Maple News reports that Quebec invited 231 immigration candidates on August 28, 2025, through its Skilled Worker Selection Program. The draw, conducted via the province’s Arrima system, focused on two categories: Stream 1 for highly qualified professionals and Stream 4 for individuals demonstrating exceptional talent. This selection reflects Quebec’s ongoing commitment to attracting educated, French-speaking individuals who contribute significantly to its workforce, innovation, and society.
Under Stream 1, 227 invitations were issued to applicants who met high thresholds for education, language proficiency, and local integration. These candidates were required to have a main occupation falling under the FEER category 0, 1, or 2, at least 12 months of relevant work experience within the past five years, and strong French proficiency—level 7 in oral and level 5 in written competencies based on Quebec’s official scale. Additionally, applicants had to hold a Quebec-issued diploma and reside in Quebec at the time of selection. Only those with 760 points or higher in Arrima’s scoring system were considered.
Stream 1 continues to be Quebec’s strategic mechanism to identify talent already integrated into the province, particularly individuals who have completed Quebec-based education and plan to settle permanently. These candidates greatly align with Quebec’s economic and linguistic priorities.
Meanwhile, Stream 4 focused on recruiting global individuals with exceptional accomplishments. Only four invitations were issued in this stream, underscoring its highly selective nature. Applicants qualified either by obtaining a positive endorsement from a ministry-affiliated partner in a priority field or by presenting documented achievements from Quebec’s recognized list of exceptional accomplishments.
Candidates applying under the exceptional achievement criteria were also required to hold a PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree and have at least three years of relevant experience in the past five years. This stream is designed to welcome world-class professionals who enhance Quebec’s culture, science, or economy beyond conventional metrics.
According to Maple News, the dual-stream approach reflects Quebec’s long-term strategy to remain an attractive destination for both homegrown and international talent. While Stream 1 capitalizes on local pathways to permanent residency, Stream 4 ensures room for globally competitive professionals whose achievements speak for themselves.
Quebec’s Expression of Interest system, Arrima, remains the central platform for managing these selections. Candidates are invited based on a combination of human capital factors and alignment with provincial goals, reaffirming Quebec’s distinct and targeted immigration approach within Canada’s broader framework.