Quebec invites 2,549 candidates in June 4 PSTQ draw
Quebec invited 2,549 individuals to apply for permanent selection on June 4, 2026, through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The invitations were distributed across all four program streams, reflecting a broad selection approach.
The majority of invitations were issued to applicants in high-skilled occupations, accounting for 42.9% of the total. The selection results were based on profiles in the Arrima system as of June 1, 2026.
This marks the fifth round of invitations conducted by Quebec in 2026 under the PSTQ framework.
- Total invitations issued: 2,549
- Date of draw: June 4, 2026
- Arrima profiles considered as of June 1, 2026
- All four PSTQ streams included in the round
- Largest share (42.9%) targeted highly skilled workers
- This was Quebec’s fifth PSTQ draw of 2026
Distribution of invitations across PSTQ streams
The June 4 selection round covered all four categories within the PSTQ: highly qualified and specialized skills, intermediate and manual skills, regulated professions, and exceptional talent. Each stream applies distinct criteria related to work experience, education, and language proficiency.
The highest number of invitations was issued under Stream 1, which targets workers in management, professional, and technical occupations. Stream 2 focused on intermediate-skilled roles, while Stream 3 addressed regulated professions requiring certification in Quebec.
A smaller number of invitations were issued under Stream 4, which is reserved for individuals recognized for exceptional achievements or expertise.
Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills
Stream 1 accounted for 1,094 invitations distributed across four separate exercises. Candidates selected in this stream were employed in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, or 2 and were residing in Quebec at the time of selection.
Applicants were required to demonstrate at least one year of work experience within the past five years. Education completed in Quebec, including university and vocational training, was a key selection factor.
French language proficiency thresholds were set at level 7 for oral abilities and level 5 for written skills. Accompanying spouses were required to meet a minimum oral level of 4.
Score thresholds and qualifying occupations varied depending on the exercise, with some draws prioritizing sectors such as healthcare, education, and engineering.
Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills
A total of 756 invitations were issued under Stream 2, which targets workers in TEER 3, 4, and 5 occupations. Candidates were required to have at least 24 months of work experience within the last five years, including a minimum of 12 months in Quebec.
The eligibility criteria included education equivalent to a Quebec secondary diploma or post-secondary program. Candidates also needed to demonstrate oral French proficiency at level 5 or higher.
Selection exercises within this stream included both general draws and targeted draws for priority occupations such as healthcare support roles and construction-related trades.
Minimum score requirements varied across exercises, reflecting differences in labour market focus and candidate profiles.
Stream 3: Regulated professions
Stream 3 resulted in 677 invitations across five exercises aimed at individuals working in regulated occupations. These professions typically require licensing or certification in Quebec.
Selected occupations included healthcare roles such as physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, as well as educators and technical specialists. Engineering and skilled trades were also represented in certain exercises.
French language requirements were generally set at higher levels in this stream, particularly for roles involving direct interaction with the public. Minimum score thresholds ranged widely depending on the specific exercise and occupation group.
Some exercises focused on priority sectors identified by provincial authorities, including healthcare and education, while others included a broader occupational range.
Stream 4: Exceptional talent
Only 22 invitations were issued under Stream 4, which targets individuals with notable achievements or advanced expertise. Candidates were required to demonstrate at least 36 months of work experience within the previous five years.
One exercise required a formal endorsement from a partner organization of Quebec’s immigration ministry, while another focused on candidates holding doctoral-level qualifications along with recognized accomplishments.
This stream represents a small but specialized component of the PSTQ, designed to attract individuals with unique contributions to targeted fields.
Program structure and Arrima selection system
The PSTQ operates through Quebec’s Arrima system, which manages expressions of interest submitted by prospective immigrants. Profiles are evaluated based on a range of criteria, including education, language ability, work experience, and labour market alignment.
Selections are conducted periodically, with invitations issued to candidates whose profiles meet the criteria established for each draw. These criteria can differ between exercises within the same stream.
Unlike federal immigration systems, Quebec’s selection process places a strong emphasis on French language proficiency and integration into the province’s labour market. Education obtained within Quebec is also a significant factor.
Information on other provincial draws across Canada, including recent activity in programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program draws, shows that provinces continue to tailor their selection strategies to specific workforce needs.
Context within 2026 immigration activity
This June 4 draw represents the fifth invitation round conducted by Quebec in 2026 under the PSTQ. The inclusion of all four streams indicates an effort to address multiple segments of the labour market simultaneously.
The distribution of invitations highlights continued demand for highly skilled workers, alongside targeted recruitment in regulated and intermediate occupations. The presence of sector-specific exercises reflects ongoing labour shortages in areas such as healthcare, construction, and education.
Quebec’s immigration system operates independently from federal programs such as Express Entry, with distinct criteria and selection priorities. The PSTQ serves as the province’s primary pathway for economic immigration.
Results from each draw provide insight into changing labour needs and the evolving criteria used to select candidates from the Arrima pool.
Recent developments and selection patterns
The June 4 draw demonstrates variability in score thresholds and eligibility conditions across different exercises. This approach allows Quebec to conduct targeted selections without applying uniform criteria across all candidates.
Priority occupation lists played a key role in multiple streams, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades. These targeted selections align with publicly identified workforce gaps within the province.
Language proficiency requirements remained central across most streams, with higher thresholds applied in regulated professions and high-skilled occupations. Education completed within Quebec also continued to serve as a significant selection factor.
Each stream maintained distinct eligibility requirements, reinforcing the segmented structure of the PSTQ system.
Summary of June 4 draw outcomes
The June 4, 2026 PSTQ draw resulted in 2,549 invitations issued across four streams and multiple exercises. The largest share went to candidates in highly skilled occupations, followed by selections in intermediate roles and regulated professions.
The draw reflects Quebec’s continued use of targeted selection criteria, including occupation-based priorities, language requirements, and Quebec-based education.
Further updates on provincial immigration activity and draw results across Canada are regularly compiled through official reporting channels, with this round marking Quebec’s fifth invitation event of the year.