Quebec invites 1,202 immigration candidates in new Arrima draw

Earlier this month, Quebec Immigration issued 1,202 invitations in the largest draw in the history of the Arrima Expression of Interest system.

As with the previous draw, the September 8 draw had no requirements other than a minimum score of 620 in the Quebec Expression of Interest points system.

The province has historically conducted draws targeted at candidates with job offers (often outside Montreal) or with experience in certain specialized codes of the National Occupational Classification.

The previous largest draw was the first ever conducted through the Quebec EOI system, which resulted in 691 ITAs being issued on July 4, 2019.

This is the 10^th draw which was held on September 8 under the Quebec Immigration Program or also known as Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP).

What is the Process for Quebec Expression of Interest?

1. A candidate submits an online expression of interest profile via Arrima.
2. Each profile enters an Expression of Interest pool, where it is ranked against the profiles in the pool based on points, and is valid for 12 months.
3. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for a Quebec Certificate of Selection under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program via periodic draws.
4. After receiving an invitation, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application.
5. Candidates who receive a nomination certificate (CSQ) are then eligible to apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Quebec Expression of Interest Points System

Profiles submitted via Arrima to the Quebec Expression of Interest bank are ranked according to a points system, and the best-ranked profiles are invited to apply for Quebec immigration under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Based on human capital and factors of the Quebec labour market, candidates and their spouse or common-law partner can score up to 1,320 points.

The Quebec Expression of Interest Requirements

 There are two categories of points in the Quebec Expression of Interest system, with some including points for the spouse or common law partner of the principal candidate.

• Human capital factors:
  • French language ability.
  • French and English combined.
  • Age
  • Work experience.
  • Education.

• Quebec labour market factors:
  • Work experience in a field with a labour shortage.
  • Qualifications in one of Quebec’s areas of training.
  • Level of Quebec education.
  • Professional experience in Quebec.
  • Professional experience in the rest of Canada.
  • Job offer inside or outside Greater Montreal.

The lists of High Demand Occupations and Areas of Training that Quebec publishes weigh heavily in the assessment.