitting a declaration of interest through Arrima.
Their information is entered into QuĂ©bec’s candidate pool.
2. Québec Reviews Candidate Profiles
MIFI can select candidates based on factors including:
- Main occupation;
- TEER classification;
- Work experience;
- French proficiency;
- Education;
- Québec work experience;
- Priority sectors; and
- Other selection criteria.
3. Receive an Invitation
Candidates who meet the criteria of a particular selection exercise may receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection.
4. Submit the Permanent Selection Application
An invited candidate must submit the required documentation and satisfy the conditions associated with the invitation.
5. Obtain a CSQ
If Québec approves the application, the candidate receives a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
6. Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence
After receiving the CSQ, the candidate can submit an application for permanent residence to the Government of Canada.
QuĂ©bec’s PSTQ Strategy Has Changed in 2026
The latest draw comes during a period of changes to QuĂ©bec’s economic immigration strategy.
QuĂ©bec reopened the QuĂ©bec Experience Program (PEQ) on July 2, 2026. As a result, the province has adjusted PSTQ invitation levels to remain within the admission targets established under its 2026â2029 immigration plan.
Until the first PEQ intake period closes on October 31, 2026, Québec is reducing PSTQ invitation volumes and concentrating selections on certain groups, particularly:
- Candidates in TEER 4 and 5 occupations; and
- Candidates who have not yet accumulated two years of work experience.
From November 2026, QuĂ©bec expects PSTQ invitation levels to be adjusted based on the number of applications received through the PEQ’s first intake period.
Who May Benefit From This PSTQ Draw?
The latest selection could be particularly relevant for people already working in QuĂ©bec in occupations connected to the province’s labour-market priorities.
Potentially relevant groups include:
- Healthcare workers;
- Caregivers and home support workers;
- Education support workers;
- Food-service workers;
- Construction workers;
- Truck drivers;
- Manufacturing workers;
- Skilled tradespeople;
- Engineers and technicians;
- Technology professionals;
- Regulated healthcare professionals; and
- Candidates with exceptional professional achievements.
However, working in one of these occupations does not automatically guarantee an invitation. Québec applies specific criteria to each selection exercise, and candidates must meet the requirements associated with the exercise under which they are considered.
What Candidates Should Do After Receiving an Invitation
Candidates who received an invitation should carefully review the exact conditions attached to their selection.
They should prepare:
- Identity and civil-status documents;
- Education documents;
- Employment and work-experience evidence;
- French-language test results, where required;
- Québec work documents, where applicable;
- Documents related to a regulated profession, if applicable;
- Family documents for accompanying members;
- Financial self-sufficiency documentation; and
- Québec values attestation requirements.
Québec states that PSTQ applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for themselves and accompanying family members for the first three months after becoming permanent residents. Applicants must also obtain the required attestation concerning democratic and Québec values.
Key Takeaways
- Québec issued 790 PSTQ invitations in its August 27, 2026 selection round.
- Invitations were issued under all four PSTQ streams.
- Stream 2, covering intermediate and manual occupations, received the largest share.
- Healthcare, education, construction, transportation, manufacturing and skilled trades featured prominently among targeted occupations.
- Stream 1 issued 87 invitations.
- Stream 3 issued 109 invitations for regulated professions.
- Stream 4 issued 21 invitations for exceptional talent.
- Many candidates were required to demonstrate French-language proficiency.
- Québec continues to use Arrima to manage declarations of interest and invitations.
- Candidates who receive a selection invitation and are approved can obtain a CSQ before applying federally for Canadian permanent residence.
- QuĂ©bec’s PSTQ strategy is currently being adjusted alongside the reopening of the PEQ.
Conclusion
QuĂ©bec’s latest 790-invitation PSTQ draw highlights the province’s continued focus on addressing labour-market needs through targeted economic immigration.
The strong emphasis on intermediate and manual occupations, healthcare, education, construction, transportation and other priority sectors shows that QuĂ©bec’s selection strategy is not limited to highly skilled professionals. Workers already contributing to the QuĂ©bec labour market may also have opportunities, provided they meet the specific requirements of the relevant PSTQ selection exercise.
Because Québec can change invitation criteria from one draw to another, prospective applicants should check the official PSTQ requirements and the detailed criteria for each invitation round before submitting or updating their Arrima profile.
