Quebec Skilled Worker Update After PEQ Closure

What Happened on February 23?

On February 23, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) invited skilled workers to apply for permanent selection under its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

Importantly, since the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) recently closed, the PSTQ has now become the primary pathway for skilled workers who want to settle in Quebec.

As a result, the province issued 2,573 total invitations across four different streams in this latest draw.

Stream One: Highly Qualified & Specialized Skills

To begin with, this stream targets high-skilled professionals working in TEER 0, 1, or 2 occupations, such as managers, technical experts, and specialized professionals.

Total Invitations: 901

These invitations were distributed across three different selections.

✔ Selection 1 – Quebec Diploma (254 invitations)

Under this category, candidates needed:

• A Quebec diploma (minimum 900 hours or 30 university credits)
• At least 12 months of Quebec work experience
• Strong French skills (Level 7 oral and Level 5 written)
• A minimum score of 741 points

✔ Selection 2 – Quebec Diploma + Priority Occupations (419 invitations)

In this case, applicants were required to:

• Work in a listed priority occupation
• Score at least 627 points

✔ Selection 3 – Quebec Diploma (234 invitations)

Meanwhile, this selection required:

• A minimum score of 722 points

Overall, Stream One mainly focused on educated professionals who are already living and working in Quebec and who demonstrate strong French proficiency.

Stream Two: Intermediate & Manual Skills

Next, the second stream targeted workers in TEER 3–5 occupations. These typically include technicians, trade workers, and service employees.

Total Invitations: 495

Again, the invitations were divided into three selections.

✔ Selection 1 – Quebec Diploma (104 invitations)

Applicants in this category needed:

• A Quebec diploma (600–900 hours depending on education level)
• At least 24 months of work experience, including 12 months in Quebec
• French Level 5 (oral)
• A minimum score of 756 points

✔ Selection 2 – Priority Occupations (194 invitations)

Here, candidates had to:

• Work in a listed priority occupation
• Score at least 562 points

✔ Selection 3 – Minimum Score Category (197 invitations)

Additionally, this group required:

• A minimum score of 688 points

In short, Stream Two supported workers in practical and trade occupations who already have local work experience in Quebec.

Stream Three: Regulated Professions

Moving forward, Stream Three was the largest category, issuing the highest number of invitations.

This stream applies to individuals working in regulated professions, meaning jobs that require official licensing in Quebec, such as doctors, engineers, and other certified professionals.

Total Invitations: 1,141

Notably, this stream included six different selections.

✔ Selection 1 – Quebec Diploma (151 invitations)

Candidates needed:

• A Quebec diploma (900 hours or 30 credits)
• Strong French proficiency
• A minimum score of 730 points

✔ Selection 2 – In-demand TEER 0–2 Occupations (841 invitations)

Applicants were required to:

• Work in a priority occupation
• Score at least 632 points

✔ Selection 3 – Physicians (39 invitations)

Specifically, this category was reserved for doctors under NOC 31100, 31101, and 31102.
In addition, candidates had to receive authorization to practice from Quebec’s regulatory authority.

✔ Selection 4 – In-demand TEER 3–5 (30 invitations)

Requirements included:

• Employment in a priority occupation
• French Level 5 (oral)
• A minimum score of 452 points

✔ Selection 5 – Regulated TEER 0–2 (70 invitations)

Applicants needed:

• A regulated priority occupation
• A minimum score of 693 points

✔ Selection 6 – Regulated TEER 3–5 (10 invitations)

Finally, this selection required:

• A regulated priority occupation
• French Level 5 (oral)
• A minimum score of 774 points

Therefore, Stream Three clearly emphasized licensed professionals, particularly those working in high-demand sectors such as healthcare.

Stream Four: Exceptional Talents

Lastly, Stream Four focused on individuals with extraordinary achievements or internationally recognized expertise.

Total Invitations: 20

✔ Selection 1 – Positive Opinion Letter (3 invitations)

Candidates needed:

• An official support letter from a MIFI partner
• At least three years of work experience

✔ Selection 2 – Exceptional Achievement (3 invitations)

Applicants were required to:

• Provide proof of an exceptional achievement
• Hold education equivalent to a PhD
• Have at least three years of experience

Meanwhile, the remaining 14 candidates qualified under general eligibility criteria.

In simple terms, this stream is designed for top-level experts, innovators, and highly accomplished professionals.

What Does This Mean Overall?

To summarize, since the PEQ program has closed, the PSTQ is now Quebec’s main skilled immigration pathway.

At the same time, the province is clearly prioritizing:

• Individuals already living and working in Quebec
• Strong French speakers
• Candidates in priority occupations
• Licensed and regulated professionals

Most importantly, French language proficiency continues to play a central role in Quebec’s immigration selection process.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).