Maple News reports that on June 17, 2021, Quebec extended 69 new invitations for permanent selection under its Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) through the Arrima platform. This marks the province’s fifth invitation round of the year, bringing the total number of individuals invited in 2021 to 545.
Candidates selected in this round had previously submitted a Declaration of Interest (DI) through Arrima and met the criteria set by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). Notably, all invitees were also required to hold a validated job offer from a Quebec employer, indicating an alignment with current labor market needs.
Quebec’s immigration process operates independently from the federal Express Entry system. While it selects candidates based on its own criteria and programs, final approval for permanent residency is still granted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Arrima system was introduced in 2018 to manage the pool of skilled worker applicants more effectively. Replacing the previous first-come, first-served model, the platform enables Quebec to prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong potential for integration and meet the province’s workforce demands.
To be considered, applicants aged 18 and older must first create a profile on Arrima and submit a Declaration of Interest. Those deemed most suitable by MIFI—based on factors such as labor shortages, language skills, and professional background—are then invited to apply for permanent selection.
Once invited, candidates have 60 days to complete and submit their immigration application, including payment of required fees and supporting documents. The application is then evaluated using Quebec’s RSWP points-based system, which assesses qualifications such as education, age, language proficiency in French and English, and relevant work experience.
Quebec’s targeted and deliberate use of Arrima continues to modernize its immigration strategy, ensuring it attracts skilled francophone talent capable of contributing to the province’s economy and society.