Quebec remained on its consistent immigration intake this year as it issued letters of interest (LI) to 231 skilled professionals and graduates under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The draw was conducted on August 28, 2025, and aimed at the people with post-secondary education, in-demand occupations, and extraordinary credentials.
Also Read Quebec Conducts Latest Skilled Worker Draw, Invites 231 Candidates
Invitation Analysis Report
- Total invitations shared: 231
- Streams covered: Stream 1 (Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills) & Stream 4 (Exceptional Talent)
- Minimum points needed: 760 (for Stream 1 candidates)
- Major eligibility requirements: Quebec schooling, other qualifications, and practicing experience
There were Individual Stream eligibility requirements that were appropriate for the type of candidate that Quebec wants to attract.
Route 1:Highly Qualified and Specialised Skills
Most of the immigration offers, 277, were shared under the Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills Stream. The applicants should be:
- Be a resident of Quebec at the time you apply.
- Possess a diploma or degree from an accredited Quebec school (college, university, or trade school).
- Pass minimum study requirements: at least 30 university credits or at least 900 hours of college/vocational study.
- Obtain at least 760 marks on the Quebec selection grid.
- This pathway emphasizes Quebec’s strategy of retaining talent trained within the province, ensuring graduates and skilled workers can transition to permanent residency and contribute to the local workforce.
Route 2: Exceptional Talent
Fewer than 4 candidates in the Exceptional Talent Stream were contacted through letters. Eligibility entailed:
- Obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD).
- At least three years of recent experience in the main profession.
- The program aims at attracting world-class researchers and innovators in Quebec in the bid to solidify the provincial dedication in nurturing research, high technology, and economic development.
Immigration Policy Developments in Quebec
This draw is in the context of historic changes in the immigration system in Quebec, with both short- and long-term suspensions that shape future admissions.
Already in Place
- The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for graduates and workers is suspended until November 30, 2025.
- The PSTQ program was again opened in July 2025 after a previous closure.
- Intake within the Refugees Abroad Program (Collective Sponsorship) is suspended until December 31, 2027.
Recommended Reforms Under Consideration
- Imposing new restrictions on the number of temporary residents in Quebec.
- Gradually decreasing the number of foreign worker temporaries from 72,000 to 65,000 within the following four years.
- Reduce foreign worker intake in Montreal by half.
- Having special selection priorities in Quebec’s general immigration program.
- Instituting the mandatory French proficiency test among foreign permit renewers.
- Comment periods on such proposals closed on August 15, 2025, and an immigration levels plan finalized will be available in October 2025.
What’s Next for Applicants
The Quebec draw on August 28 mirrors Quebec’s two-faceted policy: luring in homegrown professionals and importing foreign experts. However, in policy changes that emphasize French language competency and foreign worker reduction levels, future applicants will be required to be vigilant in adapting eligibility levels.
In the short term, experienced professionals, new graduates, and scholars would remain the backbone of the immigration policy of Quebec in attracting a strong, diverse, and innovative workforce in the province.
