Quebec PSTQ Draw: 1,870+ Invited for Canadian PR

Quebec Invites Over 1,870 Candidates in Latest PSTQ Draw Across All Streams

After a brief pause of three months, the province of Quebec returned with a significant immigration draw, inviting more than 1,870 candidates to apply for permanent selection through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) on December 4, 2025. This round of invitations targeted all four streams under the PSTQ, highlighting the province’s ongoing demand for skilled workers across a range of sectors—from tech and trades to healthcare and the arts.

Key Highlights

• Quebec issued over 1,870 invitations through the PSTQ on December 4, 2025
• All four PSTQ streams were included: Highly Qualified Skills, Intermediate Skills, Regulated Professions, and Exceptional Talent
• Candidates were drawn from the Arrima portal as of December 1 at 3 p.m.
• Streams targeted in-demand sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and food processing
• French proficiency and work experience remained key eligibility criteria
• Stream-specific eligibility included location (inside/outside Montreal), occupation, and minimum point thresholds

Breaking Down the December 4 PSTQ Draw

Let’s take a closer look at how each stream performed in this round, and what it means for skilled workers in Quebec and abroad.

Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills

A total of 605 candidates were selected under this stream, which is geared toward individuals with advanced educational backgrounds and technical expertise. Invitations were split between those living in Quebec and those residing outside the Montréal Metropolitan Community.

To qualify, candidates had to meet several conditions, including:

• A minimum score of 781 points for those residing in Quebec
• Primary occupation in NOC FEER 0, 1, or 2 categories
• At least 12 months of work experience in the last 5 years
• A diploma from a recognized Quebec institution (minimum 900 hours or 30 university credits)
• French language proficiency: level 7+ oral, level 5+ written
• For spouses (if applicable): level 4+ oral proficiency

Additionally, candidates from outside the Montreal region had to have a background in the manufacturing or food processing sector and a score of at least 644 points. These included occupations such as:

• Mechanical engineering technologists (NOC 22301)
• Welders (NOC 72106)
• Food and beverage processing supervisors (NOC 92012)
• Industrial mechanics (NOC 72400)

Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills

This stream saw 604 invitations go out to workers in manual and semi-skilled trades, particularly in manufacturing. Candidates needed to:

• Reside outside the Montréal Metropolitan Community
• Have a primary occupation under NOC FEER 3, 4, or 5
• Hold a minimum French proficiency level 5 in oral skills
• Have at least 24 months of work experience in the past five years, including 12 months in Quebec
• Score at least 573 points

Eligible occupations within this stream spanned a wide range—from butchers and bakers to machine operators and assemblers. A few examples include:

• Industrial butchers and meat cutters (NOC 94141)
• Plastics processing machine operators (NOC 94111)
• Textile manufacturing workers (NOC 94130)

Additionally, candidates residing anywhere in Quebec—regardless of location—were considered if they scored 612 points or more and had in-demand occupations such as:

• Pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103)
• Tile setters (NOC 73101)
• Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400)

Stream 3: Regulated Professions

This stream, focused on professions requiring regulatory approval, welcomed 649 candidates. To be eligible, applicants had to:

• Be planning to work in a regulated profession on the Minister’s list
• Have a primary occupation in NOC FEER 0, 1, or 2
• Possess advanced French proficiency: level 7+ oral, level 5+ written
• Score at least 717 points

Priority sectors included:

• Healthcare (e.g., general practitioners, pharmacists, dentists)
• Engineering (e.g., civil, aerospace, electrical)
• Education and social services (e.g., teachers, psychologists, social workers)

There were also special sub-groups within this stream:

• Healthcare professionals with validation from regulatory bodies
• Candidates with lower scores (535+) in select in-demand occupations

Stream 4: Exceptional Talent

Quebec extended 12 invitations to individuals recognized for their outstanding achievements in areas like science, sports, culture, or innovation. To qualify, candidates needed:

• A positive opinion from a Ministère partner in a strategic field
• At least 36 months of relevant work experience in the past five years

Alternatively, candidates could qualify if they:

• Held a documented achievement listed on Quebec’s official list of exceptional accomplishments
• Had an education level equivalent to a Quebec doctorate

Why This Draw Matters

This draw is a strong signal that Quebec continues to value immigration as a tool to meet its labour market needs. With sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and construction all facing shortages, these invitations help ensure the province can remain economically competitive and socially vibrant.

Thinking About Immigrating to Quebec?

If you have the skills, experience, and French language ability that Quebec is seeking, this could be your opportunity. And if Quebec isn’t quite right for you, other provinces like Manitoba might be a better fit. Check out our Manitoba PNP points calculator to explore your options.

Final Thoughts

This latest PSTQ draw was one of Quebec’s most inclusive and diverse in recent memory, showing a renewed commitment to welcoming talent across a wide spectrum of industries and skill levels. Whether you’re a welder, a nurse, or a world-class researcher, there may be a place for you in Quebec.

Ready to take the next step? Explore your immigration options today and see if you’re eligible to apply under one of Quebec’s PSTQ streams. Whether you’re interested in Quebec or other provinces, now is a great time to plan your future in Canada.

Learn more about Quebec immigration programs or get personalized help with your application.