PNP
Quebec Immigration – 1007 Candidates Invited in the Latest Arrima Draw
On 22 February 2024, Quebec Immigration held its new Arrima draw, extending invitations to 1,007 candidates. This marks a significant development, as it is the first instance since September last year that Quebec has organized two draws in a single month. Both draws included high points requirements, surpassing the 600-point threshold, and targeted candidates in the employer offer stream outside of Montreal.
New Arrima Draw Highlights – Feb 22, 2024
- Date of the Draw: February 22, 2024
- Number of invitations: 1,007
- Minimum Score range: 608
- Extraction from Arrima Bank: February 19, 2024, at 5:25 a.m.
Invitation Criteria
These invitations were targeted at individuals who met specific criteria:
- Proficiency of level 7 or higher in French, as per the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants, or its equivalent.
- Attainment of a score equal to or greater than 608 points.
Additionally, invitations were also extended to individuals who met:
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- Proficiency of level 7 or higher in French, as per the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants, or its equivalent.
- Possession of a valid job offer outside the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.
Temporary Workforce in Quebec
A recent report by the Institut du Québec sheds light on the remarkable growth of Quebec’s temporary workforce, surging from 43,770 in 2015 to 167,435 in 2023. The report identifies the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) as the primary channels through which temporary immigrants contribute to Quebec’s labor force. Noteworthy job sectors in Quebec employing temporary workers include manufacturing, wholesale, and retail trade, and the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
While these temporary workers play a crucial role in bolstering the province’s workforce, challenges persist in recruiting them for Quebec’s healthcare, construction, and social services sectors. The government’s commitment to balancing immigration numbers aligns with its focus on preserving the French language and Quebecois culture.
Quebec Prioritizes French Language Preservation
Recently, Quebec’s French Language Commissioner, Benoît Dubreuil, decided on a renewed federal-provincial agreement focusing on linguistic considerations for asylum claimants. Dubreuil proposes that only French-speaking claimants should be directed to settle in Quebec, aiming to reduce linguistic integration costs.
Notably, Quebec, led by Premier François Legault, prioritizes the preservation of the French language, viewing immigration from non-French-speaking countries as a potential threat. This initiative aligns with Quebec’s commitment to predominantly francophone immigration by 2026, aiming to safeguard its cultural identity.
Quebec Immigration
Quebec, as a province, holds distinctive immigration programs, processes, and eligibility criteria. With its immigration ministry established in 1968, Quebec actively participates in Canada’s immigration system, offering various pathways for immigrants to settle. These pathways include the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs, and Quebec Business Immigration Programs.
While acknowledging the contribution of temporary immigrants, the government remains steadfast in its vision to ensure the dominance of the French language in the province. Quebec maintains a delicate balance between welcoming skilled individuals through programs like Arrima draws and managing the surge in temporary workers. Individuals who aspire to settle in the province should stay informed about evolving Quebec immigration trends and opportunities.
