Maple News reports that Quebec has held its most substantial immigration draw in over a year, inviting 365 candidates to apply for permanent selection on September 24. The draw was conducted through the province’s Arrima portal, which manages applications under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP).
The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI) extended invitations to candidates in three distinct categories. The first group included individuals who had received a validated job offer from an employer in Quebec, a key requirement for securing an invitation in many provincial immigration streams.
The second category comprised foreign diplomats, consular officers, United Nations representatives, and staff members of intergovernmental organizations operating in Quebec. These individuals are eligible for invitation under Section 26 of the Quebec Immigration Regulation, acknowledging their unique status and presence within the province.
Notably, for the first time, MIFI also invited candidates who did not meet traditional eligibility criteria but were assessed by the Minister as having the potential to contribute meaningfully to Quebec’s economic or social development. This signals a growing flexibility in Quebec’s immigration strategy, aligning with broader goals of attracting diverse talent.
While the ministry did not detail the number of invitations issued per category, the overall size of the draw is significant. It reflects Quebec’s renewed emphasis on bolstering its workforce at a time when many industries are facing labor shortages.
Unlike other provinces, Quebec exercises considerable autonomy over its immigration system. The selection process is managed by MIFI, which issues a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec or CSQ) to successful applicants. A CSQ is mandatory before candidates can apply for permanent residence with Canada’s federal government.
Applicants can pursue a CSQ through several pathways, including the Regular Skilled Worker Program, the Quebec Experience Program, and various business immigration options such as the Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Person Programs. Though the Quebec Investor Program is also one of these streams, it remains suspended until at least April 2021.
This latest draw underscores Quebec’s proactive approach in tailoring its immigration system to meet changing economic needs, while also introducing unprecedented flexibility by recognizing a broader range of applicant profiles.