Quebec invites 2,555 candidates in April PSTQ draw
Quebec conducted a large immigration draw on April 30, issuing 2,555 invitations under its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The invitations were distributed across all four program streams, including highly skilled workers, intermediate occupations, regulated professions, and exceptional talent.
The selection round represents the fourth PSTQ draw held in 2026 and reflects the province’s ongoing use of targeted invitations to address labour market needs. Candidates already residing in Quebec with relevant work experience were a central focus of this round.
The results provide updated insight into Quebec’s evolving immigration selection system, particularly the use of multiple “exercise” categories within each stream to target specific profiles.
- Quebec issued 2,555 invitations on April 30 under the PSTQ
- Invitations were split across four program streams
- The regulated professions stream accounted for 1,058 invitations
- Highly qualified workers received 983 invitations
- Intermediate and manual occupations saw 506 invitations issued
- Exceptional talent stream issued 8 invitations
Overview of the April 30 PSTQ draw
The April 30 draw was conducted by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI). It covered all four streams of the PSTQ, which replaced earlier selection frameworks with a more segmented and targeted approach.
Each stream includes multiple selection exercises designed to identify candidates based on education, occupation, work experience, and labour market priorities. Minimum score thresholds and eligibility conditions varied significantly across exercises.
The PSTQ system operates independently from federal immigration programs, with Quebec maintaining authority over the selection of economic immigrants destined for the province.
Highly qualified and specialized skills stream
This stream accounted for 983 invitations distributed across three exercises. Candidates were required to be employed in occupations categorized under TEER 0, 1, or 2 and to have at least 12 months of work experience in Quebec.
One exercise targeted candidates holding a Quebec diploma of at least 900 hours or 30 academic credits, with a minimum score requirement of 716. Another focused on applicants in designated priority occupations with a lower score threshold of 571.
A third exercise issued invitations based on a higher score requirement of 704 without additional priority occupation criteria.
Intermediate and manual skills stream
A total of 506 invitations were issued under this stream, which covers occupations classified under TEER categories 3 to 5. Candidates were required to have at least one year of work experience in Quebec in non-regulated roles.
The invitations were divided across three exercises. One targeted individuals with Quebec diplomas of varying durations, including vocational and university credentials, with a minimum score of 660.
Another exercise selected candidates in priority occupations with a lower score cutoff of 494. A third exercise applied a minimum score requirement of 660 without additional targeting criteria.
Regulated professions stream leads invitations
The largest number of invitations, 1,058, was issued under the regulated professions stream. This category includes workers employed in occupations that require provincial certification or licensing.
Six separate exercises were used within this stream. The largest portion, 723 invitations, was directed toward candidates working in in-demand occupations within TEER categories 0 to 2.
Another 226 invitations were issued to candidates holding qualifying Quebec diplomas with a minimum score of 632. Additional exercises targeted both higher- and lower-skilled regulated occupations with varying score thresholds.
A small number of invitations—17—were issued to physicians who held authorization to practice in Quebec. This category did not require a minimum score, distinguishing it from other exercises.
Some exercises within this stream also required a minimum level of oral French proficiency, particularly for positions classified under TEER categories 3 to 5.
Exceptional talent stream
The exceptional talent stream issued 8 invitations, marking an increase from the previous round. This stream remains the smallest component of the PSTQ but targets highly specialized individuals.
Two invitations were issued to candidates holding a positive opinion from a designated partner organization and at least three years of recent work experience.
The remaining six invitations were granted to individuals demonstrating recognized exceptional achievements, holding doctoral-level education, and meeting the same work experience requirement.
Understanding TEER classifications
The PSTQ uses Canada’s National Occupational Classification system, specifically the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories. These categories organize occupations based on skill level and qualifications.
TEER 0 represents managerial positions, while TEER 1 and 2 include professional and technical roles requiring higher education or specialized training. TEER categories 3 to 5 correspond to intermediate, trade, and entry-level occupations.
These classifications play a central role in determining eligibility and prioritization across Quebec’s immigration streams.
Program structure and policy context
The Skilled Worker Selection Program is part of Quebec’s broader immigration framework, which differs from federal systems such as Express Entry. The province selects candidates based on its own criteria, including labour shortages and demographic considerations.
The use of multiple exercises within each stream reflects a shift toward more targeted selection mechanisms. This approach allows the province to adjust invitation criteria in response to changing economic conditions.
Quebec’s system contrasts with provincial nominee programs in other regions, such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which operate in coordination with federal immigration pathways.
Recent draws under the PSTQ indicate a continued emphasis on candidates already integrated into Quebec’s labour market, particularly those with local education credentials and work experience.
Recent developments in 2026 draws
The April 30 selection marks the fourth PSTQ draw of the year. Previous rounds have also used a multi-exercise format across streams, with varying invitation volumes and score requirements.
The increase in invitations under the regulated professions stream suggests a consistent demand for licensed workers, including healthcare professionals and technical specialists.
Similarly, steady invitation numbers in the highly qualified stream reflect ongoing recruitment of skilled workers in managerial and professional roles.
The exceptional talent stream continues to issue a limited number of invitations, maintaining its focus on highly specialized individuals with advanced qualifications or recognized achievements.
Public relevance
The PSTQ draw provides updated information on how Quebec is selecting economic immigrants in 2026. The distribution of invitations across streams highlights the province’s sector-specific labour needs.
Score thresholds and eligibility criteria illustrate how selection varies depending on occupation, education, and professional status. The inclusion of multiple exercises within each stream allows for targeted candidate selection.
The April 30 draw, including 1,058 invitations in regulated professions, underscores the central role of licensed occupations in Quebec’s immigration strategy. Continued monitoring of future draws remains relevant for understanding selection trends.