On August 28, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 231 invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), through the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
Candidates were invited through two different streams of the program, either for their work experience in non-regulated skilled professions or their exceptional talent and ability, in addition to other factors.
August 28 draw results
The August 28 draw invited immigration candidates through Stream 1 (Highly qualified and specialized skills stream) and Stream 4 (Exceptional talent stream) of the PSTQ.
Highly qualified and specialized skills stream
MIFI invited 227 candidates through this draw to apply for CSQs. Invitations were issued to candidates who:
- Were already in Quebec;
- Had an eligible Quebec university, college, or vocational secondary school diploma;
- University level: 30 credits;
- College / vocational secondary school diploma: Certifies completion of a program that is at least 900 hours of study; and
- Had a minimum score of 760 according to Quebec’s scoring grid.
In addition to the above, candidates needed to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Stream 1.
Exceptional talent stream
MIFI invited four candidates through this stream. Invitations were issued to candidates who:
- Held a PhD; and
- Have at least three years of experience working in their main profession within the last five years.
In addition to the above, candidates needed to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Stream 4 to be eligible in this draw.
Recent updates on Quebec immigration
Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, has previously announced proposed provincial immigration guidelines for the next four years, in June of this year.
Actions already taken
The Quebec government has already implemented the following measures:
- Suspension of applications under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – Workers pathway to permanent residence (PR) until November 30, 2025;
- Extension of the suspension of the PEQ – Diplômes until November 30, 2025;
- Announcement of the re-opening of the PSTQ in July 2025; and
- Extension of the suspension of intake for the Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship) until December 31, 2027.
Actions Being Proposed
In addition to the above, the Quebec government has put forward the following proposed actions:
- Setting targets for temporary resident levels, including a planned reduction in the number of temporary residents;
- Reducing the number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec from 72,000 to 65,000 over four years, and cutting the number of temporary foreign workers in Montreal by 50%;
- Giving priority to existing temporary residents in Quebec for PR; and
- Requiring temporary foreign workers to achieve a minimum level of French language proficiency to renew their work permits.
These proposals were open to public consultation until August 15, 2025.
A decision on overall admissions targets will be made with this feedback in consideration. A finalized levels plan is scheduled for publication in October 2025.
