Quebec Holds Sixth PSTQ Draw of 2026
Quebec Invites 501 Skilled Workers in New PSTQ Immigration Selection Round
Quebec has conducted another round of invitations under its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), issuing 501 invitations to eligible immigration candidates seeking permanent selection in the province.
The latest selection round, held on July 3, 2026, covered all four streams of the PSTQ and targeted candidates already living and working in Quebec across a wide range of occupations. This marks the sixth PSTQ draw of 2026 and the smallest invitation round held under the program so far this year.
Quebec Holds Sixth PSTQ Draw of 2026
The majority of invitations went to workers in occupations classified under intermediate and manual skill levels, highlighting Quebec’s continued focus on addressing labour shortages beyond highly skilled professions.
Total Invitations Issued Across Four PSTQ Streams
| PSTQ Stream | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| Stream 1 – Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills | 74 |
| Stream 2 – Intermediate and Manual Skills | 289 |
| Stream 3 – Regulated Professions | 131 |
| Stream 4 – Exceptional Talent | 7 |
| Total | 501 |
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
Quebec invited 74 candidates under the first stream, which is designed for workers employed in TEER 0, 1 and 2 occupations. Applicants selected under this stream were required to:
- Be currently residing in Quebec.
- Have accumulated at least 12 months of eligible work experience within the previous five years.
- Meet specific educational and occupation-related requirements.
The invitations were distributed across three separate selection exercises:
| Selection Exercise | Invitations |
|---|---|
| Qualifying diploma + Priority Occupation (TEER 1–2) | 31 |
| Qualifying diploma + Priority Occupation (TEER 2) | 5 |
| Qualifying diploma + Priority Occupation (TEER 0–2) | 38 |
Stream 2 Receives the Highest Number of Invitations
The largest share of invitations went to Stream 2 – Intermediate and Manual Skills, with 289 candidates receiving invitations. This stream focuses on workers employed in TEER 3, 4 and 5 occupations, reflecting Quebec’s demand for workers in essential technical, service and manual occupations.
| Selection Exercise | Invitations |
|---|---|
| Diploma + Work Experience + Priority Occupation (TEER 3) | 35 |
| Diploma + Work Experience + Priority Occupation (TEER 3–5) | 14 |
| Diploma + Primary Occupation in TEER 4 or 5 | 240 |
The third exercise alone accounted for the majority of invitations under this stream.
Regulated Profession Stream Invites 131 Candidates
Quebec also selected 131 candidates through Stream 3, which targets professionals planning to work in occupations that require provincial licensing or regulation. Candidates needed to be living in Quebec and intend to work in a regulated profession.
The invitations were divided among four exercises:
| Selection Exercise | Invitations |
|---|---|
| Priority Occupations (TEER 1–2) | 84 |
| Priority Occupations (TEER 1–2) | 41 |
| Priority Occupations (TEER 3–5) | Fewer than 5 |
| TEER 4 or 5 Occupation | Fewer than 5 |
Exceptional Talent Stream Issues Seven Invitations
- At least 36 months of relevant work experience within the previous five years.
- A favourable opinion from one of Quebec's recognized partner organizations.
Eligible candidates demonstrated exceptional achievements in one of the province’s targeted sectors, including:
- Strategic economic industries
- Research
- Arts
- Sports
Understanding Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) is Quebec’s primary economic immigration pathway for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residence in the province. Unlike most Canadian provinces, Quebec manages its own skilled immigration selection process.
Individuals interested in immigrating through the PSTQ must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal. Eligible profiles enter Quebec’s candidate pool, where they are assessed based on factors that support long-term economic integration, including occupation, education, work experience, and labour market needs.
The program currently operates through four separate streams, allowing Quebec to invite candidates based on their occupational background and provincial workforce priorities.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
Exercise 2 Requirements
Candidates needed:
- Evidence of an achievement recognized under Quebec's Exceptional Achievements framework.
- Education equivalent to a Quebec doctoral degree, including undergraduate doctorate programs.
Quebec Continues Targeted Immigration Strategy
With six PSTQ invitation rounds already conducted in 2026, Quebec continues to use targeted selections to attract workers who are already contributing to the province’s economy and are well positioned for long-term settlement.
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