According to Maple News, Quebec has taken a significant step in expanding its immigration efforts by inviting skilled trades and intermediate-level workers through its new Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés, PSTQ). The latest draw, held on July 31, marks the first time the province has issued invitations specifically through the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream.
The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration extended invitations to 273 candidates, inviting them to apply for permanent selection under the PSTQ. To be eligible, applicants needed a minimum score of 661 points, must live outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community, and have at least two years of work experience within the past five years—12 months of which must have been in Quebec and in their primary occupation.
Candidates were selected from the Arrima expression of interest pool on July 28, 2025. This targeted initiative signals Quebec’s commitment to responding to the labor shortages seen across its regions, especially in skilled trades and manual roles that are crucial to the province’s economic vitality.
The Intermediate and Manual Skills stream is tailored for foreign workers whose primary occupations fall under categories 3, 4, or 5 of the FEER classification system (the French equivalent of Canada’s NOC TEER system). Applicants must also ensure their occupation is not regulated by Quebec and must demonstrate at least level 5 French proficiency in both speaking and listening skills. If accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner, that individual must have level 4 proficiency.
Educational requirements for the stream include a high school diploma or a post-secondary vocational qualification equivalent to Quebec standards. Acceptable credentials include a Diploma of Vocational Studies or specialized attestations from secondary or CEGEP institutions. The study program must be full-time and range from 600 hours at the secondary level to at least 900 hours at the college level.
As Quebec continues to tailor its immigration programs to the realities of its labor market, initiatives like this not only address workforce gaps but also create a pathway for skilled foreign workers to integrate and thrive in the province’s francophone communities.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates to the Skilled Worker Selection Program and the broader immigration strategy as Quebec fine-tunes its approach to regional and economic needs.