Quebec Issues New Invitations Under Skilled Worker Program

On July 31, Quebec made another round of invitations under the new Skilled Worker selection program (PSTQ).

This marks the first time that the province has targeted workers in the intermediate and manual skills stream, as it began issuing invitations under the PSTQ earlier this year.

Key Details

On July 31, the Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration invited 273 individuals to apply for permanent selection under the intermediate and manual skills category of the PSTQ.

To be eligible, candidates had to meet the following criteria:

• Score equal to or greater than 661 points.
• Reside in Quebec outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.
• Have at least 24 months of work experience in the last five years, with a minimum of 12 months in Quebec in their primary occupation.

Candidates were selected from the Arrima Bank on July 28, 2025, at 8 am.

Understanding the Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream

This stream is designed for foreign nationals who meet specific criteria:

• Main occupation falls under Feer category 3, 4, or 5.
• Occupation is not listed as a regulated profession in Quebec.
• Demonstrate French-speaking ability at level 5 or higher in both speaking and listening.
• If accompanied by a partner, the partner must have a French-speaking level 4 or higher proficiency.

The intermediate and manual skills stream also has an educational requirement. Applicants must have one of the following:

• Diploma equivalent to a high school diploma in Quebec.
• Completion of a full-time study program of at least 1 year equivalent to Quebec’s Diploma of Professional Studies, Certificate of Professional Specialization, or College Studies at CEGEP level.

The program must consist of at least 600 hours (secondary level) or 900 hours (university level), and applicants must have obtained the diploma before submitting their application.

*Feer (Formation, Études, Expérience et Responsabilités) is the French equivalent of the NOC’s tar (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities).

Feer Categories Explained

Feer 3

Professions requiring:

• Completion of a post-secondary program under 2 years at a Community College, Institute of Technology, or Cegep.
• Completion of an internship course under 2 years.
• More than 6 months of on-the-job training or specific work experience.

Feer 4

Professions that require:

• A high school diploma.
• A few weeks of on-the-job training.

Feer 5

Professions that require a short demonstration of work with no formal educational requirements.

About the Quebec Selection Program

Quebec’s Skilled Worker selection program officially replaced the regular Skilled Worker program at the end of 2024 but remained on hold until mid-2025.

On July 17, 2025, Quebec issued its first invitations for permanent selection under the highly qualified and specialized streams, targeting individuals living in Quebec, proficient in French, and working in professions addressing labor shortages.