Quebec PNP Draw Targets Skilled Trades: 273 Invited in July 2025

Quebec Targets New Group Under Skilled Worker Program: Focus on Intermediate and Manual Skills

On July 31, 2025, Quebec made a big move in its immigration strategy by issuing 273 new invitations to apply for permanent selection under its recently revamped Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). What makes this draw noteworthy is that it’s the first time invitations have been extended to candidates in the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream.

If you’re a skilled worker in Quebec with hands-on experience and strong French-language skills, this could be a golden opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at what this means, who was invited, and what it takes to qualify under this new stream.

Key Highlights

• Quebec issued 273 invitations on July 31 through the PSTQ’s Intermediate and Manual Skills stream.
• This is the first draw targeting this stream since the new program launched in mid-2025.
• To qualify, candidates needed a score of 661+, residency outside Montreal, and recent relevant work experience.
• Applicants must work in FEER 3, 4, or 5 occupations and meet specific education and French language requirements.
• The program targets in-demand labour sectors across Quebec, especially outside major urban centres.
• Quebec’s PSTQ aims to respond to regional labour shortages more effectively with specialized streams.

Quebec’s Latest Draw: Who Was Invited?

On July 31, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration invited 273 candidates to apply for permanent selection through the PSTQ’s Intermediate and Manual Skills stream. This draw is significant because it’s the first time this particular stream has been used since the program launched.

To be considered, candidates needed to meet the following:

• A minimum score of 661 points in the Arrima expression of interest system
• Current residency in Quebec outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community
• At least 24 months of work experience within the last five years, including at least 12 months in Quebec in their main occupation

The profiles were pulled from the Arrima bank on July 28, 2025, at 8:00 AM.

What Is the Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream?

This stream was developed specifically for foreign nationals working in occupations that require intermediate or manual skills, rather than high academic qualifications. The goal is to help regions outside Montreal fill chronic labour shortages in essential but often overlooked job sectors.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Work in a role that falls under FEER categories 3, 4, or 5 (explained below)
• Not be employed in a regulated profession in Quebec
• Demonstrate at least Level 5 French proficiency in both speaking and listening, as measured by Échelle québécoise or an equivalent test
• If accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner, that individual must meet at least Level 4 French proficiency in speaking and listening

Education Requirements

Applicants must also meet one of the following education criteria:

• A diploma equivalent to a Quebec high school diploma
• A diploma from a full-time study program of at least one year, equivalent in Quebec to:
  • Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
  • Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
  • Attestation of College Studies (ACS) at the CEGEP level

To count, the program must be at least 600 hours for secondary level or 900 hours for college level, and the diploma must be obtained before the application is submitted.

Understanding FEER Categories 3, 4, and 5

The term FEER (Formation, Études, Expérience et Responsabilités) is Quebec’s equivalent to Canada’s federal TEER classification under the NOC system. Here’s what each category represents:

FEER 3

These roles typically require:

• Post-secondary education (less than 2 years) from a CEGEP, college, or technical institution
• Apprenticeship training of under 2 years
• Extensive on-the-job training (over 6 months)
• Relevant work experience combined with secondary education

FEER 4

Occupations in this category generally call for:

• A high school diploma
• Some on-the-job training or partial secondary school education

FEER 5

These jobs require minimal formal education and usually involve:

• Short-term work demonstration or training
• No official diploma or certification

These types of roles are essential to the functioning of many industries, and Quebec is clearly recognizing their value in this new immigration strategy.

Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program: A Quick Overview

Quebec’s current Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) officially replaced the province’s previous Regular Skilled Worker Program in late 2024. However, it remained inactive until July 2025, when the first invitations were finally issued.

On July 17, 2025, Quebec sent out its first round of invitations under two streams:

• Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
• Exceptional Talent

A total of 238 invitations were issued that day. The draws focused on French-speaking residents of Quebec with local work or educational experience, particularly those working in sectors facing labour shortages.

With the July 31 draw, Quebec is expanding its outreach to include a broader range of skilled workers, particularly those in manual and technical trades. This is a welcome step for many foreign workers who contribute significantly to the province’s economy but may not meet the traditional high-skilled criteria.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for Immigrants in Quebec

If you’re a skilled worker already living and working in Quebec — especially outside of Montreal — and you’ve got experience in a trade or hands-on profession, this new stream could be your pathway to permanent residency. The PSTQ is clearly designed to support regional economic growth and better reflect the diversity of the province’s workforce.

It’s also a reminder of how important French-language skills are for immigration success in Quebec. So if you’re planning to apply, brushing up on your French could go a long way!

Looking for options outside Quebec? You might also be interested in the Manitoba PNP, another great pathway for skilled workers in Canada.

Want to learn more about your immigration options in Quebec or across Canada? Don’t miss your chance to explore programs, improve your profile, and get expert guidance.

Contact us today or check out our latest guides on Canadian immigration.