Good News: Quebec’s Draw for Semi & Unskilled Workers

In a major step toward diversifying its immigration intake, Quebec has issued fresh invitations under its newly launched Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) — this time, targeting workers in the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream. This marks a pivotal moment in Quebec’s immigration policy as it opens its doors wider to semi-skilled and unskilled workers who have relevant local experience and French-language proficiency.

For Indian nationals and others looking for Canadian permanent residency without necessarily holding advanced degrees or highly specialized job titles, this initiative is a game-changer.

Let’s break down what the new draw means, how it works, and why it’s significant for prospective immigrants to Canada.

Significance of Quebec’s New Immigration Draw

Quebec’s new immigration draw targets semi-skilled workers with local experience and French skills—offering a fresh PR pathway under PSTQ 2025.

A Targeted Pathway for Intermediate and Manual Skills Workers

On July 31, 2025, Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) invited 273 candidates to apply for permanent selection under the Intermediate and Manual Skills stream. This marks the first draw under this specific stream since the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) was launched.

To qualify for the draw, candidates needed:

• A minimum score of 661 points in the Arrima expression of interest system.

• At least 24 months of work experience in the past five years (including 12 months in Quebec in their primary occupation).

• Residence outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.

• Their profile extracted from the Arrima bank on July 28, 2025.

This stream specifically focuses on occupations categorized under FEER 3, 4, and 5 — meaning that a university degree is not required to qualify.

Read more about Quebec’s skilled worker program here

FEER Categories Explained: Who Is Eligible?

FEER stands for Formation, Études, Expérience et Responsabilités, which is the French equivalent of Canada’s TEER classification system (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities). Here’s what the relevant categories mean:

FEER 3

Jobs that require:

• A post-secondary diploma (less than 2 years),

• Apprenticeship or job-specific training,

• Experience in related FEER 4 occupations.

  
  

FEER 4

Roles requiring:

• A high school diploma,

• Several weeks of on-the-job training.

FEER 5

Jobs with:

• No formal educational requirement,

• Simple, task-based roles with brief training periods.

These classifications open the doors for truck drivers, care workers, machine operators, construction laborers, and other skilled tradespeople and general workers to become eligible for permanent selection in Quebec.

For a deeper dive, check the official Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration page

French Language Still a Must

While educational and occupational barriers are lower in this stream, French proficiency remains essential. Candidates must prove they:

• Can speak and understand French at level 5 or higher.

• If applying with a spouse, their partner must also have at least level 4 French proficiency.

French-speaking Indian candidates — especially those with work experience in Quebec — are in a strong position to qualify.

Quebec’s Regional Focus: Beyond Montreal

An interesting criterion in this draw was the requirement to live outside of Montreal’s metropolitan area. This aligns with Quebec’s regional development strategy, which aims to:

• Populate rural and suburban areas,

• Reduce pressure on Montreal’s urban infrastructure,

• Address localized labor shortages.

This presents new opportunities for immigrants who are open to settling in Quebec City, Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, and other regions where the cost of living is lower and job openings are abundant.

Revamped Quebec Immigration System – What’s New?

Quebec officially replaced its Regular Skilled Worker Program with the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) in late 2024, but it only became active in mid-2025.

The PSTQ includes three main streams:

1. Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills

2. Exceptional Talent

3. Intermediate and Manual Skills

On July 17, 2025, the first invitations were issued under the first two streams, targeting highly skilled French-speaking workers with Quebec experience.

The July 31 draw marks the expansion of this program to include semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers, indicating a clear policy shift to support diverse labor needs across the province.

You can book a personalized immigration consultation with A2Zimmi experts to assess your eligibility.

Benefits of Quebec’s New Skilled Worker Stream

1. Lower Educational Barriers

Many federal immigration programs, such as Express Entry, favor candidates with a university degree or specialized training. In contrast, Quebec’s Intermediate and Manual Skills stream:

• Accepts secondary education,

• Recognizes vocational training, and

• Values real-world work experience.

2. Recognition of On-the-Job Experience

Even without formal certification, workers with 2 years of job experience — especially those already working in Quebec — now have a viable PR pathway. This significantly widens the eligibility pool.

3. Inclusive of In-Demand, Lower-Tier Jobs

Canada has a critical labor shortage in trades, logistics, and care work. This program directly targets such occupations — from welders to janitors, long-haul drivers to warehouse staff.

A full list of eligible occupations can be found through Quebec’s official immigration portal

4. Supports Regional Integration

By requiring candidates to live outside of Montreal, the program encourages economic development across less populated regions. This increases immigrant settlement success and reduces job competition.

5. Francophone Preference = Advantage for French Speakers

French-speaking Indians, Africans, and other immigrants have a distinct edge under this program. Quebec is protecting its language and culture while welcoming productive workers — a win-win scenario.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The new Intermediate and Manual Skills stream under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program is a golden opportunity for those who have long been overlooked by traditional immigration systems. With relaxed education requirements, a focus on French, and real-world work experience being front and center, this program offers a promising path to Canadian PR — especially for Indian nationals working or studying in Quebec.

If you’re currently in Quebec or planning to move, and you have job experience in trades, service, or support roles, now is the time to act.

Explore Quebec’s latest immigration news here

Visit A2Zimmi or schedule a consultation here to get expert advice today!