Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) held an Arrima draw on July 3, 2026, selecting candidates from the pool formed on June 26, 2026, and issuing 501 invitations to apply for permanent selection (PSTQ). This is the smallest draw of the year, a direct consequence of the PEQ reopening.
Results of the July 3 draw
| Stream | Invitations | Threshold (points) |
|---|---|---|
| Stream 2 (intermediate and manual skills) | 289 | 475 – 726 |
| Stream 3 (regulated TEER 4/5 occupations) | — | Starting at 475 |
| Streams 1 and 2 (priority occupations) | — | Up to 726 |
| Total | 501 | 475 – 726 |
Why is this draw so small?
Since the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) reopened on July 2, 2026, MIFI now splits Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQ) roughly evenly between the PEQ and the PSTQ, and will continue to do so until 2029. This new policy explains why this draw issued only 501 invitations, compared to the 1,400 to 2,500 invitations seen in earlier 2026 draws.
📌 What this means for your strategy
If you're eligible for the PEQ (Quebec diploma or qualified work experience in Quebec), this pathway may now be faster than the PSTQ for certain profiles, since the PSTQ will now receive a reduced share of invitations. It's essential to compare both pathways based on your specific situation.
Stream 2 dominates this draw
Stream 2 (intermediate and manual skills) received the largest share of invitations (289 of 501), reflecting strong demand for occupations in this stream. Thresholds reaching up to 726 points apply to exercises targeting priority occupations, while the floor threshold of 475 points applies to regulated TEER 4/5 occupations.
Tip: With this new 50/50 split, maximizing your Arrima score (French proficiency, education, experience, age) becomes even more important to stay competitive in a pool where the number of available invitations has been cut in half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this 50/50 split last until 2029?
Based on information available at the time of publication, MIFI plans to maintain this split between the PEQ and the PSTQ until 2029. This could be adjusted based on the evolving needs of Quebec's labour market — we'll track official updates.
Should I prioritize the PEQ or the PSTQ now?
This depends entirely on your eligibility. The PEQ is generally faster for graduates of a Quebec institution or workers with significant qualified experience in Quebec. The PSTQ via Arrima remains relevant for candidates outside Quebec with a strong profile (French, age, education, experience).
Is my Arrima score of 475 points enough to be invited?
A score of 475 points matches the floor threshold observed in this draw, but only for the regulated TEER 4/5 occupations stream. For other streams, thresholds reached up to 726 points. Your eligibility depends on which stream your profile falls into.
Optimize your PEQ or PSTQ strategy
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