Quebec Arrima Draw Invites 1,870 Candidates Across All Streams

Quebec’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive: A Comprehensive Overview of the December 2025 Arrima Draw

On December 4, 2025, Quebec conducted its largest Arrima draw of the year, extending invitations to 1,870 candidates. This significant move demonstrates the province’s strategic efforts to address local labor shortages by targeting a wide spectrum of skills through its immigration streams.

Breakdown of the Invitation Streams

The draw categorized candidates into four distinct streams:

1. Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills

   • 605 candidates were selected based on their advanced French language skills (oral level 7+) and strong academic credentials. Many had scores of 781 or above.

2. Stream 2: Intermediate and Manual Skills

   • 604 candidates needed Quebec work experience and a minimum French oral level of 5+. Score thresholds ranged from 573 to 612.

3. Stream 3: Regulated Professions

   • 649 professionals, including health workers, engineers, and teachers, were selected. These candidates had to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate strong French language proficiency, with many scoring in the 700s.
4. Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
   • 12 candidates were chosen for their outstanding achievements and a minimum of 36 months of relevant experience.

The Strategic Importance of This Draw

This draw is a clear indication of Quebec’s commitment to recruiting talent across various skill levels. For candidates, meeting the language and occupation criteria is crucial. Employers, on the other hand, can take advantage of the influx of skilled candidates ready to fill significant gaps in the workforce.

Key Takeaways for Applicants and Employers

• Candidates with Quebec diplomas, work experience, or regulatory evaluations had an advantage.
• Strong oral French skills were critical in most streams.
• Regulated professions had dedicated slots but required completion of licensing processes.
• Employers should engage potential hires early to ensure they meet credential and language requirements.

Preparation for Future Selections

Applicants should focus on:

• Maintaining valid French test results.
• Completing necessary regulatory evaluations.
• Keeping Arrima profiles updated with accurate information.
• Exploring regional residency options outside Montreal.

Employers should collaborate with immigration experts and provincial services to streamline recruitment and support candidates in meeting Quebec’s documentation standards.

In summary, the December 2025 Arrima draw underscores Quebec’s proactive approach to attracting diverse talent, offering a promising pathway for skilled immigrants and a solution for employers facing labor shortages. Candidates are encouraged to strengthen their French language skills, validate their credentials, and leverage Quebec experience to enhance their selection prospects.