Quebec issues 306 invitations in new Arrima draw

Quebec immigration held a new draw on February 21 through the Arrima Expression of Interest system, inviting 306 Canada immigration candidates.

Candidates needed to have a profile in the Arrima Expression of Interest system with at least 630 points and a valid job offer outside of the Montreal Metropolitan area. A maximum of 1,320 points are available.

Selected candidates are invited to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Approved candidates receive a Quebec Selection Certificate, allowing them to apply for the federal government for permanent residence.

Candidates receiving an invitation have 60 days to submit a full application to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

The February 21 draw is the fourth of the year for Quebec and it brings the number of invitations issued in 2022 to 1,663. Last year, a total of 3,564 candidates were invited to apply for permanent selection by the province through Arrima.

Requirements for Quebec Expression of Interest

The Quebec Expression of Interest points system assigns points in two categories, with some including points for the spouse of 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:

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

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

Quebec admission targets for 2022

The plan foresees the entrance of 49,500-52,500 immigrants in 2022, all categories combined and a catch-up of 18,000 admissions to reach the levels that were not attained by the federal government. This means that more than 70,000 newcomers could be admitted to the province of Quebec in 2022.