Quebec has continued its 2026 economic immigration efforts by issuing 501 invitations to eligible skilled workers through the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). The latest invitation round covered every stream under the program, selecting candidates whose qualifications and occupations align with the province’s current labour market priorities.
The draw, announced on July 3, 2026, represents the sixth PSTQ selection round of the year. Although invitations were distributed across all four streams, this round recorded the lowest invitation total since the program began holding selections in 2026.
Also Read Quebec Invites 501 Skilled Workers in New PSTQ Immigration Selection Round
Latest PSTQ Selection Focuses on Workers Already Living in Quebec
Candidates invited in this round were chosen from the Arrima Expression of Interest system. The province evaluated profiles that were available in the Arrima pool as of June 26, 2026, before determining which candidates met the criteria for invitation.
Many of those selected are already employed and residing in Quebec, reinforcing the province’s strategy of retaining workers who have established themselves in the local labour market.
Distribution of Invitations by Immigration Stream
The 501 invitations were divided among four different streams designed to address distinct workforce needs.
| PSTQ Stream | Invitations Issued |
| Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills | 74 |
| Intermediate and Manual Skills | 289 |
| Regulated Professions | 131 |
| Exceptional Talent | 7 |
| Overall Total | 501 |
The largest allocation once again went to candidates employed in intermediate and manual occupations, reflecting ongoing labour shortages in these sectors.
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Intermediate and Manual Occupations Lead the Selection Round
Nearly six out of every ten invitations issued during this draw were directed to applicants under the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream.
A total of 289 invitations were distributed through three separate selection exercises targeting workers in TEER 3, TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations.
The invitation breakdown is shown below:
| Selection Category | Invitations |
| Priority TEER 3 Occupations | 35 |
| Priority TEER 3–5 Occupations | 14 |
| Primary Occupation in TEER 4 or TEER 5 | 240 |
Most candidates selected in this stream qualified because their primary occupation fell within TEER 4 or TEER 5.
Skilled Professionals Receive 74 Invitations
The Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills stream accounted for 74 invitations.
Eligible candidates generally worked in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1 or 2, had accumulated at least 12 months of work experience within the previous five years, and were already residing in Quebec.
Invitations under this stream were allocated as follows:
| Selection Category | Invitations |
| Diploma with Priority Occupation (TEER 1–2) | 31 |
| Diploma with Priority Occupation (TEER 2) | 5 |
| Diploma with Priority Occupation (TEER 0–2) | 38 |
Regulated Occupations Continue to Receive Priority
Quebec also selected 131 candidates planning to work in occupations that require provincial certification or licensing.
This stream supports professionals whose occupations are regulated under Quebec’s professional framework and who intend to continue working in these fields after obtaining permanent selection.
The invitation distribution included:
| Selection Category | Invitations |
| Priority Occupations (TEER 1–2) | 84 |
| Priority Occupations (TEER 1–2) | 41 |
| Priority Occupations (TEER 3–5) | Fewer than 5 |
| TEER 4 or TEER 5 Occupations | Fewer than 5 |
Most invitations within this category targeted higher-skilled regulated professions.
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Exceptional Talent Pathway Selects Seven Individuals
The smallest stream in this selection round invited seven candidates recognized for exceptional achievements.
Applicants qualified after receiving a positive assessment from one of Quebec’s designated partner organizations and demonstrating extensive professional experience over the past five years.
This pathway supports individuals contributing to priority areas such as:
- Strategic industries
- Scientific research
- Arts and culture
- Sports
How the PSTQ Works
The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) serves as Quebec’s principal pathway for selecting skilled foreign workers who wish to establish themselves permanently in the province.
Interested candidates begin by creating an Expression of Interest profile through Arrima, Quebec’s online immigration platform. Their profiles are then placed in a selection pool where they are assessed according to several economic factors, including occupation, education, work experience, and their potential to integrate into Quebec’s labour market.
Instead of relying on a single immigration stream, the PSTQ organizes candidates into four pathways based primarily on occupational classification and workforce demand.
Next Steps After Receiving an Invitation
Receiving an invitation allows candidates to submit an application for permanent selection to the Quebec government.
Applicants who complete the provincial process receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). The CSQ enables them to proceed with the federal stage of immigration by applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Quebec Maintains a Demand-Driven Immigration Model
The latest PSTQ invitation round demonstrates Quebec’s ongoing commitment to selecting immigrants according to its evolving labour market needs rather than conducting broad, general draws.
By continuing to prioritize candidates already contributing to the provincial workforce, particularly those in technical, manual, specialized and regulated occupations, Quebec is using targeted immigration to strengthen key sectors of its economy while supporting long-term population growth.
