What is Arrima?

Arrima is a free electronic system used to manage skilled worker applications in Quebec. It operates in a similar manner to the federal Express Entry system. Applicants for immigration to Quebec can create and submit profiles for consideration under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP or RSWP). Eligible applicants are assigned a score and ranked against others in the Arrima pool of candidates. This way of selecting immigration candidates is known as an Expression of Interest (EOI) system or, in French, “système de déclaration d’intéret (DI).”

In Quebec, the new EOI system, of which Arrima is the hub, went into effect in August 2018 following the coming into force of the Québec Immigration Act.

The purpose of the Arrima platform is to speed up the processing of immigration applications and to better match potential immigration candidates with the needs of the labour market. Prior to the introduction of Arrima, Quebec used a paper-based application system to select immigration candidates, which resulted in long processing times and did not allow to effectively match those interested in immigrating to the province with the most immediate labour market needs.

Today, Arrima is primarily used by the Quebec government as a platform to manage EOI submissions under the QSWP. The Arrima platform is also progressively being expanded to include application services related to other economic immigration programs, such as, for instance, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for temporary workers and international students.

Can I use Arrima for Quebec immigration?

Many immigration procedures can be completed through Arrima. It all depends on the program you are applying for and the stage you are at in your immigration process.

Here are the main ways that Arrima can be used by Quebec immigration candidates:

• Create, submit, complete and update their expression of interest (EOI) for the QSWP;
• Access a self-assessment tool to estimate the score they could obtain by submitting an Expression of Interest and assess their chances of receiving an invitation to submit an Application for Permanent Selection;
• Apply for permanent selection, as well as submit documents and pay the required fees to immigrate to Quebec under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ);
• Create an Arrima profile to apply for permanent selection, submit documents and pay the required fees under one of Quebec’s permanent immigration pilot programs;
• Apply for temporary selection for studies, create an Arrima profile to submit supporting documents as a foreign student;
• Obtain information and submit forms related to:
  • Financial aid for part-time French courses;
  • “Accompagnement Québec” programs;
  • “Accompagnement Québec” programs;

Arrima can also be used by employers and businesses to:

• Obtain personalized support from the immigration ministry;
• Get in touch with foreign workers who match their labour needs and offer them a job in Quebec with the Employer Portal.

How can I apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program in Arrima?

Interested candidates submit an online profile via Arrima, in order to be assessed for immigration through Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), based on a scoring system. The score is calculated by taking into account several specific factors, such as education, work experience, language skills, ties to the province, validated job offers in the province, among others. Eligible candidates are entered into the pool of candidates and then have a chance to be invited to apply for permanent selection.

Approximately once a month, the Government of Quebec selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Arrima pool and invites them to submit a full application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is the first step towards applying for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Here is a summary of the steps you will need to go through to be considered for immigration to Quebec:

1. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) in the Arrima pool of candidates;
2. Once you submit an EOI, you will receive a score based on predetermined criteria. A self-assessment tool (in French only) is available on the government page to estimate the score you might obtain when you submit an expression of interest.
3. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) will send out invitations to the highest scoring candidates in the Arrima pool and invite them to submit a full application for permanent selection;
4. Invited candidates have 60 days to complete the application and submit it to the MIFI;
5. The MIFI will review your complete application;
6. A decision on the application will be made and, if successful, you will receive a CSQ within a period of 6 months.
7. Once you receive a CSQ then you may apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.

An expression of interest remains valid for a year and you will be able to update your profile during the entire validity period. For example, you may increase your chances of being invited by completing a language test or having a validated job offer in the province.