Quebec PSTQ invitations: what the government published for the latest 2026 selection round

Quebec has published the details of a new Arrima invitation round under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This matters because invitations are issued by stream, with strict French and work-experience rules, and they can change from one round to the next. It also matters because the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has ended, so many candidates are now relying more on PSTQ through Arrima.

First correction: the official date and total invitations

On Quebec’s official PSTQ invitations page, the round is listed as “Invitations of February 26, 2026” (with the Arrima data extraction dated February 23, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.).

The government’s published invitation counts for that round are:

• Stream 1: 907

• Stream 2: 495

• Stream 3: 1,141

• Stream 4: 6

That equals 2,549 invitations in total.

Breakdown by PSTQ stream (February 26, 2026)

Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills (907 invitations)

Quebec ran 3 exercises in Stream 1:

• 254 invitations: Quebec diploma (900 hours / 30 credits) + score ≥ 741

• 419 invitations: Quebec diploma + priority occupations list + score ≥ 627

• 234 invitations: Quebec diploma + score ≥ 722

Stream 2: Intermediate and manual skills (495 invitations)

Quebec ran 3 exercises in Stream 2:

• 104 invitations: Quebec diploma + score ≥ 756

• 194 invitations: priority occupations list (includes health aides and construction trades) + score ≥ 562

• 197 invitations: general selection + score ≥ 688

Stream 3: Regulated professions (1,141 invitations)

Quebec issued invitations across 6 exercises, including:

• 151 invitations: Quebec diploma + score ≥ 730

• 841 invitations: in-demand regulated occupations list + score ≥ 632

• 39 invitations: physicians (NOC 31100/31101/31102) with authorization to practise

• 30 invitations: in-demand FEER 3–5 regulated occupations + score ≥ 452

• 70 invitations: other FEER 0–2 regulated + score ≥ 693

• 10 invitations: other FEER 3–5 regulated + score ≥ 774

Stream 4: Exceptional talent (6 invitations)

For Feb 26, Quebec published 6 invitations in Stream 4, linked to either:

• a partner “positive opinion” pathway, or

• proof of an exceptional achievement (plus high education and experience).

What these invitations actually mean

An invitation lets you apply for permanent selection (CSQ). If you get a CSQ, you must then continue the process with the Canadian (federal) government for permanent residence.

Internal guidance: If you are not invited, it does not automatically mean you are “ineligible.” Quebec can change criteria each round and can target specific occupations, regions, or profiles.

FAQ

Is PEQ still an option for new applications?
No. Quebec states the PEQ ended on November 19, 2025.

Do you need to be living in Quebec for these PSTQ invitations?
Many of the published exercises for Feb 26 required candidates to be staying in Quebec.

Are the score cutoffs stable?
Not necessarily. Quebec notes it may apply additional or more restrictive criteria during each invitation round.

Reality check

• This is not an “open” program. Quebec is actively filtering by stream, occupation type, and French level.

• An invitation is not permanent residence. It is a step toward CSQ, and then you still need federal processing.

• If your plan depended on PEQ, you should reset expectations and review PSTQ requirements carefully.

Official government outlinks

https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/skilled-workers/skilled-worker-selection-program/invitation/2026
https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/permanente/travailleurs-qualifies/programme-selection-travailleurs-qualifies/invitation/2026
https://www.quebec.ca/immigration/permanente/travailleurs-qualifies/programme-experience-quebecoise
https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/skilled-workers/skilled-worker-selection-program/after-selection-certificate
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/national-occupation-classification.html