Quebec Holds Second Largest Arrima Draw of the Year

Unlike other Quebec Skilled Worker draws this year, Quebec’s most recent round of invitations did not target candidates with a valid job offer. Instead, the province invited individuals based on their score and experience in one of 17 tech-related occupations.

Just one week after Quebec’s largest Arrima draw of the year, the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) has invited another 502 eligible candidates to apply for permanent selection.

This was the second largest draw of 2021, after Quebec’s Arrima draw last week, which invited 515 eligible candidates on August 12, 2021. Qualifying candidates were invited under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW).

Who received an invitation in this Quebec draw?

In the August 19^th draw, Quebec extended invitations candidates who had submitted an expression of interest to the Arrima pool. Those invited had a minimum score of 548 had work experience in one of 17 select targeted occupations.

Which Occupations Did MIFI Target in This Draw?

This round of invitations invited certain candidates based on their work experience. 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 different than 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)