What is Quebec Arrima?
Quebec Arrima is a free, user-friendly online platform designed to streamline immigration services for foreign nationals seeking to relocate to Quebec. This article will provide an overview of the various immigration procedures available through this innovative platform.
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Understanding Arrima and its Purpose
The Arrima platform is an electronic system that manages skilled worker applications for Quebec immigration, similar to Canada’s federal Express Entry system. Aspiring immigrants can create and submit profiles under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP or RSWP).
Eligible applicants receive a score, and they are ranked against others in the Arrima candidate pool, using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, or “système de déclaration d’intéret (DI)” in French.
Quebec’s EOI system, with Arrima as its hub, was implemented in August 2018 following the enforcement of the Québec Immigration Act. The primary goal of the Arrima platform is to expedite immigration application processing and better align potential candidates with the province’s labor market needs.
Before Arrima’s introduction, Quebec relied on a paper-based application system, which resulted in longer processing times and inefficient matching of immigrants to the province’s immediate labor market demands.
Currently, the Quebec government uses Arrima predominantly to manage EOI submissions under the QSWP. However, the platform is continuously being expanded to encompass application services related to other economic immigration programs, such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for temporary workers and international students.
How Can Arrima Assist Your Quebec Immigration Journey?
The Arrima platform streamlines many immigration procedures, depending on your chosen program and your progress in the immigration process. Discover the numerous ways Quebec immigration candidates can utilize Arrima to their advantage:
- Manage your Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP):
Create, submit, complete, and update your EOI using the platform. - Assess your chances of success:
Access a self-assessment tool to estimate your potential score upon submitting an EOI and evaluate your likelihood of receiving an invitation for a Permanent Selection Application. - Apply for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ):
Submit your application for permanent selection, and the required documents, and pay the necessary fees through Arrima. - Leverage Quebec’s permanent immigration pilot programs:
Create an Arrima profile to apply for permanent selection, submit documents, and pay the required fees. - Navigate temporary selection for studies:
Use Arrima to create a profile, submit supporting documents as a foreign student, and apply for temporary selection. - Access valuable resources:
Obtain information and submit forms related to financial aid for part-time French courses, “Accompagnement Québec” programs, and the Program for Refugees Abroad (collective sponsorship).
Arrima also offers benefits for employers and businesses:
- Receive personalized support: Obtain tailored assistance from the immigration ministry through this platform.
- Connect with foreign workers: Use the Employer Portal to find foreign workers that match your labor needs and extend job offers in Quebec.
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How to Apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) in Arrima?
Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) uses the Arrima platform to assess and score interested candidates’ online profiles.
Factors determining the score include education, work experience, language skills, connections to the province, and a validated job offer within the province. Eligible candidates join the candidate pool and may be invited to apply for permanent selection.
The Government of Quebec typically selects the highest-scoring candidates in the Arrima pool once a month, inviting them to submit a full application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) – the first step towards a permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Follow these steps to be considered for Quebec immigration:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Arrima candidate pool.
- Receive a score based on predetermined criteria after submitting an EOI. Use the self-assessment tool (available in French) on the government page to estimate your potential score.
- Await an invitation from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) to submit a full application for permanent selection if you are among the highest-scoring candidates in the pool.
- Complete and submit the application to MIFI within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
- MIFI reviews your application.
- Upon reviewing your application, a decision will be made, and if approved, you can expect to receive a CSQ within a 6-month timeframe.
- After obtaining a CSQ, you can proceed to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the federal government.
EOIs remain valid for one year, during which you can update your profile. Improve your chances of receiving an invitation by taking a language test or securing a validated job offer in the province. This is helpful for those looking to immigrate to Canada.
Understand the Scoring Criteria for the Arrima Portal
Anyone aged 18 or older can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by creating an online profile via the Arrima portal. The EOI profile is evaluated using a scoring system that totals 1,320 points, taking into account human capital and labor market need criteria.
Human Capital Criteria (up to 580 points)
| Criteria | Principal Applicant (Max Points) | Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Max Points) |
| Knowledge of French | 180 | 40 |
| Knowledge of French and English | 80 | – |
| Age | 130 | 110 |
| Professional Experience | 100 | – |
| Education Level | 90 (with accompanying spouse) | 70 (principal applicant) / 10 (spouse) |
Quebec Labour Market Needs Scoring System (up to 740 points)
For the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the scoring system evaluates candidates based on their ability to meet Quebec’s labor market needs. The table below illustrates the maximum points allocated for each criterion for both the principal applicant and their spouse or common-law partner accompanying them.
Quebec Labour Market Needs Criteria
| Criteria | Principal Applicant (Max Points) | Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Max Points) |
| Workforce Diagnosis & Experience in Profession (if any) | 100 | – |
| Field of Training | 60 | – |
| Quebec Diploma | 50 | 10 |
| Professional Experience in Quebec | 100 | – |
| Professional Experience in Rest of Canada | 30 | – |
| Validated Job Offer (Location-dependent) | 380 (Outside Greater Montreal) | – |
| 180 (In Greater Montreal) | – |
This scoring system highlights the importance of understanding Quebec’s labor market needs and showcases the various factors that contribute to a candidate’s overall score. By achieving higher scores in these categories, applicants can enhance their chances of being selected for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
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A Comprehensive Overview of Recent Invitation Rounds for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Stay updated with the latest invitation rounds conducted through the Arrima portal for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. This table provides a summary of the recent rounds, including the date, the number of invitations issued, and the specific criteria candidates had to meet.
Complete Summary of Arrima Portal Invitation Rounds for Quebec Skilled Worker Program
| Date | Invitations Issued | Selection Criteria |
| Aug 11, 2022 | 58 | Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Jul 7, 2022 | 352 | Targeted occupation & minimum Arrima score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| May 5, 2022 | 30 | Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Apr 7, 2022 | 33 | Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Mar 10, 2022 | 506 | Listed occupation & 577+ score |
| Feb 24, 2022 | 306 | 630+ Arrima score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Feb 10, 2022 | 523 | Listed occupation & 592+ score |
| Jan 27, 2022 | 322 | 647+ score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Jan 13, 2022 | 512 | Listed occupation & 602+ score |
| Dec 9, 2021 | 326 | Listed occupation & 633+ score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Nov 11, 2021 | 32 | Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Oct 21, 2021 | 23 | Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area Reside in Quebec as eligible representative |
| Sep 30, 2021 | 536 | Listed occupation & 562+ score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Sep 2, 2021 | 517 | Listed occupation & 499+ Arrima score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Aug 26, 2021 | 585 | Listed occupation & 517+ Arrima score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area |
| Aug 19, 2021 | 502 | Listed occupation & 548+ Arrima score |
| Aug 12, 2021 | 515 | Listed occupation & 591+ Arrima score Valid job offer outside Montreal Metropolitan Area Reside in Quebec as eligible representative Self-employed |
| Jun 17, 2021 | 69 | Validated job offer |
| May 27, 2021 | 90 | Validated job offer Reside in Quebec as eligible representative |
| Apr 29, 2021 | 83 | Validated job offer Reside in Quebec as eligible representative |
| Mar 30, 2021 | 208 | Validated job offer Reside in Quebec as eligible representative |
| Jan 26, 2021 | 95 | Validated job offer Reside in Quebec as eligible representative |
| Dec 16, 2020 | 233 | Validated job offer Reside in Quebec as eligible representative |
| Sep 24, 2020 | 365 | Validated job offer Reside in Quebec as eligible representative Contribute to Quebec’s prosperity |
| Jun 18, 2020 | 7 | Cap exception or residing in Quebec on June 16, 2019 Filed expression of interest |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deal with Arrima?
Arrima is your gateway to Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)! Launched in 2018, it’s an online hub that helps you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) for immigration to Quebec. Plus, you can use it to submit documents for other exciting immigration programs like:
- Québec Experience Program (PEQ)
- Permanent immigration pilot programs
- International Student Program
Is Arrima open for business?
Absolutely! Arrima is ready to welcome your application. Just grab your personal computer or tablet (sorry, mobile phones won’t work) and dive right in!
How can I join the Arrima family?
Creating your Arrima profile is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Pop in your email address, choose a password, and confirm your registration.
- Agree to the terms of use and fill in your identity and contact details.
- Voilà! You’ll receive a confirmation that your account is up and running.
How long will my EOI stay fresh in Arrima?
Your EOI has a shelf life of one year, so make it count!
Can I Cancel my EOI in Arrima?
Definitely! You can withdraw or cancel your EOI anytime. And remember, you can always create a new profile and submit a fresh EOI later.
Do I need to pay to use Arrima?
No, It is completely free to use. How awesome is that?
When can I expect an invitation from Quebec through Arrima?
Invitations can arrive anytime, so it’s crucial to submit your profile ASAP and keep it updated.
Provincial labor needs and immigration targets set by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration may impact invitation frequency. Stay tuned with +1 News for the latest updates.
How can I boost my chances of getting an invite through Arrima?
To improve your odds, focus on maximizing your points based on your social and professional traits in the EOI pool. Here are some pro tips:
- Secure a validated job offer from a Quebec employer (bonus points for jobs outside Montreal!)
- Work in a profession with a worker shortage in Quebec
- Polish your French language skills.
