Quebec Issues Large-Scale PSTQ Invitations After A Long Pause
Quebec Revives PSTQ Program With Large-Scale Invitations
Unlike earlier rounds, this selection covered all four PSTQ pathways simultaneously, with a strong emphasis on regional labour shortages, French-language ability, and occupations essential to Quebec’s economic and social infrastructure. Candidates were selected from Arrima profiles that were valid as of December 1, 2025.
Snapshot of the December PSTQ Draw
- Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills
- Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills
- Stream 3: Regulated professions
- Stream 4: Exceptional talent
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
Advanced Technical Profiles in Focus
More than 600 invitations were issued under Stream 1 to candidates working in NOC FEER 0, 1, and 2 occupations. Successful candidates generally demonstrated strong French proficiency, post-secondary education completed in Quebec, and recent skilled work experience. Two distinct groups were selected:
- Candidates living anywhere in Quebec who met higher score thresholds
- Candidates residing outside the Montréal Metropolitan Community, selected with a lower score requirement, provided they worked in manufacturing-related occupations
Manufacturing and Food Processing Occupations Selected (Outside Montréal)
Candidates with the following occupations were invited under this stream:
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301)
- Industrial and manufacturing engineering technologists and technicians (22302)
- Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians (22310)
- Machinists and tool and die inspectors (72100)
- Sheet metal workers (72102)
- Welders and soldering machine operators (72106)
- Cabinetmakers (72311)
- Construction and industrial mechanics (72400)
- Electromechanics (72422)
- Food and beverage processing supervisors (92012)
Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills
Strong Demand for Factory, Trades, and Processing Workers
Over 600 candidates were invited through Stream 2, which targets NOC FEER 3, 4, and 5 occupations. Most invitations went to applicants living outside Montréal who were employed in manufacturing, processing, or industrial support roles. Candidates were required to show substantial work experience, including time worked in Quebec, and intermediate-level French-language skills.
Manufacturing and Processing Occupations Selected
- Butchers — wholesale and retail trade (63201)
- Bakers and pastry chefs (63202)
- Upholsterers (63221)
- Tailors, dressmakers, furriers, and milliners (64200)
- Meat cutters and fishmongers — wholesale and retail trade (65202)
- Glaziers (73111)
- Printing press operators (73401)
- Foundry workers (94101)
- Machine operators in the shaping and finishing of concrete, clay, or stone products (94103)
- Forging and metalworking machine operators (94105)
- Machine tool operators (94106)
- Plastics processing machine operators (94111)
- Rubber processing machine operators and related workers (94112)
- Sawmill sawing machine operators (94120)
- Woodworking machine operators (94124)
- Machine operators and workers processing textile fibers and yarns, leather and hides (94130)
- Industrial sewing machine operators (94132)
- Industrial machine and process operators in food and beverage processing (94140)
- Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers (94141)
- Fish and seafood processing plant workers (94142)
- Samplers and sorters in food and beverage processing (94143)
- Mechanical equipment assemblers and testers (94204)
- Furniture and accessory assemblers, finishers, restorers, and inspectors (94210)
- Other wood product assemblers and inspectors (94211)
- Plastic product assemblers, finishers, and inspectors (94212)
- Painters, plasterers, and process operators in metal finishing — industrial sector (94213)
- Laborers in metallurgy (95101)
- Laborers in pulp and paper processing and wood processing (95103)
- Laborers in rubber and plastic product manufacturing (95104)
- Laborers in textile product manufacturing and cutting (95105)
- Laborers in food and beverage processing (95106)
- Laborers in fish and seafood processing (95107)
Quebec also selected a smaller group of candidates across the province who met higher score requirements and worked in additional in-demand occupations.
Stream 3: Regulated Professions
Healthcare, Engineering, Education, and Skilled Trades Take Priority
The regulated professions stream accounted for the largest share of invitations, with close to 650 candidates selected. This pathway focuses on occupations that require licensing or recognition by Quebec regulatory authorities. Invitations targeted professionals in healthcare, engineering, education, social services, and construction, provided they demonstrated advanced French proficiency and met occupation-specific criteria.
Priority Occupations Selected Under Stream 3
- Land surveyors (21203)
- Civil engineers (21300)
- Electrical and electronics engineers (21310)
- Chemical engineers (21320)
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321)
- Metallurgical and materials engineers (21322)
- Aerospace engineers (21390)
- Clinical and laboratory medicine specialists (31100)
- Surgical specialists (31101)
- General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
- Veterinarians (31103)
- Dentists (31110)
- Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (31112)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Dietitians and nutritionists (31121)
- Psychologists (31200)
- Physical therapists (31202)
- Occupational therapists (31203)
- Nursing coordinators and supervisors (31300)
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
- Nurse practitioners (31302)
- Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (31303)
- Prescription opticians (32100)
- Nursing assistants/nursing aides (32101)
- Ambulance and paramedical personnel (32102)
- Respiratory therapists, cardiovascular perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
- Dental hygienists and therapists (32111)
- Dental technologists and technicians (32112)
- Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
- Medical radiation technologists (32121)
- Ultrasound technologists (32122)
- Cardiology technologists and diagnostic electrophysiology technologists (32123)
- Secondary school teachers (41220)
- Primary and preschool teachers (41221)
- Social workers (41300)
- Counseling therapists and related specialized therapists (41301)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (42202)
- Sheet metal workers (72102)
- Steel frame erectors (72105)
- Welders and welding and brazing machine operators (72106)
- Electricians (except industrial electricians and power system electricians) (72200)
- Pipefitters, heating installers, and sprinkler installers (72301)
- Carpenters and joiners (72310)
- Bricklayers and masons (72320)
- Insulators (72321)
- Construction and industrial mechanics (72400)
- Heavy equipment mechanics (72401)
- Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics (72402)
- Elevator builders and mechanics (72406)
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
Limited Invitations for High-Impact Profiles
A small number of candidates were invited under the exceptional talent stream. This pathway is reserved for individuals with recognized achievements or endorsements in strategic sectors such as research, innovation, culture, or sports. Applicants were required to present evidence of exceptional accomplishments, advanced academic credentials (equivalent to a Quebec doctorate), and extensive professional experience.
What This Selection Reveals About Quebec’s Immigration Direction
This PSTQ round reinforces several clear trends in Quebec’s immigration strategy:
- Regional labour shortages remain a top priority
- Manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades continue to dominate selections
- French-language proficiency is central across all streams
- Quebec experience and education significantly improve selection chances
What Candidates Should Do Next
As Quebec continues to tailor immigration intake to economic priorities, candidates who match these criteria are likely to benefit from upcoming PSTQ selections.
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