Quebec invites 501 candidates in July PSTQ draw
Quebec conducted a new immigration selection round on July 3, 2026, issuing 501 invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The invitations were distributed across all four program streams, with the largest share allocated to candidates in intermediate and manual occupations.
The draw reflects the province’s continued use of targeted selection criteria based on occupation, experience, and labour market needs. Candidates were drawn from the Arrima pool, Quebec’s expression of interest system used to manage skilled worker applications.
Selections were based on profiles that had been submitted before June 26, 2026, marking the sixth PSTQ-related invitation round held this year and the smallest in terms of total invitations issued.
- 501 candidates invited across four PSTQ streams
- July 3, 2026 draw based on Arrima pool selection
- Stream 2 (manual and intermediate skills) received the most invitations
- Selections considered occupation, experience, and provincial priorities
- This was Quebec’s sixth PSTQ draw in 2026
Breakdown of invitations by program stream
The PSTQ is divided into four streams, each targeting different occupational groups and levels of expertise. The July 3 round included invitations across all categories.
Highly qualified and specialized skills
A total of 74 invitations were issued to candidates in high-skilled occupations under TEER categories 0 to 2. These individuals were required to have relevant work experience in Quebec and training aligned with priority sectors.
The invitations were split across three separate selection exercises. Each exercise targeted different occupations and required a minimum score threshold, with some focusing on specific professions such as early childhood educators, pharmacy technicians, and counselling therapists.
Intermediate and manual skills
The largest share, 289 invitations, went to candidates in intermediate and manual roles under TEER categories 3 to 5. This stream accounted for more than half of all invitations issued in the round.
Selections included candidates working in healthcare support, food services, cleaning occupations, and technical support roles. Some exercises required prior work experience in Quebec, while others focused on occupational categories alone.
The emphasis on this stream highlights Quebec’s ongoing demand for workers in essential and operational positions across multiple sectors.
Regulated professions
A further 131 invitations were distributed among candidates intending to work in regulated occupations. These professions require specific licensing or certification within Quebec.
Most invitations in this stream were issued to candidates in higher-skilled occupations such as healthcare, engineering, and education. Smaller numbers were allocated to lower TEER-level roles within regulated trades.
Applicants in this category were required to demonstrate the ability to meet licensing requirements, including language proficiency and professional qualifications.
Exceptional talent
Seven invitations were issued under the exceptional talent stream. This category is reserved for individuals with notable achievements or recognition in fields such as science, arts, sports, or strategic economic sectors.
Candidates in this stream must obtain a favourable opinion from a recognized partner organization in Quebec, confirming their exceptional contributions or potential impact.
Selection process through Arrima
All invitations were issued through the Arrima system, which manages Quebec’s pool of skilled worker candidates. Individuals must first submit a declaration of interest, after which their profiles are ranked based on factors such as education, experience, language ability, and occupation.
Quebec authorities periodically conduct draws from this pool, selecting candidates whose profiles align with current labour market priorities and program criteria.
This approach differs from federal systems, as Quebec independently determines its selection priorities. By comparison, other provinces conduct draws under their own nominee programs, such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which also uses targeted invitations based on workforce needs.
Eligibility factors and requirements
Each PSTQ stream applies distinct eligibility conditions. These include minimum scoring thresholds, occupational classifications, and work experience requirements, which vary between selection exercises.
Language requirements are a central component across all streams. Higher-skilled and regulated profession streams generally require advanced French proficiency, while intermediate streams apply lower thresholds. In many cases, accompanying spouses must also meet minimum language benchmarks.
Educational requirements also differ by stream. Some candidates must hold Quebec-recognized diplomas or complete full-time study within the province, while others can qualify through equivalent credentials obtained elsewhere.
For regulated professions, candidates must demonstrate readiness to practise in Quebec, including compliance with licensing standards set by provincial regulatory bodies.
Program structure and long-term role
The Skilled Worker Selection Program remains Quebec’s primary pathway for economic immigration. It is designed to select individuals who are likely to integrate into the province’s labour market and society.
The program operates through four distinct streams, with placement determined largely by a candidate’s occupation and its classification under the National Occupational Classification system. This structure allows Quebec to align immigration intake with specific workforce shortages.
Successful candidates who receive an invitation can apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This document confirms provincial selection and is required before submitting a permanent residence application to the federal government.
Recent trends in 2026 draws
The July 3 round marks the sixth PSTQ-related draw held in 2026. Earlier draws this year issued higher numbers of invitations, indicating a more limited intake in the most recent round.
A recurring trend across the year has been the prioritization of candidates already residing in Quebec, particularly those with local work experience and training.
In addition, multiple draws have emphasized occupations tied to essential services, including healthcare, construction, and community support roles.
Position within Canada’s immigration system
Quebec maintains a distinct immigration system under federal-provincial agreements, allowing it to manage its own selection process for economic immigrants. This differs from federally managed systems such as Express Entry and from provincial nominee programs outside Quebec.
While other provinces publish selection rounds through various streams, including those tracked on the immigration draws index, Quebec continues to operate through its Arrima-based selection model.
This autonomy enables the province to maintain specific criteria, including stronger emphasis on French language proficiency and locally relevant work experience.
Context for applicants and labour market priorities
The distribution of invitations in the July 3 draw reflects Quebec’s focus on both high-skilled professionals and workers in operational roles. The prominence of Stream 2 in this round indicates sustained demand for labour in sectors requiring practical and technical skills.
At the same time, the continued issuance of invitations in regulated professions highlights the province’s need for licensed professionals in healthcare and education.
The presence of the exceptional talent stream, although limited in number, signals Quebec’s interest in attracting individuals with distinguished achievements in specialized fields.
The July 3, 2026 selection round concluded with 501 invitations, with 289 issued specifically to intermediate and manual skill workers, representing the largest share among all four PSTQ streams.