Quebec's August 27, 2026 PSTQ draw invited 790 skilled workers across all four streams, with intermediate and manual skills workers taking 324 of the invitations.
Quebec held its eighth Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) round of 2026 on August 27, inviting 790 candidates across all four streams. As with July's round, the biggest share went to workers in intermediate and manual occupations already living in the province — but this time the province is telling us why: PSTQ invitation volumes are being deliberately held down until its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) reopening finishes its first intake.
Quebec runs its own immigration system, separate from Express Entry and from provincial nominee programs like BC's or Ontario's. Under the Canada–Quebec Accord, the province selects economic immigrants through the Arrima portal, scores them on its own points grid, and issues a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) — after which candidates apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Your CRS score doesn't apply here. Quebec's own criteria — occupation, French ability, and residency — decide everything.
Profiles were extracted from the Arrima pool on August 24, 2026, for selections across all four PSTQ streams:
| Stream | Who it targets | Invitations |
|---|
| Stream 1 — Highly qualified and specialized skills | TEER 0–2 occupations, residing in Quebec | 87 |
| Stream 2 — Intermediate and manual skills | TEER 3–5 occupations, residing in Quebec | 324 |
| Stream 3 — Regulated professions | Candidates entering a regulated profession | 109 |
| Stream 4 — Exceptional talent | Strategic sectors, research, arts, sport | 21 |
| Total | | 790 |
Stream 2 again took the largest share — 41% of the round — split across four exercises. The biggest single exercise invited 314 candidates in priority TEER 3–4 occupations (healthcare, education, and home care roles including home support workers, nurse aides, and medical laboratory assistants) at a cutoff of 638. A separate exercise invited 249 candidates in any TEER 4 or 5 occupation at a cutoff of 616, with no designated occupation list.
Cutoff scores ranged from a low of 393 (Stream 3's TEER 4/5 exercise) to 710 (a Stream 2 exercise covering cooks and light-duty cleaners), underscoring that Quebec doesn't run one PSTQ cutoff — each stream, and each exercise inside it, sets its own bar.
Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) confirmed that its PSTQ invitation strategy has shifted since the July 2, 2026 reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Until the PEQ's first intake period closes on October 31, 2026, Quebec is deliberately reducing PSTQ invitation numbers to stay within the admission targets set out in its 2026–2029 multi-year immigration plan — concentrating what invitations it does issue on TEER 4 and 5 occupations and candidates who haven't yet reached two years of work experience.
Starting in November 2026, PSTQ invitation levels are expected to be recalibrated based on how many applications the PEQ receives during that first intake. Quebec has said it intends to issue a comparable number of CSQs across both programs for the rest of the period covered by its immigration plan — meaning PSTQ volumes may shift again once that recalibration happens.
If you're in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation and already living in Quebec: you're currently the priority group under this temporary invitation strategy. The 616-point cutoff for the open TEER 4/5 exercise (no designated occupation list) is one of the more accessible bars in this round if you meet the residency and experience requirements.
If you're applying from outside Quebec or in a TEER 0–2 specialist occupation: Stream 1 issued only 87 invitations this round — the smallest stream by volume — and every exercise required Quebec residency. If you're not yet in the province, this stream is a longer road right now than it was earlier in the year.
If you're weighing PSTQ against the reopened PEQ: Quebec is explicit that PSTQ volumes are being held down until the PEQ's October 31 intake closes. If you already qualify under the PEQ's criteria — typically Quebec work or study experience — it may be the faster route to a CSQ for the next several weeks. See our Quebec PEQ reopens 2026 guide for eligibility details.
Every stream requires French, and the bar varies by stream: Streams 1, 2, and 3 required Quebec residency and proof of French ability — oral French at level 7+ for Streams 1 and 3, level 5+ for Stream 2, and level 4+ for accompanying spouses. A qualifying occupation and a strong score get you nowhere in these streams without the matching French level.
Tip
Quebec has now signaled it will rebalance PSTQ and PEQ invitation volumes together starting in November. If you're building a Quebec strategy around either program, don't lock in your plan around August or September's numbers — both programs' volumes are set to shift once the PEQ's first intake closes on October 31.
You'll need to submit a complete application for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Once approved, that CSQ lets you apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Requirements vary by stream and exercise, but generally include proof of your qualifying occupation and work experience, French test results at the level required for your stream, and — for most streams — proof of Quebec residency.
Quebec PEQ Reopens 2026 | Quebec PSTQ Draw July 3 | PNP Guide — All Provinces | NOC Codes Explained
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Always verify information with official IRCC sources and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.