On March 10, 2022, Quebec held its first Arrima draw of March. In this draw, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) invited 506 applicants who are eligible under the Quebec Skilled Worker program (QSW). The required minimum score was equal to or greater than 577 points. The candidates that were invited had a profile in the Arrima pool in Quebec.
Candidates who have been invited must now submit a permanent selection application and pay the processing fees within 60 days.
Compared to the previous draw on February 24, when just 306 individuals were accepted, Quebec invited 200 more applicants this time. The minimum score cut-off was also considerably lower than the previous requirement of 630 points.
In this Arrima draw, Quebec invited candidates having experience in one of the following 20 occupations:
- Computer and information systems managers (0213)
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (2147)
- Information systems analysts and consultants (2171)
- Database analysts and data administrators (2172)
- Software engineers and designers (2173)
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)
- Web designers and developers (2175)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)
- Computer network technicians (2281)
- User support technicians (2282)
- Information systems testing technicians (2283)
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (3012)
- Licensed practical nurses (3233)
- Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (3413)
- Secondary school teachers (4031)
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (4032)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (4214)
- Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations (5131)
- Graphic arts technicians (5223)
- Graphic designers and illustrators (5241)
Quebec has invited a total of 2,169 candidates this year for permanent selection. This was the first Arrima draw of March.
The system of Arrima
The Arrima system enables organizations and employers in Quebec to contact directly with applicants in the Arrima pool who meet their labour market requirements. Arrima is similar to the federal Express Entry program.
The Arrima platform brings immigration and Québec’s labour market requirements closer together. Quebec’s unique system for managing Expressions of Interest (EOI) profiles is known as Arrima pool.
Arrima handles the profiles of those interested in immigrating to Quebec permanently or temporarily through the following four programs:
- Regular Skilled Worker Program (also known as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program)
- Québec Experience Program
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs
- International Student Program (only to transmit documents)
Arrima draw for QSWP
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled workers and overseas graduates who aspire to work and reside in Quebec on a permanent basis. These individuals contribute to the province’s economic development.
The MIFI holds frequent draws to choose candidates based on labour market demands and potential for integration. Invitations are issued based on a ranking system, and individuals who submit an Expression of Interest are ranked using a scoring system established by ministerial order and published in the ‘Gazette Officielle du Québec’ (in French only).
Candidates who are selected for permanent selection through the Arrima draw have 60 days to submit their application and pay processing fees. The processing of applications in Quebec typically takes six months, and the six-month period begins when they receive all of the necessary information, including all forms and documentation.
Candidates that are selected receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ or Quebec Selection Certificate). This document can be used to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
For individuals interested in settling in Quebec, a different immigration system is in place. Quebec’s immigration programs are run by the province and are distinct from those run by the federal government.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a primary immigration pathway for skilled workers interested in settling in Quebec. It is similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Candidates who want to apply through QSWP must first create an online EOI profile. The MIFI regularly invites applicants from the EOI pool through Arrima draw to apply for permanent selection.
Candidates are required to obtain sufficient points in order to be eligible for QSWP. The points are given based on the Quebec Immigration selection grid, which is composed of nine factors. According to this system, a single (unmarried) candidate must score at least 50 points, while someone with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points.
Some of the factors considered by the Quebec Immigration Selection include age, education, language proficiency in French and English, work experience, stay and family in Quebec, spouse’s characteristics, validated job offer, and ability to be financially independent.
Candidates who receive invitations under the QSWP through Arrima draw must submit an application form for permanent selection on the Mon Projet Quebec portal. Candidates can have full access and also track their entire application through the portal.
To determine your eligibility and the best-suited pathway to immigrate to Quebec, fill out the free assessment form by Canadian Visa News.
