Arrima is a free electronic system used to manage applications for skilled workers in Quebec. It works in a similar way to the federal Express Entry system. Candidates for immigration to Quebec can create and submit profiles for consideration under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Eligible candidates are assigned a score and ranked in relation to other candidates in the Arrima pool. This method of selecting candidates for immigration is known as the Declaration of Interest (DOI) system.

In Quebec, the new SOI system, for which Arrima is the central platform, was implemented in August 2018 following the entry into force of Quebec's immigration law.

The aim of the Arrima platform is to speed up the processing of immigration applications and better match or "match" potential immigration candidates with labor market needs. Prior to the introduction of Arrima, Quebec used a paper-based application system to select candidates for immigration, resulting in long processing times and an inability to effectively match those interested in immigrating to the province with the most immediate needs of the labor market.

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

How to use Arrima to immigrate to Quebec ?

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 in which Arrima can be used by prospective immigrants to Quebec:

Create, submit, complete and update a declaration of interest (SOI) for the PRTQ ;

Access a self-assessment tool to estimate the score that could be obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest and assess your chances of receiving an invitation to submit an application for permanent selection ;

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

Create an Arrima profile to apply for permanent selection, submit documents and pay 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:

• to Financial assistance for part-time French courses,
• Quebec Accompaniment Programs,
• programs for refugees abroad (collective sponsorship);
• Arrima can also be used by employers and businesses to:

Get personalized support from the immigration department ;

Get in touch with foreign workers who match your labor needs and offer them a job in Quebec through our employer portal;

How to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program in Arrima?

Interested candidates submit an online profile on the Arrima website, to be assessed for immigration through Quebec's Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), 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, a validated job offer in the province, among others. Eligible candidates are entered into the applicant pool and then have a chance to be invited to apply for permanent selection.

Approximately once a month, the Quebec government selects the top-ranked candidates in the Arrima pool and invites them to submit a complete application to obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), the first step in the permanent residency application process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Here's an overview of the steps you'll need to take to be considered for immigration to Quebec:

1. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) in Arrima's candidate pool ;
2. Once you have submitted your declaration of interest, you will receive a score based on predetermined criteria. A self-assessment tool is available on the government page to estimate the score you could obtain when submitting an expression of interest.
3. The Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) will send invitations to the highest-rated candidates in the Arrima basin, inviting them to submit a complete application for permanent selection;
4. Invited candidates have 60 days to complete the application and submit it to MIFI;
5. MIFI will examine your complete application;
6. A decision on your application will be made and, if accepted, you will receive a CSQ within 6 months;
7. Once you have received a CSQ, you can apply for Canadian permanent residency with the federal government.

A declaration of interest remains valid for one year in Arrima, and you can update your profile throughout the validity period. For example, you can increase your chances of being invited by passing a language test or by obtaining a validated job offer in the province.