Maple News reports that Québec has officially kicked off its 2021 immigration selection process by issuing 95 invitations to apply for permanent selection under the province’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés – PRTQ). The latest draw took place on January 26, 2021, through the province’s Arrima platform.
Invitations were extended to two main categories of candidates. The first group included individuals who had submitted a validated job offer from a Québec employer. The second group comprised foreign nationals currently residing in Québec under official diplomatic or consular capacities, including representatives of the United Nations and other international governmental organizations. Accompanying staff of such officials, who fall under the provisions of Section 26 of Québec’s Immigration Regulations, may also have been included.
To be considered for selection under the PRTQ, aspiring immigrants must begin by submitting a declaration of interest (DI) through the Arrima portal. Québec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration – MIFI) then screens these profiles and invites candidates who meet specific labour market criteria.
Launched in 2018, Arrima was designed to modernize and streamline Québec’s skilled worker immigration process, replacing the first-come, first-served application model with a merit-based selection system. This approach allows the province to better align immigration with its evolving labour needs and integration goals.
Candidates chosen through Arrima are invited to submit a complete application for permanent selection within a limited timeframe. This includes paying applicable fees and providing all required supporting documentation. Once submitted, the applications are evaluated based on Québec’s selection grid, which assesses factors such as education, age, professional experience, and proficiency in French or English.
Québec operates its own immigration programs independently of the federal system. This allows the province to tailor its selection process based on its demographic and economic priorities, especially in addressing regional labour shortages and promoting integration into Québec’s French-speaking society.
With this latest round of invitations, Québec reinforces its ongoing commitment to attracting skilled professionals who can contribute to the province’s growth and cultural fabric. Prospective applicants are encouraged to maintain up-to-date profiles in the Arrima system to maximize their chances of receiving a future invitation.
Maple News will continue to report on the latest developments in Québec immigration as new rounds of invitations and policy updates are announced.