Quebec invites 2,522 candidates in PSTQ draw
Quebec has conducted a new round of invitations under its Skilled Worker Selection Program, issuing a total of 2,522 invitations on March 19, 2026. The invitations were distributed across multiple program streams targeting different occupational categories.
The selection reflects the province’s ongoing use of the PSTQ as its primary pathway for skilled worker immigration. Candidates were chosen from the Arrima system based on criteria including occupation, language ability, and experience.
This marks the third invitation round held by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration in 2026.
- A total of 2,522 invitations were issued on March 19, 2026
- Selections were made across four PSTQ streams
- The largest share of invitations was issued to regulated profession candidates
- Candidates were selected from the Arrima pool on March 16, 2026
- French-language proficiency remained a core requirement across categories
Overview of the PSTQ selection system
The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is Quebec’s main economic immigration pathway following changes to earlier programs. It is designed to select candidates based on labour market needs and human capital characteristics.
Profiles are submitted through the Arrima platform, where candidates are ranked using a points-based system. Invitations are issued periodically to individuals meeting specific thresholds and occupation-based priorities.
The March 2026 round included selections from all four streams: highly qualified skills, intermediate skills, regulated professions, and exceptional talent.
Breakdown of invitations by stream
Highly qualified and specialized skills
A total of 893 invitations were issued under this stream. Candidates were grouped into three categories with varying score requirements and occupational criteria.
Some candidates required scores exceeding 700 points, while others were selected with lower thresholds if their occupations aligned with priority sectors. Work experience, education obtained in Quebec, and advanced French proficiency were key factors.
Intermediate and manual skills
This stream accounted for 509 invitations in the latest round. Candidates were assessed on experience in intermediate-level occupations, including trades and support roles.
Minimum score thresholds differed across categories, with some candidates selected based on priority occupations despite lower scores. French-language ability and Quebec-based work experience remained consistent requirements.
Regulated professions
The largest share of invitations, 1,118 in total, was issued under the regulated professions stream. This represented approximately 44% of all invitations in the round.
Selections covered multiple categories, including candidates working in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, and education. In some cases, candidates needed professional recognition or licensing in Quebec.
Score thresholds ranged widely, with certain occupation-targeted selections requiring lower minimum scores. Priority sectors played a significant role in determining eligibility.
Exceptional talent
Only two invitations were issued through the exceptional talent stream. This category targets individuals with recognized achievements and extensive professional experience.
Candidates selected under this stream were required to demonstrate high-level qualifications, including doctoral-level education and notable accomplishments recognized by Quebec authorities.
Selection criteria and Arrima pool
All invitations were based on profiles in the Arrima system as of March 16, 2026. Candidates were assessed using Quebec’s selection grid, which assigns points for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.
French-language proficiency continues to be a central requirement across nearly all streams. Higher-level oral and written skills were required for many categories, particularly those involving professional or regulated occupations.
In addition to language ability, several streams required candidates to have completed education in Quebec or to hold experience within the province. Occupational alignment with labour shortages also influenced selection outcomes.
Role of priority occupations
A significant portion of invitations in this round was tied to priority occupations identified by the provincial government. These included roles in construction, healthcare, engineering, and social services.
Candidates working in these sectors were often invited with lower minimum scores compared to general selection categories. This reflects Quebec’s targeted approach to addressing workforce gaps.
Specific occupations ranged from skilled trades such as carpenters and welders to professional roles including nurses, engineers, and teachers.
Context within Canada’s immigration system
Quebec manages its own immigration selection system, operating independently from federal programs such as Express Entry. The PSTQ has become the province’s primary tool for selecting skilled workers since earlier pathways were phased out.
Other provinces, including Manitoba, continue to operate separate nominee programs aligned with regional economic needs. More information on provincial systems is available through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Each provincial program uses distinct selection criteria and targets different occupational groups based on local labour demands.
Recent developments in 2026
This draw represents Quebec’s third selection round of the year, indicating a continued pace of invitations in early 2026. The use of multiple selection categories across streams highlights an increasingly targeted approach.
The prominence of regulated professions in this round reflects ongoing demand in sectors requiring certification and specialized training.
Quebec authorities have not indicated changes to the selection system following this round, and further draws are expected as part of regular immigration intake planning.
Conclusion
The March 19 draw demonstrates Quebec’s continued reliance on the PSTQ to select skilled workers aligned with labour market needs. Invitations were distributed across a broad range of occupations and experience levels.
Further updates on provincial and federal immigration selection rounds continue to shape Canada’s broader immigration landscape.