In a significant development for aspiring immigrants, the province of Quebec has conducted a new immigration draw through its Arrima portal, issuing over 200 invitations to skilled workers. This latest Quebec immigration draw, held on September 5, 2025, specifically targeted candidates under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), reinforcing the province’s commitment to selecting immigrants who can effectively meet its unique economic and demographic needs. The draw highlights a continued focus on candidates with specific qualifications, particularly those with job offers outside of major metropolitan areas and those with experience in high-demand occupations. For individuals with a profile in the Arrima bank, this event serves as a crucial indicator of the selection criteria currently being prioritized by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

A Detailed Breakdown of the Latest Quebec Skilled Worker Draw

The draw on September 5, 2025, saw a total of 212 invitations issued to candidates in the Arrima Expression of Interest (EOI) pool. To be considered for this round, candidates needed to meet a minimum score of 610 points. It is essential for applicants to understand that this scoring system is unique to Quebec and is distinct from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used by the federal Express Entry system. Quebec’s points grid evaluates candidates on a different set of criteria, placing a significant emphasis on factors such as French language proficiency, age, education, work experience, and a valid job offer within the province. This latest draw specifically invited candidates who met criteria related to having a job offer or possessing skills in sectors facing critical labor shortages. The precision of these draws underscores the data-driven approach Quebec employs to manage its immigration intake, ensuring that new arrivals are well-positioned to integrate into the provincial labor market swiftly and successfully. The minimum score of 610 suggests a competitive pool of candidates, and those who received an invitation now have a limited window to submit their complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ).

Deep Dive into the Targeted PSTQ Streams: Who Was Invited?

This invitation round placed a strategic focus on two specific streams within the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), demonstrating a clear policy direction. The invitations were extended to candidates who met the criteria of Stream 1 and Stream 4. Stream 1 targets individuals holding a validated job offer outside the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM). This approach directly addresses the provincial government’s goal of promoting regionalization and distributing the economic benefits of immigration more evenly across Quebec, rather than concentrating newcomers in the bustling Montreal area. By incentivizing settlement in smaller cities and regions, Quebec aims to fill critical labor gaps that hinder economic growth in these communities.

Simultaneously, invitations were issued under Stream 4, which is designed for candidates in specific high-demand occupations. While the exact list of targeted National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes was not released for this specific draw, historically this stream has focused on sectors like information technology (software developers, data analysts), healthcare (nurses, orderlies), engineering (civil, mechanical), and skilled trades. Candidates with strong French language skills and work experience in these fields were likely the primary beneficiaries. This dual-stream approach allows Quebec to be both geographically strategic and occupationally specific, ensuring that the immigration system is highly responsive to the immediate and long-term needs of the province’s economy.

Key Highlights from Quebec’s September 2025 Draw

• Number of Invitations Issued: 212 candidates were invited to apply for a CSQ.
• Immigration Program: Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
• Minimum Required Score: A score of at least 610 points was necessary to receive an invitation.
• Targeted Streams: The draw focused on candidates with a validated job offer outside of the Montreal metropolitan area (Stream 1) and those with work experience in specific in-demand occupations (Stream 4).
• Strategic Importance: This draw reinforces Quebec’s immigration strategy of prioritizing French-speaking candidates and addressing regional labor shortages.

Understanding the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and Arrima

For those aiming to immigrate to Quebec as a skilled worker, it is vital to understand the province’s distinct two-step process, which is managed through the online Arrima portal. The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is not a formal application but rather a profile where candidates provide information about their skills, education, work history, language abilities, and other demographic details. Once an EOI is in the Arrima bank, it is assigned a score based on Quebec’s unique points grid. This grid heavily rewards factors that predict successful integration into Quebec society and its workforce, most notably proficiency in the French language. Other high-scoring factors include age (with maximum points for those between 18 and 35), level of education, and having a validated job offer. The second step begins when MIFI conducts draws, like the one on September 5, and invites the highest-scoring or most specifically targeted candidates to submit a full application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Receiving a CSQ signifies that Quebec has selected the candidate for immigration. With a CSQ in hand, the applicant can then proceed to the final stage: applying for permanent residence with the federal government, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which will conduct health and security checks before granting final approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)?
The Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is an immigration pathway for individuals who have the necessary training, skills, and work experience to contribute to Quebec’s economy. The program uses a points-based system to assess candidates and selects those most likely to successfully establish themselves in the province.

How does the Arrima portal work for Quebec immigration?
Arrima is an online portal used by Quebec to manage applications for its skilled worker programs. Candidates first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile, which is then placed in a pool and scored. The Quebec government then invites candidates from this pool to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) based on their score or specific labor market needs.

What is a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)?
A Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), or Certificat de sélection du Québec, is an official document issued by the Quebec government declaring that a candidate has been selected to immigrate to the province. Obtaining a CSQ is a mandatory step before one can apply for permanent residence in Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker.

Why does Quebec prioritize French language skills for immigration?
Quebec prioritizes French language skills to preserve and promote the French language, which is the official language of the province. Strong French proficiency is also considered a key factor for successful social, cultural, and economic integration into Quebec society, enabling newcomers to quickly join the workforce and participate fully in community life.

Talk to us to find out more. ->

The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes.