Maple News reports that the province of Québec issued 23 new invitations for permanent selection on October 21 under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés — PRTQ). This marks the first round of invitations through the Arrima portal in October and the 11th round overall in 2021.
The September draw targeted candidates who had submitted a declaration of interest via Arrima, Québec’s online expression of interest platform. Invitations focused primarily on individuals with valid job offers outside the Greater Montréal area, as well as foreign nationals residing in Québec under special statuses such as diplomats, consular officials, United Nations personnel, or members of other intergovernmental organizations.
Though this round only included 23 candidates—making it the smallest draw in 2021—earlier draws throughout the second half of the year each invited more than 500 individuals. In total, Québec has invited 3,223 candidates to apply for permanent selection since the start of the year.
According to data from Québec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), 28,770 new permanent residents were welcomed to the province in the first nine months of 2021. Out of these, 16,655 were admitted through economic immigration pathways. Of them, 15,335 were skilled workers, while 1,315 were business-class immigrants.
The Regular Skilled Worker Program is designed for foreign workers who demonstrate strong potential for successful economic integration in Québec. It is commonly used by experienced professionals and international graduates seeking to settle in the province. Unlike federal immigration programs, Québec manages its own selection process, independent from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), although final approval of permanent residence remains a federal responsibility.
Candidates invited through Arrima have up to 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent selection and pay the required processing fees. Québec aims to process these applications within six months of receiving all necessary documentation.
With Québec building momentum in strategic immigration draws throughout 2021, the province continues to assert its distinct role in shaping immigration policies tailored to its evolving economic and demographic needs.