Maple News reports that on December 4, 2025, the province of Quebec issued more than 1,870 invitations under its Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Skilled Workers (PSTQ), marking its first major draw in three months. The invitations were extended across all four streams of the program, targeting candidates with diverse skill levels and industry backgrounds.
The December 4 draw included candidates from:
– Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
– Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills
– Stream 3: Regulated Professions
– Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
All candidates selected in this round had submitted their profiles to the province’s Arrima portal by December 1, 2025, at 3 p.m.
One of the largest segments of the draw came from Stream 1, where 605 candidates received invitations based on occupational classification, education, language proficiency, and prior work experience. This stream included applicants both within Quebec and outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.
To qualify, Quebec-based applicants needed to score at least 781 points, demonstrate French proficiency at level 7 (oral) and level 5 (written), and have completed an eligible educational program. Their primary occupation had to fall within the TEER 0, 1, or 2 categories of Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) and not be a regulated profession as per the provincial list.
For candidates residing outside the Montreal area, eligibility also depended on whether their occupation was in manufacturing or food processing. Targeted occupations included mechanical and electrical engineering technicians, machinists, sheet metal workers, welders, cabinetmakers, industrial mechanics, electromechanics, and supervisors in food and beverage processing.
This latest draw showcases the province’s renewed focus on attracting skilled talent across key industries to address labor shortages and support economic development in both urban and regional areas. It also reflects the government’s commitment to decentralizing immigration and encouraging economic growth beyond Montreal.
According to Maple News, Quebec continues to refine its selection priorities under the PSTQ, ensuring immigration aligns with the province’s labor market needs and cultural integration goals. Future draws are expected to follow a similar sector-focused approach, offering new opportunities for qualified professionals, tradespeople, and technical specialists looking to start their lives in Quebec.