Quebec Issues Invitations to Workers with Intermediate and Manual Skills

On July 31, 2025, Quebec issued new invitations under its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This marks the first time that candidates in the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream have been targeted since the program began earlier this year.

Details of the July 31 Draw

The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) invited 273 candidates to apply for permanent selection under the PSTQ’s Intermediate and Manual Skills stream.

To qualify, candidates needed to:

• Have a score of 661 points or higher.
• Live in Quebec outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.
• Show at least 24 months of work experience in the last five years, including at least 12 months in Quebec in their main occupation.

Candidates were selected from the Arrima bank on July 28, 2025, at 8 a.m.

What is the Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream?

This stream is designed for foreign nationals working in occupations under FEER categories 3, 4, or 5. To be eligible, candidates must:

• Work in an occupation that is not regulated in Quebec.
• Demonstrate French proficiency:
• Level 5 or higher in speaking and listening (Échelle québécoise or equivalent).
• If accompanied by a spouse/common-law partner, that person must have level 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
• Meet education requirements, such as:
• A diploma equivalent to a Quebec high school diploma, or
• A vocational or college-level diploma from a program lasting at least one year (600+ hours for secondary or 900+ hours for college level).

The diploma must be obtained before applying.

Understanding FEER Categories 3, 4, and 5

• FEER 3: Jobs requiring post-secondary education of less than two years, short apprenticeship training, or six months+ of training/experience.
• FEER 4: Jobs requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training.
• FEER 5: Jobs that generally do not require formal education and involve short training or demonstrations.
  
  

(Note: FEER is the French equivalent of TEER in the NOC system, meaning Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities.)

About Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program

The PSTQ replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program in late 2024 but officially launched in mid-2025.

On July 17, 2025, Quebec held its first PSTQ draw, targeting the Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills stream and the Exceptional Talent stream, issuing 238 invitations.

The program focuses on selecting individuals who:

• Live in Quebec,
• Speak French,
• Have work experience or education in the province, and
• Are employed in occupations facing labour shortages.