Maple News reports that the province of Quebec issued 326 invitations to skilled workers on December 9 through its Arrima platform, as part of the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
According to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), candidates selected in this draw had scores of at least 633 points in the Arrima pool. In addition to meeting the minimum score, the draw specifically targeted applicants with validated job offers outside the Montreal Metropolitan Area and those working in high-demand occupations.
The 29 targeted occupations included a broad range of engineering, IT, healthcare, education, and creative roles. Examples include software engineers, civil and mechanical engineers, computer programmers, registered nurses, early childhood educators, and graphic designers, among others.
This draw marks Quebec’s thirteenth of the year, bringing the total number of candidates invited in 2021 under the QSWP to 3,564. The province has consistently held periodic draws since March, with occasional increases in frequency, such as three rounds held in August.
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program is designed for candidates who can integrate economically and socially into Quebec’s French-speaking society. This program is especially favored by skilled professionals and international graduates aiming to settle permanently in Quebec.
Invited candidates now have up to 60 days to submit a complete application for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), along with the required fees. Once approved, the CSQ allows them to apply for permanent residence through Canada’s federal immigration system.
It is important to note that Quebec administers its own immigration programs, distinct from federal programs like Express Entry. The province evaluates candidates based on criteria tailored to its specific labor market and cultural integration needs.
Maple News will continue monitoring Quebec’s evolving immigration strategies as the province seeks to address skill shortages and attract global talent to less densely populated regions.