Maple News reports that Quebec has issued 90 new invitations for permanent selection as part of its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). The invitations were extended on May 27, 2021, through the province’s Arrima platform, designed to manage immigration declarations efficiently and prioritize qualified candidates.
According to Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), this latest selection round targeted two specific groups: individuals who received a validated job offer from a Quebec employer and those currently residing in the province serving as diplomats, consular officials, representatives of the United Nations, or affiliated with intergovernmental organizations.
This latest draw marks the fourth round of invitations issued in 2021. Previous rounds took place on January 26, March 30, and April 29. With this latest batch, the province has now extended permanent selection invitations to 476 individuals so far this year.
Quebec operates a distinct immigration system, separate from Canada’s federal programs. While the province leads the selection process based on its labor market demands and integration priorities, the final decision rests with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which assesses admissibility, health, and criminal background.
The Arrima portal, launched in 2018, replaced the former first-come, first-served model. It enables candidates aged 18 and above to submit a Declaration of Interest, placing them in a pool of potential immigrants. MIFI then evaluates candidates based on criteria such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and adaptability in Quebec’s society.
Once invited, applicants typically have 60 days to submit a complete application, including supporting documents and processing fees. Those who meet the necessary point threshold on the PRTQ’s selection grid are awarded a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is prerequisites for applying for permanent residency at the federal level.
Quebec has announced an immigration target of up to 47,500 new residents in 2021, aligning with Canada’s national objective to welcome over 400,000 immigrants that same year. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to support economic recovery and meet labor market demands across the country.
With Arrima enabling a more responsive and data-driven selection process, the province continues to tailor its immigration pathways to attract talent that fits Quebec’s specific needs and values.