Maple News reports that on September 2, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI) invited 517 candidates to apply for permanent selection under the province’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ). This round marks the fourth set of invitations issued in just as many weeks, highlighting a clear acceleration in the province’s immigration efforts.
All individuals invited had submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima platform and held a minimum score of 499 in the candidate pool. This draw continues a noticeable trend of increased invitation volumes following weekly rounds beginning on August 12.
Recent invitations have also focused on individuals holding valid job offers outside the Montreal metropolitan area and working in high-demand sectors. The targeted fields span across several technical and creative professions, most notably in information technology and engineering. Roles in demand include systems analysts, software engineers, web developers, IT support technicians, electrical engineering technologists, and graphic designers, among others.
Quebec has now concluded nine invitation rounds via Arrima so far in 2021, bringing the total number of invitations to 2,664. This represents a significant shift from earlier in the year, when draws were spaced further apart and involved fewer candidates.
The PRTQ serves as one of the primary immigration pathways for skilled workers seeking to establish themselves economically in Quebec. Unlike federal immigration programs administered through Canada’s Express Entry system, Quebec’s immigration programs operate under a distinct selection process and criteria tailored to provincial needs. Once selected by Quebec, applicants must still undergo final screening and approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This consistent uptick in invitation rounds demonstrates Quebec’s intent to meet labor market demands while also streamlining access for global talent able to support key industries throughout the province, particularly outside Montreal.
As the province continues to refine its immigration strategy, Maple News will provide ongoing coverage of the latest Arrima draws and policy updates shaping immigrant pathways into Quebec.