Quebec Releases Results from September 30th Arrima Draw

Quebec held another large Arrima draw on September 30, 2021, inviting 536 individuals to apply for permanent selection.

Since implementing a new Quebec points system, the province has been issuing invitations in larger volumes than seen all year.

To date this year, Quebec has issued a total of 3200 invitations, 2655 of which were issued since August 12^th. In contrast 2,062 invitations were issued in total for all of 2019. In 2020, just 628 invitations were issued for the whole year.

This draw targeted candidates with work experience in select health and education occupations. Other candidates may also be selected, including those with a valid job offer outside of the metropolitan Montreal area.

Who received an invitation in Quebec’s most recent draw?

In the September 30^th draw, Quebec extended invitations to candidates who had submitted an expression of interest to the Arrima pool. Invited candidates had a score of at least 562 and an occupation included in one of 6 targeted NOC codes.

In addition, Quebec invited candidates with a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montréal Metropolitan Community. Other selected candidates include those currently residing in Quebec as diplomats or consular officers of a foreign country or the United Nations and who are accomplishing official duties associated with their position in the province.

Which Occupations Did MIFI Target in This Draw?

This round of invitations invited certain candidates based on their occupation. In addition to meeting the minimum point requirement, these individuals must have had experience in one of the following NOC codes:

How does the Quebec Skilled Worker Program Work?

Quebec’s immigration system operates differently from other provinces in Canada. The federal government has an agreement with Quebec that allows them to select their own immigrants. Therefore, candidates interested in settling in Quebec cannot apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence (PR). To apply for PR in Quebec, skilled worker candidates must first apply to receive a CSQ, or Certificat de sélection du Québec. This certificate shows that Quebec accepts the candidate and can be used to apply for PR to the federal government.

What is Arrima?

Arrima is Quebec’s equivalent to the federal Express Entry pool, that is, a platform that manages the province’s Expression of Interest profiles. The system also allows Quebec companies to connect directly with candidates in the Arrima pool to meet their labour needs. Arrima manages profiles through the following four Quebec programs:

1. Regular Skilled Worker Program (also known as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program)
2. Québec Experience Program
3. Permanent immigration pilot programs
4. International Student Program (only to transmit documents)