Quebec Immigration: What is Arrima?

Last updated: 11 September 2024
What is quebec arrima

Arrima is an online platform used by the Quebec government to deliver a wide range of services to foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Quebec. 

The use of Arrima is completely free and open to everyone. This page will give you an overview of the various immigration-related procedures that can be carried out via this platform.

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Table of Contents

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;
    • The Program for Refugees Abroad (collective sponsorship).

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 offer 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 you 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. 

What is the scoring system used for the Quebec skilled Worker Program in Arrima?

Anyone who meets the age requirement of 18 years may submit an expression of interest by completing an online profile via the Arrima portal. An expression of interest profile is assessed according to a scoring system totaling 1,320 points and is based on the following human capital and labour market needs criteria: 

Human Capital (maximum of 580 points)

Criteria

Maximum points - Principal Applicant

Maximum points - Spouse or common-law partner
accompanying the principal applicant

Knowledge of French
180

40

Knowledge of French and English
80

--

Age
130

110

Length of professional experience
100

--

Level of education
90

70 (principal applicant with accompanying spouse)

10 (spouse or common-law partner of principal applicant)


Quebec Labour Market Needs (maximum of 740 points)

Criteria

Maximum points - Principal Applicant

Maximum points - Spouse or common-law partner
accompanying the principal applicant

Workforce diagnosis combined, if applicable, with the length of experience in the profession practiced;

100

--

Field of training
60

--

Québec diploma
50

10

Length of professional experience in Québec
100

--

Length of professional experience in the rest of Canada
30

--

Validated job offer combined, if applicable, instead of the job depending on whether it is located inside or outside the territory of Greater Montréal
380 (Outside of Greater Montreal Area

180 (In Greater Montreal Area)

--

Summary of recent invitation rounds via the Arrima portal

When invited, applicants receive a message in Arrima with the information they need to access the form and submit a permanent selection application.

The following is a summary of the latest round of invitations conducted using the Arrima pool of candidates and the corresponding selection criteria.

Date of invitation 
Number of invitations issued
Candidates had to meet the following criteria
August 11, 2022
58
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.

July 7, 2022

352
  • Work in a targeted occupation and have the minimum required score in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
May 5, 2022
30
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
April 7, 2022
33
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
March 10, 2022
506
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 20 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 577 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
February 24, 2022
306
  • Have a score of at least 630 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
February 10, 2022
523
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 21 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 592 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
January 27, 2022
322
  • Have a score of at least 647 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
January 13, 2022
512
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 21 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 602 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
December 9, 2021
326
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 29 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 633 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
November 11, 2021
32
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area;
October 21, 2021
23
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area;
  • Reside in Quebec as a diplomat, consular official, United Nations representative or representative of any intergovernmental organization operating in the province, and their staff.
September 30, 2021
536
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 6 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 562 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
September 2, 2021
517
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 17 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 499 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
August 26, 2021
585
  • Work in an occupation on the list of 17 targeted occupations and have a score of at least 517 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area.
August 19, 2021
502
  • Work in an occupation on the list of targeted occupations and have a score of at least 548 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank.
August 12, 2021
515
  • Work in an occupation on the list of targeted occupations and have a score of at least 591 points in the Arrima expression of interest bank;
  • Have a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Area;
  • Reside in Quebec as a diplomat, consular official, United Nations representative or representative of any intergovernmental organization operating in the province, and their staff ;
  • Work as a self-employed person.
June 17, 2021
69
  • Have a validated job offer
May 27, 2021
90
  • Have a validated job offer
  • Reside in Québec as diplomatic agents, consular officers or other types of eligible foreign representatives.
April 29, 2021
83
  • Have a validated job offer
  • Reside in Québec as diplomatic agents, consular officers or other types of eligible foreign representatives.
March 30, 2021
208
  • Have a validated job offer
  • Reside in Québec as diplomatic agents, consular officers or other types of eligible foreign representatives.
January 26, 2021
95
  • Have a validated job offer
  • Reside in Québec as diplomatic agents, consular officers or other types of eligible foreign representatives.
December 16, 2020
233
  • Have a validated job offer
  • Reside in Québec as diplomatic agents, consular officers or other types of eligible foreign representatives.
September 24, 2020
365
  • Have a validated job offer
  • Reside in Québec as diplomatic agents, consular officers or other types of eligible foreign representatives.
  • Be among those who are invited by the Minister on the basis of their ability to contribute to Québec's prosperity by staying or settling there.
June 18, 2020

7

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 
January 16, 2020

23

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 
December 17, 2019

220

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 
December 12, 2019

85

  • Candidates had a valid offer of employment; OR
  • They were staying in Quebec carrying out official duties as diplomats, consular officers, or representatives of intergovernmental organizations, among others.
October 29, 2019

73

  • Candidates had a valid offer of employment; OR
  • They were staying in Quebec carrying out official duties as diplomats, consular officers, or representatives of intergovernmental organizations, among others.
October 23, 2019

89

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 
September 25, 2019

169

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 
September 4, 2019

32

  • Candidates had a valid offer of employment; OR
  • They were staying in Quebec carrying out official duties as diplomats, consular officers, or representatives of intergovernmental organizations, among others.
August 19, 2019

444

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 
July 17, 2019

259

  • Candidates had a valid offer of employment; OR
  • They were staying in Quebec carrying out official duties as diplomats, consular officers, or representatives of intergovernmental organizations, among others.
July 4, 2019

691

  • Candidates were either except from the cap that had been in place when they first applied to the Regular Skilled Worker Program or they were residing in Quebec on a study or work permit on June 16, 2019, when roughly 16,000 Regular Skilled Worker Program applications were cancelled; AND
  • They filed an expression of interest with the Minister before December 17, 2019. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Arrima's is an online portal launched in 2018 to manage applications to Quebec's Regular Skilled Worker program (QSWP). Arrima primarily serves as a hub for Quebec's Expression of Interest (EOI) system, allowing interested applicants to submit an EOI to be considered for immigration. In addition, Arrima can be used to submit documents for many of Quebec's immigration programs, among them:

Yes. The Arrima portal is currently open for applications. To submit an application you will need a personal computer or tablet to access Arrima. The application does not support mobile phone navigation.

Creating an Arrima profile involves several steps:

1) Enter your email address, choose a password and confirm your registration in the system.

2) Approve the terms of use of the Arrima account, fill in the identity and contact information.

3) Receive confirmation that the account has been created.

Once submitted, your expression of interest will be valid for one year.

Yes, you can withdraw or cancel your EOI at any time in Arrima. You can also always recreate a profile and submit a new EOI at any time.

No. The use of Arrima is free.

Invitations can be sent at any time, so it is important to submit a profile in Arrima as soon as possible and to keep it up to date.

Provincial labour needs and immigration targets set by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration may affect the frequency of invitation rounds. For the most recent information on invitations issued by Arrima, see the section dedicated to it on this page.

Candidates who will have the best chances to be invited are those who accumulate the most points based on their social-professional characteristics when they enter in the EOI pool. Having a validated job offer from a Quebec employer, especially outside of the Montreal metropolitan area, working in a profession where there is a shortage or even a slight shortage of workers in Quebec, or having a good knowledge of French will give you an advantage.

Contact us for Assistance

Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law features over 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals who are dedicated to helping you immigrate to Canada.

CanadaVisa.com was founded as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. Since its launch in 1994, CanadaVisa has grown into one of the globe's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. If you want to immigrate to Canada through Quebec's skilled workers programs or another skilled worker pathway, the first step is to complete a free CanadaVisa assessment form. If you are eligible for Quebec or Canadian immigration, a member of the Cohen Immigration Law team will reach out to provide you with as much assistance as possible.

Complete our FREE assessment to find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Quebec