On July 30 2026 the Québec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration held a selection round for its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). A total of 523 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent selection, covering all four PSTQ streams. This was the seventh selection round conducted in 2026.
Stream 1 – Highly qualified and specialized skills
Invitations: 105 (across three exercises)
Cut‑off scores:
| Exercise | Invitations | Cut‑off score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 1, 2) | 44 | 65 |
| 2 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 2) | 12 | 70 |
| 3 – Qualifying diploma + priority occupation (TEER 0‑2) | 49 | 70 |
Priority occupations
- Exercise 1 (10 occupations) – e.g., Biologists (21110), Early childhood educators (42202), Pharmacy technicians (32124), Physicists (21100), Social and community service workers (42201).
- Exercise 2 (2 occupations) – Chefs (62200), Food service supervisors (62020).
- Exercise 3 (25 occupations) – Aircraft mechanics (22313), Bricklayers (72320), Carpenters (72310), Cybersecurity specialists (21220), Data scientists (21211), Electrical mechanics (72422), Heavy‑duty equipment mechanics (72401), Welders (72106), etc.
Stream 2 – Intermediate and manual skills
Invitations: 296 (across three exercises)
Cut‑off scores:
| Exercise | Invitations | Cut‑off score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Qualifying diploma + work experience + priority occupations (TEER 3, 4) | 37 | 56 |
| 2 – Qualifying diploma + work experience + priority occupations (TEER 3, 5) | 10 | 70 |
| 3 – Qualifying diploma + TEER 4 or 5 primary occupation | 249 | 621 |
Priority occupations
- Exercise 1 (6 occupations) – Elementary/secondary school teacher assistants (43100), Home support workers (44101), Medical administrative assistants (13112), Medical laboratory assistants (33101), Nurse aides (33102), Pharmacy technical assistants (33103).
- Exercise 2 (2 occupations) – Cooks (63200), Light‑duty cleaners (65310).
- Exercise 3 – No specific occupations listed; any TEER 4 or 5 occupation qualifies.
Stream 3 – Regulated professions
Invitations: 110 (across three exercises)
Cut‑off scores:
| Exercise | Invitations | Cut‑off score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Priority occupation (TEER 1, 2) | 72 | 49 |
| 2 – Priority occupation (TEER 1, 2) | 33 | 70 |
| 3 – TEER 4 or 5 occupation | 5 | 376 |
Priority occupations
- Exercise 1 (31 occupations) – Audiologists (31112), Dentists (31110), General practitioners (31102), Licensed practical nurses (32101), Pharmacists (31120), Psychologists (31200), Registered nurses (31301), Veterinarians (31103), etc.
- Exercise 2 (30 occupations) – Aerospace engineers (21390), Bricklayers (72320), Civil engineers (21300), Electrical engineers (21310), Heavy‑duty equipment mechanics (72401), Plumbers (72300), Welders (72106), etc.
- Exercise 3 – No specific occupations; any regulated TEER 4 or 5 occupation qualifies.
Stream 4 – Exceptional talent
Invitations: 12 (across two exercises)
| Exercise | Invitations | Cut‑off score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Positive opinion letter | 15 | N/A |
| 2 – Exceptional achievement + doctorate | 5 | N/A |
- Exercise 1 requires a positive opinion letter from a MIFI‑partner organization in a targeted field.
- Exercise 2 requires documentation of an achievement listed on the MIFI “List of Exceptional Achievements” and an education level equivalent to a Québec doctorate.
Context and programme outlook
- Candidates must first submit a declaration of interest through the Arrima portal; profiles are then evaluated against occupation classifications in the National Occupational Classification (NOC/TEER).
- Successful candidates receive a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ), after which they apply for permanent residence to the federal government.
- The PSTQ invitation numbers are being moderated while the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) reopens (July 2 2026). From now until October 31 2026, PSTQ invitations focus on TEER 4‑5 occupations and applicants with less than two years of work experience, aligning with the province’s 2026‑2029 immigration targets.
- Starting November 2026, Québec will adjust PSTQ invitation volumes based on the volume of PEQ applications received during its first intake period, aiming for an equal number of CSQs issued through both programmes for the remainder of the multi‑year plan.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
