Quebec has issued 519 invitations to foreign workers through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), opening another opportunity for eligible candidates to pursue permanent residence in the province. The selection round, held on September 24, 2026, covered four immigration streams, with workers in intermediate and manual occupations receiving the largest share of invitations.
The latest round included candidates from healthcare, education, engineering, technology, construction, manufacturing, transportation and other sectors. Selected applicants can now proceed with an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Also Read Quebec Invites 519 Candidates for PR Under Four PSTQ Immigration Streams
Quebec PSTQ Draw Results: September 24, 2026
The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) conducted its ninth PSTQ selection round of 2026, distributing invitations across four streams.
| Immigration Stream | Invitations Issued | Cutoff Scores |
| Highly qualified and specialized skills | 86 | 634–706 |
| Intermediate and manual skills | 316 | 611–706 |
| Regulated professions | 110 | 380–697 |
| Exceptional talent | 7 | Not specified |
| Total | 519 | — |
The reported scores varied between individual selection exercises. Candidates needed to meet the conditions of their respective streams, as receiving an invitation depended on more than occupation alone.
Which Workers Were Selected?
1. Highly Qualified and Specialized Workers
Quebec issued 86 invitations to candidates in highly qualified occupations. Applicants generally needed to live in the province, work in an eligible occupation and have at least 12 months of relevant experience during the previous five years.
Targeted fields included healthcare, education, natural sciences, engineering, manufacturing and technology. Selected occupations included biologists, early childhood educators, pharmacy technicians, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, engineering managers and industrial engineers. Chefs and food service supervisors were also included in a dedicated exercise.
2. Intermediate and Manual Workers
This stream received 316 invitations, making it the largest category in the latest round. Candidates generally needed two years of experience in their principal occupation within the previous five years, including at least 12 months of work experience gained in Quebec.
Eligible occupations included home support workers, caregivers, medical laboratory assistants, nurse aides, teacher assistants, cooks and light duty cleaners. The selection also covered construction and transportation workers, including concrete finishers, glaziers, roofers, tilesetters and transport truck drivers.
A total of 254 invitations were issued through an exercise for candidates in lower-skilled occupational categories, without a separate list of specific job titles.
3. Candidates in Regulated Professions
The province issued 110 invitations to candidates intending to work in regulated professions. Healthcare and education remained important areas, alongside engineering and skilled trades.
Eligible occupations included doctors, dentists, pharmacists, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, teachers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electricians and plumbers. Candidates needed to meet the requirements of the relevant exercise and demonstrate their intention to practise in a regulated occupation.
4. Exceptional Talent
Seven invitations went to candidates with exceptional achievements and substantial professional experience. Applicants generally needed at least 36 months of experience in their principal occupation during the previous five years.
Eligibility routes included obtaining a positive opinion letter from a MIFI partner or demonstrating an achievement recognised by the province alongside doctoral-level education. Candidates also had to satisfy the applicable general program requirements.
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Why Quebec Is Adjusting Its Immigration Selections
Quebec’s current approach is linked to the reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on July 2, 2026. The first PEQ intake period is scheduled to close on October 31, 2026.
Until then, the province plans to limit PSTQ invitations while giving particular attention to candidates in lower-TEER occupations and those with less than two years of work experience. This helps explain the large number of invitations issued to intermediate and manual workers in the latest round.
From November 2026, Quebec plans to adjust PSTQ invitation volumes based on applications received during the first PEQ intake. The province aims to align selections with its 2026–2029 immigration objectives and has indicated its intention to issue equal numbers of Quebec Selection Certificates through the PSTQ and PEQ over the planning period.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
An invitation allows a candidate to apply for permanent selection but does not guarantee permanent residence. Applicants must submit the required documents and satisfy Quebec’s eligibility conditions to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate.
After receiving the CSQ, successful candidates can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Some applicants already living in Canada may also qualify for a bridging open work permit after filing their permanent residence application, subject to federal eligibility requirements.
Foreign workers who have not received an invitation can submit a declaration of interest through Arrima for consideration in future selection rounds. However, entering the candidate pool does not guarantee an invitation.
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What Applicants Should Know
Quebec’s latest draw highlights opportunities across a wide range of occupations, particularly intermediate and manual jobs. Prospective applicants should review their qualifications, work experience, occupational eligibility and the requirements of the relevant PSTQ stream before submitting a profile.
As Quebec continues balancing its skilled worker program with the PEQ, future invitation numbers and selection priorities may change. Candidates should monitor official provincial announcements for updated criteria and upcoming selection results.
