By admin
Quebec Invites 273 Skilled Workers Under New Immigration Stream
On July 31, 2025, Quebec carried out another round of invitations through its recently launched Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This marks the first draw specifically aimed at candidates in the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream, expanding opportunities for workers in a wider range of occupations.
Draw Overview
In this latest round, the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration invited 273 candidates to apply for permanent selection. To be eligible, applicants needed to:
- Achieve a minimum score of 661 points
- Reside in Quebec but outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community
- Possess at least 24 months of work experience in the last five years, including 12 months within Quebec in their primary occupation
The draw was conducted from the Arrima portal on July 28, 2025, at 8 a.m.
Who Qualifies for the Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream?
This immigration pathway is designed for foreign workers who:
- Hold a main occupation classified under FEER categories 3, 4, or 5
- Do not work in regulated professions in Quebec
- Can demonstrate French language proficiency at level 5 or above in speaking and listening (Échelle québécoise or equivalent)
- If accompanied by a spouse or partner, they must show at least level 4 French proficiency in speaking and listening
In addition to work and language requirements, candidates must also meet an education requirement. This may include:
- A diploma equivalent to a Quebec high school diploma, or
- A one-year full-time program equivalent to:
- Diploma of Vocational Studies
- Attestation of Vocational Specialization (secondary level)
- Attestation of College Studies (CEGEP level)
Programs must last at least 600 hours at the secondary level or 900 hours at the college level, and the diploma must be completed before submitting the application.
About FEER Categories 3, 4, and 5
- FEER 3: Jobs requiring less than two years of post-secondary education or apprenticeship, or at least six months of training/experience.
- FEER 4: Jobs requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of training.
- FEER 5: Jobs with no formal education requirements beyond a basic demonstration of work.
Quebec’s New Immigration Approach
The PSTQ program officially replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program in late 2024 but only became active in mid-2025.
On July 17, 2025, Quebec launched its first round of invitations under this new system, focusing on the Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills stream and the Exceptional Talent stream, where 238 candidates were invited.
Now, with the July 31 draw, the province has broadened its scope to include workers with intermediate and manual skills, showing its commitment to addressing labour needs at multiple levels of the workforce.