Quebec Issues 790 Invitations in Latest PSTQ Draw
Quebec Issues 790 Invitations Through Latest PSTQ Selection Round
The latest exercise was conducted by Québec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) on August 27, 2026. Candidates were selected through all four PSTQ streams, with the largest portion of invitations going to workers in intermediate and manual occupations.
Latest Québec PSTQ Selection: Key Numbers
The August 27 selection round covered all four PSTQ streams and targeted candidates with different occupational backgrounds, work experience and professional profiles. Candidate profiles considered in this round were taken from the pool on August 24, 2026, at 11:48 a.m.
The invitations were distributed as follows:
- Stream 1 – Highly qualified and specialized skills: 87 invitations
- Stream 2 – Intermediate and manual skills: 324 invitations
- Stream 3 – Regulated professions: 109 invitations
- Stream 4 – Exceptional talent: 21 invitations
The individual exercises within the streams accounted for the selection criteria and invitation numbers applicable to different candidate groups.
Stream 1 Targets Highly Qualified Workers
Québec issued 87 invitations through Stream 1, which is designed for workers in highly qualified and specialized occupations. The candidates selected under this stream were working in TEER 0–2 occupations, living in Québec and had accumulated at least 12 months of work experience during the previous five years.
The three exercises used different combinations of educational qualifications, priority occupations and occupational classifications. ExerciseInvitations issuedCutoff score
| Exercise | Invitations issued | Cutoff score |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise 1 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 1, 2) | 26 | 639 |
| Exercise 2 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 2) | 11 | 710 |
| Exercise 3 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 0–2) | 50 | 694 |
For the first exercise, Québec focused on occupations connected with priority areas such as healthcare, social services, education and natural sciences.
The occupations listed for this exercise included:
- Biologists and related scientists (21110)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (42202)
- Instructors for persons with disabilities (42203)
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (31209)
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
- Pharmacy technicians (32124)
- Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (31303)
- Physicists and astronomers (21100)
- Social and community service workers (42201)
- Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)
The second exercise concentrated on chefs (62200) and food service supervisors (62020). Meanwhile, the third exercise was aimed at candidates whose occupations were connected to priority sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades and technology.
Stream 2 Provides the Largest Selection
Stream 2 accounted for a significant share of the latest invitations, with 324 candidates selected. This stream applies to workers employed in TEER 3–5 occupations. Candidates considered under these exercises were residing in Québec and needed 24 months of work experience within the previous five years, including at least 12 months of experience in Québec.
The invitation breakdown was:
| Selection Exercise | Invitations | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise 1 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 3, 4) | 314 | 638 |
| Exercise 2 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 3, 5) | 10–15 | 706 |
| Exercise 3 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 3–5) | <5 | 695 |
| Exercise 4 – Qualifying diploma + TEER 4 or 5 primary occupation | 249 | 616 |
The first exercise focused on occupations linked to healthcare, education and home care. Eligible occupations included:
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (43100)
- Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (44101)
- Medical administrative assistants (13112)
- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical workers (33101)
- Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102)
- Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assist
The second exercise specifically targeted cooks (63200) and light duty cleaners (65310). For the third exercise, Québec concentrated on occupations primarily connected with construction, manufacturing and transportation. The fourth exercise was broader. Candidates needed a primary occupation classified at TEER 4 or 5, although no particular occupations were identified for that selection exercise.
Regulated Professionals Also Receive Invitations
Stream 2 accounted for a significant share of the latest invitations, with 324 candidates selected. This stream applies to workers employed in TEER 3–5 occupations. Candidates considered under these exercises were residing in Québec and needed 24 months of work experience within the previous five years, including at least 12 months of experience in Québec.
The selection results were:
| Exercise | Invitations | Cutoff score |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise 1 – Priority occupation (TEER 1, 2) | 77 | 639 |
| Exercise 2 – Priority occupation (TEER 1, 2) | 25–30 | 694 |
| Exercise 3 – TEER 4 or 5 occupation | <5 | 393 |
The first exercise covered 32 occupations associated with healthcare, education, and social and community services. The second exercise included 30 occupations linked primarily to engineering, skilled trades and transportation. For the third exercise, candidates needed to demonstrate their intention to work in a regulated occupation classified at TEER 4 or 5. Québec did not specify individual occupations for this exercise.
Exceptional Talent Category
| Exercise | Invitations issued | Cutoff score |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise 1 – Positive opinion letter | 15 | N/A |
| Exercise 2 – Exceptional achievement + doctorate | 6 | N/A |
Candidates in the first exercise needed a positive opinion letter from a MIFI partner working in one of the fields identified by the department. For the second exercise, applicants needed both a qualifying achievement listed on Québec’s List of Exceptional Achievements and an educational credential considered equivalent to a Québec doctorate, including an undergraduate doctorate.
Québec Adjusts PSTQ Selection Strategy
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.
Conclusion
Québec’s selection strategy could change again once the first PEQ intake period concludes. From November 2026, the province expects to determine future PSTQ invitation levels based on the number of applications received through the PEQ’s initial intake. Québec has indicated that it intends to distribute the same number of CSQs between the two programs for the remainder of the period covered by its 2026–2029 immigration plan.
For prospective immigrants, the latest selection demonstrates that Québec continues to use different invitation exercises to address specific occupational and labour-market priorities. Candidates considering the PSTQ should therefore pay close attention to their occupation, work experience, qualifications and the stream under which they may be considered.
