Quebec’s immigration system offers unique opportunities and challenges.
With its Arrima portal, the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
selects candidates based on expression of interest and periodic draws.
Whether you're considering relocating from a Tier 1 country,
retracing avenues for French-speaking
professionals, or exploring PR pathways, this guide will help you
understand:
- How Arrima works
- The latest draw results and historical trends
- Score implications for applicants
- PR eligibility and processing
- Comparison with federal and provincial immigration programs
- FAQs and practical advice
Let’s explore Quebec’s immigration landscape in-depth.
Understanding Quebec’s Arrima & RSWP System
On June 5, 2025, the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration announced that invitations to apply for permanent selection under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) will commence in July 2025.
Quebec maintains its economic immigration system distinct from Canada’s federal Express Entry. Central to this is the Arrima portal, where prospective immigrants (especially the Regular Skilled Worker Program) create profiles and express interest. After profiling, Quebec conducts draws based on its needs in sectors requiring French-speaking talent and specific occupations.
Key features:
- Not CRS-based—draws use points grids focusing on human capital, French proficiency, education, experience, and adaptation
- No job offer is required, but French language proficiency often boosts chances
- Draws happen regularly, though schedules and point thresholds vary
widely
This autonomy allows Quebec to shape immigration to fit its francophone cultural and economic goals.
Latest Quebec Arrima Draw – September 19, 2024
Though IRCC handles federal draws, Quebec’s latest Arrima draw took place on September 19, 2024.
| Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score | Notes |
| Sep 19, 2024 | 1,650 | 573 | RSWP general draw |
| Sep 5, 2024 | 1,417 | 575 | Included Level 7 French oral proficiency |
| Aug 29, 2024 | 1,550 | 584 | General RSWP draw with French proficiency |
| Aug 8, 2024 | 1,415 | 574 | General draw, high demand for bilingual candidates |
| Aug 1, 2024 | 1,490 | 580 | General RSWP draw |
Those draws reflect Quebec’s ongoing preference for French-speaking skilled workers with scores in the mid-570s.
Note: On June 5, 2025, Quebec announced that invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program will begin in July 2025.
Historical Draw Trends: 2024–2025
Quebec draws have fluctuated based on labor needs and pipeline volumes. Here's a summary:
| Month (Year) | Invitations | Min. Score | Priority/Notes |
| Sep 2024 | 1,650 | 573 | General RSWP draw |
| Sep 5, 2024 | 1,417 | 575 | Draw included Level 7 French speakers |
| Aug 29, 2024 | 1,550 | 584 | General draw |
| Jul 2024 | ~numerous | 579–587 | Regular monthly draws |
| Jun 2024 | 1,528 | 581 | Included French language preference |
| Apr 2024 | 1,415 | 606 | Targeted draw+French |
| Feb 22, 2024 | 1,007 | 608 | Bilingual applicant focus |
| Jan 2024 | 1,007 | 615 | High emphasis on French proficiency |
This data highlights how provincial priorities (especially French language skills) influence minimum points thresholds and the volume of invitations.
What Affects Quebec Draw Scores?
Quebec uses a comprehensive points grid. The main categories include:
- Education (up to 14 points) — More when French education is included
- Work Experience (up to 8 points) — Domestic and foreign combined
- Age (up to 16 points) — Favorable for 18–35 age group
- French Proficiency (up to 22 points) — Crucial for Quebec draws
- English Proficiency (up to 8 points)
- Family and Adaptation (up to 8 points) — Spouse’s credentials, prior visits, or family ties in Quebec
Total maximum: 82 points. While latest draws issued over 1,400 invitations, cut-off scores around 573–615 indicate thorough vetting.
Path to Quebec PR After Arrima Invitation
- Receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
- Apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residency.
- Provide medical, security checks, and meet federal standards.
- Receive a PR card and move to Quebec within the specified deadlines.
This two-step process reflects Quebec’s control over selection (provincial) and IRCC's authority over final PR issuance.
Quebec vs Federal Programs
| Aspect | Quebec RSWP (Arrima) | Federal Express Entry |
| Language Priority | French emphasis paramount | English priority (bilingual valued) |
| Job Offers | Not mandatory; helpful | Useful for CRS boosts |
| Draw Criteria | Points grid via Arrima | CRS based on the EE system |
| Express Entry Pool | No | Required |
| Processing Time | Varies (often longer) | 6–8 months after ITA |
| Ideal For | Francophones, Quebec-focused | Anglophones, flexible on location |
Quebec PR vs Federal PR: Real Comparisons
| Quebec RSWP | Express Entry (FSWP/CEC) | |
| Language Test | TEF/TCF (mandatory) | IELTS/CELPIP (English) |
| Minimum Points for CSQ/ITA | ~570 in draws | CRS ~500–800 |
| Salary Potential | Comparable to national averages | Comparable across provinces |
| Post-PR Flexibility | Mostly Quebec-based | Any Canadian province |
| Cultural Integration | French-centric environment | Diverse, English- or bilingual |
Tips to Improve Your Quebec PR Odds
- Boost French proficiency (CLB 8+ preferred)
- Accumulate relevant education and Quebec work experience
- Optimize age-related points (apply before age 36)
- Include family connections and spouse credentials
- Monitor the official Arrima draw dates regularly
- Pair Quebec strategy with federal pathway via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
What To Expect Next in 2025
- Bi-weekly or monthly Quebec Arrima draws
- Continued focus on French-qualified candidates with scores in the 570–610 range
- Possible introduction of occupation-targeted draws (e.g., in social services, healthcare)
Stay updated via Quebec’s official immigration website and trusted newsletters.
Conclusion:
Navigating Quebec’s immigration requires finesse. It’s not just scores and tests—it’s about embracing a French-Canadian way of life. If you’re passionate about Quebec’s culture, building your French and adapting your profile aligns well with Arrima’s strategy. Make each step — from language prep to experience documentation — thoughtful and intentional.
Building your Canadian dream through Quebec can be rewarding—choose a carefully planned path, prepare diligently, and engage meaningfully with the culture and community.
If you'd like help building your Arrima score, preparing documents, or coaching for the French test, let’s connect and map your personalized roadmap.