On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of Quebec’s July 2025 Arrima draw
- Stream 1: Highly qualified and specialized skills invitation criteria
- Stream 4: Exceptional talent invitation requirements
- Number of invitations issued and cut-off score
- How the PSTQ program selects candidates through Arrima
Quebec Targets Highly Skilled and Exceptional Talent in July 2025 Immigration Draw
Quebec has issued 238 invitations to candidates in its first draw under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) through the Arrima expression of interest system. The latest draw, held on July 17, 2025, focused on two streams: Stream 1 for highly qualified and specialized skills and Stream 4 for exceptional talent.
This draw reflects Quebec’s strategy to attract skilled workers who demonstrate strong French proficiency, advanced education, and valuable work experience in key sectors of the province’s labour market.
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
Under Stream 1, 216 invitations were issued to candidates who met the following criteria:
Minimum General Requirements:
- Main occupation classified under FEER 0, 1, or 2
- Not intending to practise a regulated profession listed by the Minister
- At least 12 months of work experience in the main occupation in the past five years
- French language proficiency of:
- Level 7 or higher in oral competencies
- Level 5 or higher in written competencies (as per the Échelle québécoise)
- Accompanying spouses (if applicable) required French oral proficiency of level 4 or higher
Specific Invitation Criteria for July 17 Draw:
- Candidates were living in Quebec
- Held a Quebec-issued diploma (university, college, or secondary vocational)
- Vocational/college programs must be at least 900 hours
- University programs must be at least 30 credits
- Held a minimum Arrima score of 768 or higher
The extraction from the Arrima expression of interest bank took place on July 14, 2025, at 12:57.
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
In this stream, Quebec invited 22 individuals who demonstrated outstanding professional achievements or recognition in a targeted field.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must hold one or more of the following:
- A positive opinion from a recognised Quebec ministry partner in a targeted sector
- A document proving an exceptional achievement listed by the Ministry of Immigration
- Must have at least 36 months of work experience in the main occupation over the last five years
Additional Criteria for July 17 Draw:
- Candidates who submitted an exceptional achievement document were also required to hold a post-graduate diploma (PhD)
Quebec Expression of Interest Draw
| Stream | Number of Invitations | Cut-off Score | Minimum Requirements | Additional Draw-Specific Criteria |
| Stream 1 – Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills | 216 | 768 | – Occupation in FEER 0, 1, or 2 – Not in a regulated profession – 12 months of work experience in past 5 years – French level 7 (oral), level 5 (written) – Spouse: French level 4 (oral) | – Living in Quebec – Quebec diploma (university: ≥30 credits, college or vocational: ≥900 hours) – Score-based selection |
| Stream 4 – Exceptional Talent | 22 | N/A | – Positive opinion from ministry partner or proof of exceptional achievement – 36 months of work experience in past 5 years | – If applying via exceptional achievement: must hold a PhD |
This stream allows Quebec to identify and retain individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields and who can add unique value to the province’s economic, academic, or cultural life.
Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Through Arrima
The Arrima system is Quebec’s online platform for managing immigration applications under the PSTQ. It uses a points-based system to assess candidates based on factors such as education, work experience, language skills, and connection to Quebec.
Each invitation round targets candidates who meet specific stream criteria and scoring thresholds. Those invited may submit an official application for permanent selection (Certificat de sélection du Québec – CSQ).
Quebec’s Immigration System
This latest Arrima draw underlines Quebec’s dual focus on attracting top-tier skilled workers and exceptional individuals with advanced credentials and proven achievements. With 238 candidates invited across two strategic streams, Quebec continues to shape its immigration system to support economic growth and cultural vitality, while upholding the province’s French language and integration values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many candidates were invited in Quebec’s July 2025 Arrima draw?
Quebec invited a total of 238 candidates in two streams: 216 under Stream 1 for highly qualified and specialized skills, and 22 under Stream 4 for exceptional talent.
What was the minimum score required under Stream 1?
Candidates under Stream 1 needed a minimum score of 768 points, along with meeting education, residency, and language requirements to be considered.
What qualifications were required for Stream 4 candidates?
Stream 4 candidates had to show either recognition by a Quebec partner or proof of an exceptional achievement. Those using the exceptional achievement route also needed a PhD.
Do Stream 1 candidates need to be living in Quebec?
Yes. In this draw, candidates invited under Stream 1 were required to be living in Quebec and hold a valid Quebec diploma.
What is the Arrima system?
Arrima is Quebec’s online platform for managing skilled worker immigration. It allows candidates to submit an expression of interest and be considered for selection under the PSTQ based on eligibility criteria and points.
