Quebec invites 519 workers in October 2026

Draw result

Date	Draw #	Programme	ITAs	Cut‑off	Tie‑break
6 Oct 2026	,	PSTQ	519	,	,

The Quebec government announced on 6 October 2026 that the Programme de Sélection des Travailleurs Qualifiés (PSTQ) will issue 519 invitations. The invitation window runs from 10 October to 30 November 2026. Applications are accepted through the Arrima portal on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Successful candidates receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) within 45 days of dossier approval and can then apply for Canadian permanent residency through IRCC. The processing fee remains CAD 825.

Who can apply

• International students with a Quebec study permit who have completed a programme of at least two years.
• Holders of a post‑graduation work permit (PGWP) who are employed in Quebec.
• Workers on employer‑specific permits who meet the French language threshold of CLB 7.

For example, a graduate with NOC 21231 (software engineer) and a PGWP can submit a profile on Arrima and be counted among the 519 invitations. A PGWP holder working as a NOC 72400 (cook) with a CRS score of 470 can also apply through PSTQ instead of waiting for an Express Entry draw. Workers in occupations such as NOC 13110 (administrative assistants) are eligible if they satisfy the language requirement.

The 519 invitations represent roughly 12 percent of the total PSTQ invitations issued in the previous quarter, expanding the pool for residents already in Quebec.

What to do now

• PGWP holders, Log into Arrima immediately, confirm your occupation, NOC code and French level, and upload any missing documents (pay stub, employment letter) before 30 November.
• International graduates, Request a transcript and a letter confirming your graduation date, then submit them with a TEF result of at least 400 points (CLB 7).
• Employer‑specific permit holders, Ensure your employer has a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required; without it the PSTQ application will be rejected.
• Express Entry candidates, Pause federal draw preparation, obtain a Quebec‑specific job offer, and convert your profile into a PSTQ dossier.

Keep a copy of the IRCC announcement and the invitation letter from the Quebec Ministry of Immigration. Once your status changes to “complete” in Arrima, arrange your medical exam and police certificates promptly, as the CSQ is issued only after verification.

Next steps

IRCC usually publishes a follow‑up notice within two weeks of a provincial invitation. Expect a notice by mid‑November 2026 that will confirm the processing timeline for the 519 selected workers.

How Ikovia can help

Ikovia provides a step‑by‑step PSTQ checklist, document reminders and access to immigration experts. Start free at Ikovia to receive personalised alerts when news like this affects your profile.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements at the official IRCC website or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).