Quebec Issues 6 Arrima Invitations on January 8, 2026 Outside Core PSTQ Streams

Quebec has officially launched its 2026 Arrima invitation cycle with a targeted draw held on January 8, 2026. In this round, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration issued 6 supplementary invitations for permanent selection under sections 26 and 47 of provincial immigration regulations. These invitations were issued outside the core Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés streams, signalling Quebec’s use of special legal provisions to correct omissions and address exceptional cases rather than running a standard points-based draw.

What Makes This Arrima Draw Different

Unlike mainstream Arrima invitation rounds, the January 8 draw did not target candidates through the four established PSTQ streams. Instead, the ministry relied on special regulatory authority to invite individuals who were eligible but previously missed due to technical issues or administrative gaps.

This approach allows Quebec to maintain control over selection volumes while ensuring fairness for candidates affected by system limitations. It also demonstrates that Arrima is not solely a ranking-based system, but one that can adapt when required by law.

Quebec Arrima Invitations Outside PSTQ Streams Explained

The supplementary invitations issued in this draw fall outside the four standard PSTQ streams:

• Highly qualified and specialized skills
• Intermediate and manual skills
• Regulated professions
• Exceptional talent

By using sections 26 and 47, Quebec can invite candidates without relying on stream-specific criteria or score thresholds. These invitations are typically corrective in nature and do not signal a broader policy shift toward expanded intake.

Arrima Selection Numbers in Context

Since the Arrima system was introduced in 2019, Quebec has issued 58,747 invitations for permanent selection. In 2025 alone, the province invited 2,910 candidates through various PSTQ streams, including 21 supplementary invitations issued under similar exceptional provisions.

The January 2026 draw continues this pattern of controlled, precise selection. Rather than increasing volume, Quebec has focused on aligning invitations with administrative fairness and provincial labour priorities.

Who Remains Excluded from Arrima Invitations?

Despite flexibility in invitation mechanisms, Quebec continues to exclude certain occupations from selection. Candidates who declared occupations requiring Canadian citizenship or permanent residence at the time of application are not invited.

Excluded roles include:

• Commissioned police officers
• Non-commissioned police officers
• Canadian Armed Forces combat and operations members
• Military investigative and command roles

These exclusions reflect regulatory requirements tied to public protection and national security roles.

What This Means for Arrima Candidates in 2026

For candidates in the Arrima pool, the January 8 draw reinforces an important message. While large-scale PSTQ draws may remain limited, Quebec continues to use alternative legal tools to address exceptional cases.

Applicants affected by past technical issues or administrative errors may still receive invitations even when mainstream streams remain quiet. Maintaining accurate profiles and monitoring updates remains essential, as invitations can arrive through non-traditional routes.

What to Expect Next from Quebec Immigration

Early 2026 signals suggest Quebec will continue prioritizing targeted selection over broad expansion. While standard PSTQ invitations may resume later in the year, supplementary draws like this one indicate a system focused on precision rather than volume. For skilled workers considering Quebec, the Arrima system remains active, selective, and adaptable. Candidates who meet provincial needs and remain profile-compliant continue to have viable pathways toward permanent selection.