Quebec has taken a major step towards its immigration plan by inviting candidates with intermediate and manual work experience to apply for permanent selection. The draw on July 31, 2025, marks the first time the province has issued invitations under this category since introducing the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) earlier this year.
This immigration program focuses on Quebec’s desire to diversify its immigration intake by concentrating not only on highly skilled professionals but also on workers in essential trades and manual labor.
Information Regarding the July 31 Invitation Round
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) sent 273 invitations to candidates under the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream of the PSTQ.
To be invited, candidates must:
- Score a minimum of 661 points.
- Reside outside the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area.
- Have a minimum of two years of work experience over the past five years, with a minimum of 12 months in Quebec in their principal occupation.
- The candidates were selected from the Arrima expression of interest bank on July 28, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Learn About the Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
This immigration program is designed for foreign workers whose occupations fall into FEER (Formation, Études, Expérience et Responsabilités) categories 3, 4, or 5, which correspond to the TEER level in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Show French language proficiency at level 5 or above in speaking and listening (Échelle québécoise or equivalent).
- Have any accompanying spouse or partner at least level 4 in French proficiency.
- Offer evidence of schooling, i.e.:
- A high school equivalent to Quebec’s standard, or
- A vocational or college diploma in a program with a minimum duration of 600 hours (secondary level) or 900 hours (college level).
- Notably, the applicant must have the diploma in hand before applying.
FEER Category Eligibility Breakdown for the Stream
FEER 3 Occupations
- Need less than two years of post-secondary training or brief apprenticeship programs.
- Can include more than six months of on-the-job training.
- Can be entered with considerable related experience from FEER 4.
FEER 4 Jobs
- Typically require no more than a high school diploma.
- Some jobs can be entered with workplace training of short duration.
- Also, may accept experience from FEER 5 jobs.
FEER 5 Jobs
- Contain entry jobs requiring little training and no education in formal education.
- This system allows Quebec to respond to serious labour shortages by crediting skills acquired through vocational programs, apprenticeships, and work experience.
Background: Quebec’s New Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
The PSTQ was formally implemented in place of the Regular Skilled Worker Program towards the end of 2024, but came into operation only in mid-2025. The province aims for the program to balance immigration with the needs of Quebec’s labour market, while ensuring that a high focus on the integration of the French language continues.
On 17 July 2025, Quebec issued its first-ever PSTQ draw ITAs, inviting eligible candidates in the Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills program and the Exceptional Talent program. A total of 238 candidates were invited in that draw, primarily those already settled in Quebec with excellent French skills and professional experience.
Why This Draw Matters
The July 31 offers are a change of emphasis towards skilled trades and manual labour jobs, so that Quebec is bringing in employees in fields where there are urgent shortages. Quebec is now fulfilling requirements in its important regions for economic advancements and long-term success by enabling middle-skilled workers with real-world experience to get the PR visas.
