Maple News reports that the Quebec government has extended invitations to 69 skilled workers to apply for permanent selection in a new draw held on June 17, 2021. This marks the fifth round of invitations issued this year under the province’s immigration selection system.
The invitations were issued through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), which is managed by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). All candidates invited in this round had previously submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the province’s online portal, Arrima.
Arrima, launched in 2018, serves as Quebec’s platform for managing skilled worker immigration applications. It replaced the older first-come, first-served system with a more strategic selection model. Candidates aged 18 or over use Arrima to express their interest in immigrating to the province by submitting an online profile. These profiles are then evaluated based on Quebec’s distinct selection criteria.
In addition to having a current EOI in the Arrima system, candidates invited in this round also needed to hold a validated job offer from an employer in Quebec, strengthening their eligibility for selection.
Receiving an invitation through Arrima is a preliminary step toward permanent residence. Once selected, candidates may apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec or CSQ). With a CSQ in hand, applicants are eligible to submit a formal permanent residence application to the federal government of Canada, which maintains final authority over immigration admissions.
So far in 2021, Quebec has invited a total of 545 candidates through the Arrima system, with draws being held roughly once per month. These efforts align with the province’s ongoing strategy to attract skilled talent to address labor shortages in key sectors.
Quebec operates its own immigration programs, which are distinct from federal initiatives like Express Entry. The province maintains autonomy in selecting economic immigrants, although the federal government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), must ultimately approve all permanent residence applications.
As Quebec continues to seek skilled professionals who can contribute to its economy and workforce, participation in Arrima remains a crucial entry point for candidates considering a future in the province.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on Quebec’s immigration trends and policy developments.