Maple News reports that Quebec has issued a new round of invitations under its Permanent Immigration Program for Skilled Workers (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés – PSTQ), specifically targeting professionals in regulated occupations. This marks the province’s first dedicated draw for this category since launching the PSTQ invitation rounds earlier this year.
On August 14, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration extended invitations to 275 candidates who met several key criteria for the regulated professions stream. Candidates were required to have a minimum score of 766 points, reside in Quebec, and intend to work in a regulated profession classified in categories 0, 1, or 2 on the FEER (Fiche d’évaluation des emplois réglementés).
French language proficiency played a central role in the selection process. Applicants needed to demonstrate at least level 7 proficiency in speaking and listening, and level 5 in reading and writing, based on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français or its equivalent. For those with an accompanying spouse, the spouse also had to possess at least level 4 proficiency in speaking and listening.
The regulated professions stream is designed for individuals whose main occupation appears on Quebec’s official list of professions that require licensure to practice. These include both fully regulated fields—such as engineering—where all associated roles are governed by professional orders, and partially regulated occupations where only certain positions require regulation. For instance, within the social sciences field, only specific roles like ‘criminologist’ are subject to licensing requirements.
In some cases, regulation applies only within specific contexts or industries. For example, the profession of carpenter is regulated if the work is performed in the construction sector, but may not be in other settings.
Quebec’s targeted approach reflects growing labor needs in sectors requiring professional accreditation and higher language proficiency. The strategy also aims to streamline integration by selecting candidates who are already residing in the province and more likely to integrate quickly into the workforce.
This focused invitation round forms part of Quebec’s broader objectives to align immigration selection with regional labor market demands, particularly in skilled and credentialed professions. Candidates selected under this stream can apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which paves the way toward permanent residence in Canada.
This development highlights Quebec’s nuanced approach to immigration, balancing labor market priorities with linguistic and credentialing requirements. Maple News will continue to monitor future draws and changes affecting Quebec’s immigration landscape.