After a pause of nearly three months, Quebec has resumed its skilled immigration selections, issuing more than 1,800 invitations for permanent selection under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). The invitations were sent on December 4, targeting candidates already registered in the Arrima expression of interest pool.
This selection round was notable for its breadth, covering all four PSTQ pathways and focusing heavily on labour shortages in manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, construction, and regulated professions. Candidates were drawn from Arrima profiles that were valid as of December 1, 2025.
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Overview of the December PSTQ Selection
The December round demonstrated Quebec’s continued strategy of aligning immigration with regional economic needs and workforce gaps. Invitations were issued under the following PSTQ streams:
- Highly qualified and specialized skills
- Intermediate and manual skills
- Regulated professions
- Exceptional talent
Selections were made based on a combination of factors, including occupation, work experience, French-language ability, education in Quebec, and geographic location within the province.
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Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills Stream: Focus on Technical Expertise
Under the highly qualified stream, Quebec issued over 600 invitations to candidates working in professional and technical occupations classified under NOC FEER levels 0, 1, and 2.
Applicants were required to demonstrate strong French proficiency, recent skilled work experience, and formal education completed in Quebec. Higher-ranking candidates needed scores in the upper range of the PSTQ points grid.
A distinct subset of invitations was reserved for candidates living outside the Montréal Metropolitan Community. These applicants were assessed under a lower points threshold but had to be employed in manufacturing-related occupations. Quebec specifically targeted engineering technologists, machinists, welders, industrial mechanics, cabinetmakers, and food processing supervisors, reflecting acute labour shortages in regional industrial hubs.
Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream: Manufacturing and Processing Jobs in Demand
Another major share of invitations was allocated to candidates under the intermediate and manual skills stream. This pathway focused on occupations classified under NOC FEER levels 3, 4, and 5, with a strong emphasis on hands-on roles in manufacturing, food processing, woodworking, textiles, and metal fabrication.
Candidates needed significant work experience, including time spent working in Quebec, as well as functional French-language skills. Most invitations were issued to applicants residing outside Montréal, reinforcing the province’s aim to support economic development in smaller cities and industrial regions.
In addition, Quebec selected a smaller group of candidates residing anywhere in the province who worked in specific in-demand occupations, provided they met a higher points requirement.
Regulated Professions Stream: Engineers, Healthcare Workers, and Educators Prioritised
The regulated professions stream accounted for the largest number of invitations in this draw. Quebec targeted professionals whose occupations require licensing or oversight by provincial regulatory bodies.
Priority was given to candidates in engineering, healthcare, education, social services, and skilled construction trades. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, engineers, and teachers were among the most sought-after profiles.
Several sub-categories were used within this stream:
- High-scoring candidates in priority occupations
- Healthcare professionals with Quebec-based work experience and regulatory assessments
- Candidates in key occupations who qualified under a reduced points threshold
French-language proficiency remained a central requirement across all sub-groups, highlighting Quebec’s continued emphasis on linguistic integration.
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Exceptional Talent Stream: Small but Strategic Invitations
A limited number of invitations were issued under the exceptional talent stream. This pathway is designed for individuals with outstanding achievements or recognised expertise in strategic economic sectors, research, arts, culture, or sports.
Eligible candidates either held official recognition from a partner ministry or possessed documented exceptional accomplishments acknowledged by Quebec authorities. Advanced education and substantial professional experience were key selection factors.
What This Draw Signals for Future Applicants
This PSTQ round clearly illustrates Quebec’s current immigration priorities:
- Strengthening manufacturing and industrial capacity outside Montréal
- Addressing healthcare and engineering shortages
- Attracting French-speaking professionals with Quebec education or work experience
- Encouraging regional settlement and long-term economic integration
Candidates with experience in targeted occupations, strong French skills, and ties to Quebec remain best positioned for future invitations.
Looking Ahead
With the PSTQ now fully active following its transition from the former Regular Skilled Worker Program, similar occupation-focused draws are expected in the coming months. Prospective applicants are advised to keep their Arrima profiles updated and ensure their work experience, language test results, and education credentials accurately reflect their qualifications.
As Quebec continues refining its skilled worker selections, candidates aligned with provincial labour needs are likely to see increased opportunities for permanent selection.
