Quebec Immigration: What is Arrima?

Arrima is an online platform created by the Quebec government to provide a wide range of services to foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Quebec. Using Arrima is completely free and accessible to everyone. This article provides a comprehensive overview of immigration-related procedures that can be completed through this platform.

What is Arrima?

Arrima is a free electronic system used to manage skilled worker applications in Quebec. It operates similarly to the federal Express Entry system. Immigration applicants can create and submit profiles to be considered under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)—formerly known as the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

Eligible applicants are scored based on specific criteria and ranked against other candidates in the Arrima candidate pool. This method of selecting immigration candidates is known as an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, or in French, système de déclaration d’intérêt (SDI).

In Quebec, the new EOI system, with Arrima as its central hub, came into effect in August 2018 following the implementation of the Quebec Immigration Act.

The purpose of the Arrima platform is to speed up immigration processing and better match potential immigrants with the labour market needs. Before Arrima, Quebec used a paper-based system to select candidates, which led to long processing times and made it difficult to match applicants with the most urgent labour demands.

Today, Arrima is primarily used to manage EOI submissions under the SWSP, and it is gradually expanding to include services related to other economic immigration programs, such as 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. The way you use the platform depends on the program you are applying for and the stage of your immigration process.

Main uses of Arrima for applicants:

• Create, submit, complete, and update Expressions of Interest (EOI) under the SWSP;

• Access a self-assessment tool to estimate your score and evaluate your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent selection.

• Apply for permanent selection, submit documents, and pay fees under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ);

• Create a profile to apply for permanent selection under Quebec’s permanent immigration pilot programs.

• Apply for temporary selection for study and submit documents as an international student.

• Access information and submit forms for financial aid for part-time French courses, Accompagnement Québec programs, and the Program for Refugees Abroad.

Employers and businesses can also use Arrima to:

• Receive personalised support from the Ministry of Immigration.

• Connect with foreign workers who match their labour needs and offer jobs in Quebec through the Employer Portal.

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

Interested candidates submit an online profile in Arrima to be assessed for immigration under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), based on a scoring system. Scores consider factors such as education, work experience, language skills, connections to the province, a validated job offer in Quebec, and others.

Eligible candidates are entered into the candidate pool and may be invited to submit a full application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Approximately once a month, the Quebec government selects the highest-scoring candidates and invites them to submit a full application.

Steps for immigration to Quebec through Arrima:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Arrima candidate pool;

2. Receive a score based on predefined criteria. A self-assessment tool is available to estimate your potential score.

3. Receive an invitation from MIFI to submit a full application.

4. Complete and submit the full application within 60 days.

5. MIFI reviews your application.

6. If successful, you will receive a CSQ within six months.

7. Once you have a CSQ, you can apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.

An EOI remains valid for one year, and you can update your profile during this period. For example, completing a language test or obtaining a validated job offer in Quebec can increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

Important points about Arrima

1. Main purpose: To manage SWSP applications and EOI submissions. It also allows document submission for programs such as PEQ, permanent immigration pilot programs, and the International Student Program.

2. Portal availability: The Arrima portal is open. Profiles can be created using a computer or tablet; mobile devices are not supported.

3. Creating a profile: Enter your email, set a password, confirm registration, complete your identity and contact information, and receive confirmation that the account is created.

4. EOI validity: One year after submission.

5. Cancelling an EOI: You can withdraw or cancel an EOI at any time and create a new one.

6. Cost: Arrima is free to use.

7. Invitation frequency: Invitations can be sent at any time, depending on labour needs and immigration targets set by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration.

8. Improving your chances: Having a validated job offer from a Quebec employer (especially outside the Montreal area), working in a profession with labour shortages, or having good French language skills will increase your score and chances of receiving an invitation.