Quebec does not publish one single “priority occupation list” for all immigration pathways. Instead, the province prioritizes occupations in different ways depending on the program: targeted invitations in Arrima under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), labour-market diagnostics that influence selection, and separate “in-demand occupation” lists used for temporary foreign worker hiring (e.g., simplified processing). This guide explains how Quebec prioritizes occupations, how to check your NOC, and how to build a stronger Quebec immigration strategy.
Key Takeaways
- “Prioritized occupations” in Quebec can mean targeted Arrima invitations (PSTQ), labour-market diagnostics, or the simplified processing occupation list for temporary foreign workers.
- Your job title is not enough—Quebec decisions rely on your NOC code and whether your duties match that NOC.
- The best strategy is province-specific: confirm your NOC, verify which Quebec list/stream applies, and prepare “audit-ready” proof of experience and French ability.
Prioritized occupations for Quebec: what it means in 2026
When people search for “prioritized occupations for Quebec,” they’re usually trying to answer one of these questions:
- Which jobs does Quebec want most for permanent immigration?
- Which jobs receive targeted invitations in Arrima?
- Which jobs are eligible for simplified processing to hire temporary foreign workers?
In Quebec, “priority” is not a single list that guarantees selection. Instead, Quebec uses multiple tools that can change over time:
- PSTQ (skilled worker selection) invitations through Arrima that can target certain profiles and labour needs
- Labour-market diagnostics that help determine which professions are in shortage or surplus
- Temporary foreign worker measures such as simplified processing occupation lists (used by employers, not directly by PR applicants)
- Regulated profession requirements that can affect feasibility and timelines for certain occupations
That’s why the right approach is to identify which “priority system” applies to your goal (permanent vs. temporary, Quebec selection vs. employer hiring), then verify your NOC and eligibility on official Quebec sources.
The 3 main ways Quebec prioritizes occupations
1) Arrima invitations under the PSTQ
Quebec’s skilled worker selection uses a declaration of interest system in Arrima. Candidates may receive invitations based on Quebec’s selection priorities, which can evolve and may emphasize people already established in Quebec, French-language ability, and labour-market needs.
Official reference: Arrima invitations for the PSTQ (Quebec government)
2) Labour-market diagnostics and sector targeting
Quebec uses labour-market information to identify where shortages exist. In practice, this can influence which professions are emphasized for selection, especially when Quebec uses targeted invitations or applies selection priorities linked to real hiring needs.
Key idea: Quebec’s “priority” is often about economic need (labour shortages by region/sector) rather than a permanent, universal occupation list.
3) Simplified processing occupation lists for temporary foreign workers
Quebec also publishes a list of occupations eligible for simplified processing for certain temporary foreign worker applications. This is primarily an employer tool to speed up hiring in occupations Quebec considers in demand for the temporary program.
Official reference: List of occupations eligible for simplified processing (Quebec government)
Important: This list is not the same as “PR priority occupations.” However, it can be a strong signal of demand, and it can support a strategy where a worker arrives temporarily (with a compliant employer) and later pursues permanent selection through Quebec pathways.
Quick comparison table: which “priority list” applies to you?
| What you’re trying to do | Where “priority occupations” appear | Who it’s for | What to check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get selected for Quebec PR as a skilled worker | Arrima invitations under PSTQ; Quebec selection priorities | Applicants inside or outside Quebec | Your NOC + French ability + your fit with Quebec’s current invitation priorities |
| Work temporarily in Quebec with employer support | Simplified processing eligible occupation list (temporary program) | Employers + workers | Whether the job’s NOC is on the simplified list; wage and compliance requirements |
| Work in a regulated profession | Professional regulation / licensing requirements | Applicants in regulated occupations (healthcare, engineering, etc.) | Licensing pathway, timelines, and proof of eligibility |
Which occupations are often prioritized in Quebec?
Because Quebec’s priorities can shift, you should avoid relying on unofficial “top 10” lists. The safest approach is to use official sources (Arrima invitation details and official Quebec lists) and treat any “commonly in-demand” themes as guidance, not guarantees.
Occupations frequently linked to labour needs
In many years, Quebec’s labour needs often include roles in sectors like:
- Healthcare and social assistance (many roles are regulated and require licensing)
- Construction and skilled trades
- Manufacturing and industrial maintenance
- Information technology and engineering (some professions may be regulated or require credential recognition)
- Education and early childhood (requirements vary and can include credential recognition)
- Transportation and logistics
To turn “sector demand” into a real immigration advantage, you must match your work experience to an eligible NOC code and then confirm whether that NOC is relevant to the Quebec pathway you are pursuing.
How to check if your occupation is prioritized for Quebec
Step 1: Identify your correct NOC code based on duties (not title)
Quebec uses Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Your eligibility depends on your NOC code and whether your duties match that code. Many refusals and delays happen because applicants choose a NOC based on a job title rather than real tasks.
Internal resource: How to choose the correct NOC code (duty-matching guide)
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Step 2: Decide which Quebec pathway you’re targeting
“Priority occupations” only matters when you know the route:
- PSTQ (Arrima) skilled worker selection for permanent immigration
- Employer-supported temporary work (including simplified processing where applicable)
- Quebec graduate / worker pathways (note that Quebec programs and rules can change; always verify current status on official sources)
Internal resource: Quebec immigration pathways explained: PSTQ, Arrima, and temporary-to-permanent strategies
Step 3: Check official Arrima invitation information
Quebec publishes invitation rounds and may include details about who was targeted. This is one of the best official signals of Quebec’s current selection priorities.
Official reference: Arrima invitations (Quebec government)
Step 4: If your plan involves a temporary job offer, check the simplified processing occupation list
If you’re pursuing a temporary work strategy, confirm whether the employer’s job offer is in an occupation eligible for simplified processing and whether all wage and compliance requirements are met.
Official reference: Simplified processing: eligible occupations (Quebec government)
Step 5: Confirm whether your occupation is regulated in Quebec
Many high-demand occupations are regulated in Quebec (especially in healthcare and certain professional fields). If your job is regulated, build a realistic plan for licensing or authorization, including timelines and documentation.
Internal resource: Regulated occupations in Quebec: licensing roadmap and immigration planning
How to improve your chances if your occupation is “priority”
Build “audit-ready” proof of experience
Whether you’re targeting PSTQ (Arrima) or employer-supported routes, your occupation claim must be proven with strong documents. Your evidence should clearly show:
- Employer name, location, and contact details
- Your job title, employment dates, and whether work was continuous
- Hours per week and whether the role was paid
- Detailed duties that match your chosen NOC
Strengthen French ability early
For Quebec immigration planning, French is often a key factor for selection, settlement, and employability. Even if your occupation is in demand, weak French can reduce your practical options and delay progress.
Align your strategy with your real place of residence
Quebec selection is designed for people who genuinely plan to live in Quebec. Your choices—work search, region, French plan, and settlement narrative—should align with that intention.
Use a Plan A + Plan B approach
Quebec priorities can change. Consider building:
- Plan A: PSTQ selection via Arrima (if your profile fits Quebec priorities)
- Plan B: Employer-supported temporary work (where compliant and realistic), paired with a long-term Quebec selection plan
Common mistakes when chasing “priority occupations” in Quebec
- Assuming there is one universal Quebec PR occupation list: Quebec uses multiple tools depending on the program.
- Choosing the wrong NOC: If your duties don’t match, your claim can fail even if the job title sounds right.
- Using outdated lists: Simplified processing lists and invitation priorities can change; verify on official sources.
- Ignoring regulated profession requirements: Demand does not remove licensing obligations.
- Relying on unofficial recruiters or paid job offers: Paying for job offers or “guaranteed immigration” promises is high-risk and can lead to refusal and serious consequences.
CTA: confirm your NOC and build a Quebec-specific plan
If you’re targeting Quebec because your occupation is “in demand,” the highest-value step is confirming your NOC code, checking the current official Quebec priorities (Arrima invitations and relevant lists), and building a documentation plan that proves your experience and French readiness. A professional review can help you avoid misclassification and strengthen your strategy before you apply.
Book a consultation for a NOC assessment, Quebec pathway shortlist, and a step-by-step immigration plan tailored to your occupation.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Quebec publish an official “priority occupation list” for PR?
Quebec does not rely on a single universal PR occupation list. Prioritization can appear through Arrima invitation targeting under the PSTQ and through labour-market diagnostics that influence selection priorities. Always confirm using official Quebec sources.
Is the simplified processing occupation list the same as PR priority occupations?
No. The simplified processing list is primarily for employers hiring temporary foreign workers in certain occupations. It can indicate demand, but it does not guarantee Quebec PR selection.
How do I know if my job matches a prioritized occupation?
First identify your correct NOC code based on your real job duties, then check the official Quebec sources relevant to your pathway (Arrima invitations for PSTQ, or the simplified processing list if your plan is employer-based).
Do I need French if my occupation is in demand?
French is often a key factor for Quebec immigration and integration. Even with an in-demand occupation, stronger French typically improves selection competitiveness and real job-market outcomes.
What if my occupation is regulated in Quebec?
You should build a licensing plan early. Regulated occupations may require recognition of credentials, exams, or registration with a professional order. This affects timelines and should be reflected in your immigration strategy.
Where can I check official Quebec updates?
Use official Quebec government pages for Arrima invitations, PSTQ program rules, and simplified processing occupation lists. Avoid relying on unofficial “lists” that may be outdated.
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Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), official government publications