Moving to Quebec is a dream for many people who want a better future in Canada. But keeping track of immigration updates can sometimes feel confusing. Many applicants spend hours checking different websites, trying to understand whether a new draw applies to their profession or not.
Quebec recently announced another important immigration update that could bring good news for many skilled workers already living in the province. The province held a new selection round under its Skilled Worker Selection Program, also known as PSTQ, and invited thousands of candidates to move forward in the permanent selection process.
If you are planning your immigration journey to Quebec or are already working there, this update is worth understanding in simple words.
Quebec Conducted Its Fifth PSTQ Draw of 2026
On June 4, Quebec conducted a new immigration draw through the PSTQ program. The selections were made from the Arrima candidate pool.
A total of 2,549 invitations were issued across all four streams of the program.
The candidates selected in this round belonged to different occupational groups, ranging from highly qualified professionals to workers in manual occupations and individuals with exceptional achievements.
According to the latest figures, the largest share of invitations went to candidates working in highly qualified and specialized occupations.
Breakdown of Invitations Across PSTQ Streams
Here is how the invitations were distributed:
| PSTQ Stream | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills | 1,094 |
| Intermediate and Manual Skills | 756 |
| Regulated Professions | 677 |
| Exceptional Talent | 22 |
| Total | 2,549 |
Stream 1 Focused on Highly Skilled Workers
The first stream targeted workers employed in occupations classified under higher skill categories.
A total of 1,094 invitations were issued under this stream.
To qualify, candidates generally needed:
- Current residence in Quebec
- Work experience gained within the previous five years
- French language ability meeting the required level
- A qualifying Quebec educational credential
Many selected candidates had completed their studies in Quebec and were already contributing to the local workforce.
Priority was also given to people working in sectors facing labour shortages.
Health Care and Education Workers Received Attention
Several occupations linked to health care and education appeared among the priority occupations selected under this stream.
These included roles such as:
- Pharmacy technicians
- Social service workers
- Early childhood educators
- Counsellors and therapists
- Allied health professionals
This reflects Quebec’s continued effort to strengthen essential public services.
Stream 2 Targeted Intermediate and Manual Occupations
The second stream issued 756 invitations.
This category focused on workers employed in occupations requiring practical experience and vocational skills.
Applicants generally needed:
- Work experience in Quebec
- Required French proficiency
- Educational qualifications equivalent to Quebec standards
Many occupations selected under this stream support industries that play a major role in everyday life.
Examples included:
- Nurse aides
- Pharmacy assistants
- Cooks
- Food service workers
- Construction labourers
- Heavy equipment operators
- Cleaners
These occupations continue to experience labour shortages in different parts of the province.
Regulated Professions Remained a Major Priority
Quebec also invited 677 candidates working in regulated professions.
Regulated occupations are careers where individuals must meet licensing requirements before practising in the province.
This category included professionals from health care, education, engineering, and other specialized fields.
Some examples were:
- Registered nurses
- Family physicians
- Dentists
- Psychologists
- Physiotherapists
- Pharmacists
- Teachers
- Social workers
- Engineers
Candidates under this stream generally had to demonstrate higher levels of French language proficiency because communication plays an important role in these professions.
Exceptional Talent Stream Received Invitations
Although smaller in number, Quebec also invited candidates through its Exceptional Talent stream.
A total of 22 invitations were issued.
This stream is designed for individuals who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their field.
Applicants selected under this pathway generally needed either:
- A positive recommendation from a recognized partner organization, or
- Evidence of exceptional accomplishments combined with doctoral level education.
This pathway offers opportunities for highly accomplished individuals whose expertise can contribute to Quebec’s development.
Why French Language Skills Continue to Matter
One clear pattern across the latest PSTQ draw was the importance of French language ability.
Most selected candidates had to meet minimum French requirements, especially for speaking skills.
For applicants planning to immigrate to Quebec, improving French proficiency can significantly strengthen their profile.
Many successful candidates spend time preparing through language courses and official language tests before entering the selection pool.
What This Means for Future Applicants
This latest draw shows that Quebec continues to prioritize candidates who are already integrated into the province through work or study.
Applicants may improve their chances if they have:
- Quebec work experience
- Quebec educational qualifications
- Strong French language skills
- Experience in occupations facing labour shortages
- Professional credentials recognized within Quebec
Every immigration case is different, but understanding the province’s priorities can help applicants make informed decisions.
Practical Tips for PSTQ Candidates
If you are considering applying under Quebec immigration programs, these steps may help:
Improve Your French Skills
French remains one of the strongest factors influencing selection outcomes.
Keep Your Arrima Profile Updated
Changes in education, work experience, or language results should be reflected promptly.
Monitor Occupation Trends
Priority occupations may change over time depending on labour market needs.
Gather Documents Early
Educational records, employment letters, and language test results often take time to collect.
Seek Professional Advice When Necessary
If your situation involves licensing requirements or complex immigration history, obtaining advice from a qualified professional may be beneficial.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Many candidates unintentionally weaken their profiles through avoidable mistakes.
Some common examples include:
- Allowing language test results to expire
- Failing to update Arrima profiles
- Misunderstanding occupation classifications
- Waiting too long to prepare supporting documents
- Assuming eligibility rules remain unchanged from previous years
Immigration programs evolve regularly, making it important to rely on current information.
FAQ
Quebec issued a total of 2,549 invitations through the June 2026 PSTQ selection round.
The Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills stream received the largest number of invitations, with 1,094 candidates selected.
Yes. Most streams required candidates to demonstrate minimum French language ability, particularly in oral communication.
Yes. Several health care occupations were included among priority occupations across different streams.
In many cases, candidates with Quebec work experience had stronger eligibility under the selected streams.
Fact Check
The information presented in this article is based on the official details released regarding Quebec’s June 2026 PSTQ selection round. Immigration programs may change over time. Applicants should verify current requirements through official Quebec immigration sources before making decisions related to their application.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Immigration policies and eligibility criteria may change without prior notice. Readers are encouraged to consult official government resources or authorized immigration professionals for guidance related to their individual circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Quebec’s latest PSTQ draw sends a clear message about the province’s immigration priorities. Candidates who have built strong connections through work, education, language ability, and professional experience continue to receive significant opportunities.
For many workers already living in Quebec, this draw represents another step toward achieving permanent residence. For future applicants, it also provides valuable insight into the skills and qualifications that Quebec values most in today’s labour market.
Status: Canadian Citizen
Experience: 7+ years as an Immigration Filing Officer.
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Education: Business Management and Human Resources
I have over seven years of experience helping people with Canadian immigration. I understand immigration policies well and am dedicated to making them easy to understand. CIKH is the go-to place for the latest updates on Canadian immigration, including PNPs, Express Entry, and more. It helps people by giving clear and accurate information, whether they are planning to move to Canada, already living here, or working in immigration. With a team of experts, CIKH makes it easy to understand immigration rules and policies so people can make the right decisions for their journey. CIKH offers verified, up-to-date information on policies, news, and guidelines.