Maple News reports that on April 29, 2021, Quebec issued 83 invitations to submit applications for permanent selection under its Regular Skilled Worker Program (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés, or PRTQ). This latest selection was conducted via the province’s Arrima portal—Quebec’s online system for handling immigration applications.
According to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI), candidates were selected based on specific eligibility criteria. Two groups received invitations in this round: individuals with a validated job offer in Quebec and certain diplomats, consular officials, United Nations representatives or officials from intergovernmental organizations currently residing in the province.
This was Quebec’s third invitation round of 2021, following previous draws on January 26 and March 30. With this latest update, a total of 386 candidates have been invited to apply for permanent selection by Quebec this year.
The Arrima system, launched in 2018, replaced the first-come, first-served model and now allows candidates to submit a Declaration of Interest (DI). Once entered into the pool, candidates are ranked and considered based on factors such as labor market needs and their integration potential in Quebec society.
Candidates who are invited have 60 days to submit a complete immigration application through the PRTQ, along with the required fees and supporting documentation. Applications are then reviewed and scored using a selection grid that assesses factors like education, age, language skills, and work experience.
Successful candidates receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ), affirming their eligibility for permanent selection by the province. CSQ holders must then apply for permanent residence through Canada’s federal government, where they will undergo additional assessments, including medical and background checks.
Quebec continues to expand its immigration efforts in alignment with broader national goals. In 2021, the province aims to welcome up to 47,500 new immigrants. Nationally, Canada has set an ambitious target of over 400,000 newcomers across various immigration streams.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in Quebec’s immigration system and advise candidates on the latest updates through the Arrima platform.