Quebec Immigration: Submit an Expression of Interest
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for permanent selection under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program must first submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal.
The EOI provides details of your socio-economic profile and qualifications, which are used to assess and rank you against other candidates entering the pool. If you are among the top-ranked candidates, you may be invited to apply for permanent selection by the Quebec government.
Table of Contents
- What is the Quebec EOI System?
- What are the Requirements for a Quebec EOI?
- What Information do I Need to Provide When Submitting an EOI?
- How do I Register a Quebec EOI?
- What Happens Once an EOI is Submitted?
- How Long Does it Take to get PR Through the EOI System in Quebec?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for Assistance
What is the Quebec EOI System?
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system was put in place by the government in 2018 to manage applications for permanent selection in Quebec.
The introduction of Quebec's EOI system is part of a modernization effort, similar to that of the Express Entry system, which was also introduced with the same goal in 2015. Like Canada with the Express Entry system, Quebec has implemented an online portal called Arrima with the goal of streamlining the immigrant selection process and significantly speeding up the processing of immigration applications and better aligning immigration with labour market needs.
The use of the EOI system allows the government of Quebec to build a pool of foreign nationals who wish to immigrate permanently to the province under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
Foreign national who wish to apply for permanent selection under the QSWP must initiate this process by creating a profile through the Arrima portal and filling out an EOI. The EOI provides information on the socio-economic profile of the individual submitting it. Typically, eligible applicants answer a series of questions online and then submit their profile to the EOI pool. Once a candidate's profile is submitted, he or she is assigned a score based on several factors related to human capital and labor market needs.
Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) administers Arrima and conducts regular rounds of invitations to select candidates from the pool based on their ranking score, target occupations or location of employment, among other factors. The frequency and the number of invitations issued to candidates are determined based on Quebec's labour market needs, annual immigration targets as well as the processing capacity of the MIFI.
EOIs are completed online, are free of charge, and no supporting documentation is required at this stage. There is also no limit to the number of interested individuals who can submit an EOI into the Arrima pool and there is no deadline for submission.
EOIs are valid for one year from the date of submission and can be updated at any time, even once submitted.
What Are the Requirements for a Quebec EOI?
Any foreign national 18 years of age or older who intends to live and work in Quebec can submit an EOI to the province using the Arrima portal.
Candidates are scored using a point system divided into two categories of criteria, with points also being awarded for some of these criteria to the spouse or common-law partner of the principal applicant.
The following is a summary of the criteria taken into account and the maximum number of points that can be obtained for each of them.
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) | -- |
Candidates and their spouses or common-law partners can accumulate up to 1,320 points based on human capital and Quebec labour market factors.
What Information Do I Need to Provide When Submitting an EOI?
When you file your EOI, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Information about yourself ;
- Contact information
- Family status ;
- Quebec status;
- Education ;
- Work experience ;
- Information regarding a job offer validated by the MIFI;
- French and English language skills;
- Information about accompanying spouse and children, whether accompanying you or not.
How do I Register an EOI to Immigrate to Quebec?
The first step for foreign nationals interested in immigrating to Quebec under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is to submit an online expression of interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal.
The process of applying for immigration under the QSWP consists of five key steps:
- Foreign nationals submit an Expression of Interest profile through the Arrima Portal and enter into the Arrima pool of candidates.
- Quebec's Immigration Ministry (MIFI) will issue invitations to apply to highest ranking candidates. Invitations may reflect labour market needs in various regions of Quebec, among other criteria.
- Invited candidates may submit a complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ) under the QSWP.
- Complete applications are reviewed and approved candidates are issued a CSQ.
- Once a CSQ is issued, candidates may apply for Canadian permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Happens Once an EOI is submitted?
Once submitted the EOI remains valid for a year and candidates are able to update their profile during the entire validity period. For example, candidates can increase their chances of being invited by completing a language test.
The highest scoring candidates or those who meet specific criteria such as having a job outside of major metropolitan areas in a targeted occupation will be invited to apply for a CSQ under the QSWP. QSWP and EOI scores can be estimated using the CanadaVisa Skilled Worker Points Calculator or by using the self-assessment tool offered by the government of Quebec.
The Government of Quebec regularly issues invitations and you can access the most recent updates on our Arrima portal page.
If invited to apply for the QSWP, candidates will have 60 days to submit a complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
RSWP applications continue to be processed using the Mon Projet Québec application management system. Once the Ministry assesses the application, a complete list of required documents will be available to the candidate.
The application review process begins once all documents are provided by the applicant. Some applicants may be invited to attend an interview to verify the information provided in the application.
How long does it take to get PR through the EOI system in Quebec?
The Quebec government aims to process complete applications within 6 months. The processing time begins when MIFI receives:
- your application for permanent selection ;
- your supporting documents;
- the payment of your application processing fee.
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for permanent selection under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program must first submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal.
The EOI provides details of your socio-economic profile and qualifications, which are used to assess and rank you against other candidates entering the pool. If you are among the top-ranked candidates, you may be invited to apply for permanent selection by the Quebec government.
Table of Contents
- What is the Quebec EOI System?
- What are the Requirements for a Quebec EOI?
- What Information do I Need to Provide When Submitting an EOI?
- How do I Register a Quebec EOI?
- What Happens Once an EOI is Submitted?
- How Long Does it Take to get PR Through the EOI System in Quebec?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for Assistance
What is the Quebec EOI System?
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system was put in place by the government in 2018 to manage applications for permanent selection in Quebec.
The introduction of Quebec's EOI system is part of a modernization effort, similar to that of the Express Entry system, which was also introduced with the same goal in 2015. Like Canada with the Express Entry system, Quebec has implemented an online portal called Arrima with the goal of streamlining the immigrant selection process and significantly speeding up the processing of immigration applications and better aligning immigration with labour market needs.
The use of the EOI system allows the government of Quebec to build a pool of foreign nationals who wish to immigrate permanently to the province under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
Foreign national who wish to apply for permanent selection under the QSWP must initiate this process by creating a profile through the Arrima portal and filling out an EOI. The EOI provides information on the socio-economic profile of the individual submitting it. Typically, eligible applicants answer a series of questions online and then submit their profile to the EOI pool. Once a candidate's profile is submitted, he or she is assigned a score based on several factors related to human capital and labor market needs.
Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) administers Arrima and conducts regular rounds of invitations to select candidates from the pool based on their ranking score, target occupations or location of employment, among other factors. The frequency and the number of invitations issued to candidates are determined based on Quebec's labour market needs, annual immigration targets as well as the processing capacity of the MIFI.
EOIs are completed online, are free of charge, and no supporting documentation is required at this stage. There is also no limit to the number of interested individuals who can submit an EOI into the Arrima pool and there is no deadline for submission.
EOIs are valid for one year from the date of submission and can be updated at any time, even once submitted.
What Are the Requirements for a Quebec EOI?
Any foreign national 18 years of age or older who intends to live and work in Quebec can submit an EOI to the province using the Arrima portal.
Candidates are scored using a point system divided into two categories of criteria, with points also being awarded for some of these criteria to the spouse or common-law partner of the principal applicant.
The following is a summary of the criteria taken into account and the maximum number of points that can be obtained for each of them.
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) | -- |
Candidates and their spouses or common-law partners can accumulate up to 1,320 points based on human capital and Quebec labour market factors.
What Information Do I Need to Provide When Submitting an EOI?
When you file your EOI, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Information about yourself ;
- Contact information
- Family status ;
- Quebec status;
- Education ;
- Work experience ;
- Information regarding a job offer validated by the MIFI;
- French and English language skills;
- Information about accompanying spouse and children, whether accompanying you or not.
How do I Register an EOI to Immigrate to Quebec?
The first step for foreign nationals interested in immigrating to Quebec under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is to submit an online expression of interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal.
The process of applying for immigration under the QSWP consists of five key steps:
- Foreign nationals submit an Expression of Interest profile through the Arrima Portal and enter into the Arrima pool of candidates.
- Quebec's Immigration Ministry (MIFI) will issue invitations to apply to highest ranking candidates. Invitations may reflect labour market needs in various regions of Quebec, among other criteria.
- Invited candidates may submit a complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ) under the QSWP.
- Complete applications are reviewed and approved candidates are issued a CSQ.
- Once a CSQ is issued, candidates may apply for Canadian permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Happens Once an EOI is submitted?
Once submitted the EOI remains valid for a year and candidates are able to update their profile during the entire validity period. For example, candidates can increase their chances of being invited by completing a language test.
The highest scoring candidates or those who meet specific criteria such as having a job outside of major metropolitan areas in a targeted occupation will be invited to apply for a CSQ under the QSWP. QSWP and EOI scores can be estimated using the CanadaVisa Skilled Worker Points Calculator or by using the self-assessment tool offered by the government of Quebec.
The Government of Quebec regularly issues invitations and you can access the most recent updates on our Arrima portal page.
If invited to apply for the QSWP, candidates will have 60 days to submit a complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
RSWP applications continue to be processed using the Mon Projet Québec application management system. Once the Ministry assesses the application, a complete list of required documents will be available to the candidate.
The application review process begins once all documents are provided by the applicant. Some applicants may be invited to attend an interview to verify the information provided in the application.
How long does it take to get PR through the EOI system in Quebec?
The Quebec government aims to process complete applications within 6 months. The processing time begins when MIFI receives:
- your application for permanent selection ;
- your supporting documents;
- the payment of your application processing fee.
No. An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not an application, but an indication of your interest to be considered for permanent selection in Quebec. Although this is the initial step towards immigration to Quebec, it remains a very important one and it is essential that the information provided in the EOI is valid and verifiable to ensure your ability to be invited to apply.
No. An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not an application, but an indication of your interest to be considered for permanent selection in Quebec. Although this is the initial step towards immigration to Quebec, it remains a very important one and it is essential that the information provided in the EOI is valid and verifiable to ensure your ability to be invited to apply.
Your Expression of Interest (EOI) is valid for one year from the date of submission.
If you do not get invited to submit an application for permanent selection within this time period, your EOI will expire. You will not be able to extend or renew your EOI, but may submit a new one, at no cost, if you choose to do so.
Your Expression of Interest (EOI) is valid for one year from the date of submission.
If you do not get invited to submit an application for permanent selection within this time period, your EOI will expire. You will not be able to extend or renew your EOI, but may submit a new one, at no cost, if you choose to do so.
When you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you automatically receive a score based on a number of criteria that correspond to the economic and social objectives set by the Province of Quebec.
The point system is used to evaluate and score your profile, and to rank you in the pool of expressions of interest. You will be evaluated on factors such as:
- your language skills;
- your education;
- your work experience;
- your adaptability and other factors.
The highest-scoring applicants will be invited, through regular draws (or rounds of invitations), to submit a full application for permanent selection.
When you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you automatically receive a score based on a number of criteria that correspond to the economic and social objectives set by the Province of Quebec.
The point system is used to evaluate and score your profile, and to rank you in the pool of expressions of interest. You will be evaluated on factors such as:
- your language skills;
- your education;
- your work experience;
- your adaptability and other factors.
The highest-scoring applicants will be invited, through regular draws (or rounds of invitations), to submit a full application for permanent selection.
The factors that are used to score immigration applicants play a role in their future economic success in Quebec. For example, Quebec may identify certain occupations that are facing shortages and issue invitations specifically to those candidates in the Arrima pool with degrees or work experience in those fields to ensure that they can quickly enter the labour market.
One of the main objectives of the Expression of Interest system is to ensure strong economic outcomes and long-term retention of those selected for immigration to Quebec.
The EOI-based assessment process is generally considered to be transparent because it allows potential candidates to see the criteria used for selection and to know if they are able to score high enough to be successful.
The factors that are used to score immigration applicants play a role in their future economic success in Quebec. For example, Quebec may identify certain occupations that are facing shortages and issue invitations specifically to those candidates in the Arrima pool with degrees or work experience in those fields to ensure that they can quickly enter the labour market.
One of the main objectives of the Expression of Interest system is to ensure strong economic outcomes and long-term retention of those selected for immigration to Quebec.
The EOI-based assessment process is generally considered to be transparent because it allows potential candidates to see the criteria used for selection and to know if they are able to score high enough to be successful.
The first thing you can do is to ensure that you keep your profile in Arrima up to date by adding your most recent information. As long as your expression of interest is active, you can continue to update your profile with new information.
To improve your score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a permanent selection, you can also, for example:
- improve your language score by taking another test;
- gain more work experience;
- obtain a certificate, diploma or degree.
The first thing you can do is to ensure that you keep your profile in Arrima up to date by adding your most recent information. As long as your expression of interest is active, you can continue to update your profile with new information.
To improve your score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a permanent selection, you can also, for example:
- improve your language score by taking another test;
- gain more work experience;
- obtain a certificate, diploma or degree.
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.
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