What is ARRIMA?

The immigration process for Quebec is a little bit different from the rest of the nation. Arrima, Quebec’s new skilled worker immigration gateway, was unveiled in September 2018. The province has made an effort to make the application process easier and more equitable for all foreign nationals interested in applying through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program with the launch of Arrima.

The Quebec government uses the web platform Arrima to offer a variety of services to foreign nationals who want to move to Quebec. Arrima is entirely free for everyone which makes it even better for the immigrants.

What is Arrima?

In Quebec, applications for skilled workers are managed via the free computerized platform Arrima. It functions similarly to the federal Express Entry program. For consideration under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP or RSWP), potential immigrants to Quebec can establish and submit profiles . Candidates who are eligible are given a score and placed in comparison to one another in the Arrima pool of applicants. Expression of Interest (EOI) systems, also known as declaration of interest (DI) systems in French, are used to choose immigration applications.

After the Quebec Immigration Act became effective in August 2018, the new EOI system in Quebec, of which Arrima is the center, entered into action. 

The Arrima platform’s goals are to expedite the processing of immigration applications and to better connect prospective immigrants with the labor market’s demands. Prior to the launch of Arrima, Quebec chose immigration applicants using a paper-based application system, which resulted in lengthy processing delays and made it difficult to efficiently connect people who wanted to immigrate to the province with the most urgent labor market demands.

The Quebec government now uses Arrima as a platform to process EOI submissions under the QSWP. The application services for other economic immigration programs, for example, the Quebec Experience Program (QEP) for temporary employees and foreign students, are being gradually added to the Arrima platform.

Why was the Arrima Portal Introduced?

The Quebec government introduced the Arrima portal in September 2018 to do away with the “first-come, first-served” policy outlined in the Quebec Immigration Act and regulations.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) mechanism is used by Arrima. According to the new rules, skilled employees would need to send out invitations to apply and need to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate in order to shorten the application processing time.

According to the new approach, everyone who is 18 years of age or older must first indicate their interest by creating a profile on the Arrima site that includes information like the field of training, educational level, language abilities, job experience, and other facts.

The applicant will be chosen by Quebec based on the requirements of the job market and the qualifying conditions.

Can Arrima be used for Quebec Immigration?

Through Arrima, several immigration processes may be accomplished. It all depends on the immigration program you’re applying for and where you are in the process.

The following are the ways that Arrima uses for candidates who are immigrating to Quebec

  • Make your Expression of Interest (EOI) for the QSWP, finish it,submit it and update it.
  • Use a self-evaluation tool to determine their chances of being invited to make an application for permanent selection and to estimate the score they may receive by submitting an expression of interest.
  • Apply for permanent selection, provide the necessary documentation, and pay the PEQ application cost to immigrate to Quebec.
  • Create an Arrima profile, provide the appropriate documentation, and pay the needed costs to apply for permanent selection under one of Quebec’s pilot programs for permanent immigration.
  • Create an Arrima profile to submit supporting documentation as a foreign student after applying for temporary selection for studies;
  • Obtain data and fill out forms regarding Arrima
  • Assistance with costs for part-time French classes
  • Programs referred to as “Accompagnement Quebec”
  • The Program for Refugees Abroad (collective sponsorship).

Employers and companies can utilize Arrima Canada in the following ways:

  • To receive tailored assistance from the immigration ministry
  • Using the Employer Portal, employers may connect with international employees who meet their labor needs and offer them employment in Quebec.

Who is the Arrima Portal for?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old and is interested in moving to Quebec through one of the following programs should visit the Quebec Arrima portal. It can be used for the following streams:
  • Regular Skilled Worker Program
  • Quebec Experience Program
  • Permanent immigration pilot programs
  • International Student Program (for document transmission only)
  • Quebec firms can utilize the Arrima login site to look for profiles that match their hiring requirements.

    Expression of Interest:
    By choosing “New File” after creating an Arrima Canada account, you may begin filling out the expression of interest form. Make sure you have the necessary paperwork at hand, such as your graduation and the results of your language tests. Although you can pause at any point and save your work, the expression of interest form must be finished within 90 days. Your expression of interest is good for a year after you’ve submitted it.

How can you apply for the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program through ARRIMA?

The government of Quebec runs the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) for immigrants who have expertise in skilled employment and who can contribute significantly to the economy of Quebec once they are employed.

Each and every RSWP applicant must show that they have achieved the minimum score on the RSWP points evaluation grid. You can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the Arrima login portal if you have enough RSWP points to be considered for the program. Then, a chosen group of applicants will get invitations from the Quebec government to submit a comprehensive application for a certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ).

An applicant becomes qualified to file an official application for Canadian permanent residency after acquiring a CSQ.

Points System of Quebec Regular Skilled Workers 

Two point systems are used in Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program to decide who is invited to apply for permanent selection and who is qualified to submit an Arrima profile. An applicant will earn a new score if they obtain the minimum number of points necessary to submit an Arrima profile. This score is used by Quebec to compare applicants, and it can be used to choose who gets an invitation to submit an application for a CSQ.

Selection Factors for Quebec Skilled Worker Points Grid

Candidates must achieve the minimum scores on the eligibility points grid below in order to submit a profile to the Arrima portal under the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program.

Please be aware that the field of study of the candidate determines the number of points given for education.

Those who apply without a spouse or common-law partner must get a minimum of 50 points overall and 43 points on the employability elements.

Candidates who are applying jointly with their spouse or common-law partner must score at least 52 out of a possible 59 points on the employability elements.

Factors 

Points

 

Without Spouse

With Spouse

Education

26

26

Age 

16

16

Experience

8

8

Connection to Quebec

8

8

Language Competence

22

22

Valid Employment Offer

14

14

Accompanying Spouse Factors

17

17

Employability Eligibility Points

43

52

Children

8

8

Capacity for financial autonomy (eliminatory)

1

1

Minimum Eligibility Score

50

59

1. Education

Education 

Points

Education Level

 

General Secondary

2

Professional secondary

6

General post-secondary 2 years

4

Technical higher education one or two years

6

Three years of technical postsecondary

8

Undergraduate student 1 year

4

Two years of undergraduate study



6

3+ years of undergraduate study

10

Graduated from college one or more years

12

College post-graduate

14

Areas of Training

 

Section A

12

Section B 

9

Section C

6

Section D 

2

Section E

0

Maximum Points

26

2. Age

Age

Points

18-35 years

16

36 years

14

37 years

12

38 years

10

39 years

8

40 years

6

41 years

4

42 years

2

43+ years 

0

Maximum Points

16

 

3. Experience

Experience

Points

Length of Skilled worker experience 

 

Below 6 months 

0

6-11 months

4

12-23 months

4

24-35 months

6

36-47 months

6

48+ months

8

Maximum Points

8

4. Connection to Quebec

Connection to Quebec 

Points

Journeys to Quebec

 

One semester of full-time study in Quebec

0

Two semesters of full-time study in Quebec

0

Study in Quebec that results in a DEP/AEC of 900–1800 hours AND full-time employment in a relevant profession within six months of the study period

5

Study in Quebec for a DEP/AEC of 1800 hours or more, a DEC, or a university certificate or degree

5

Full-time employment for six months in Quebec while in possession of a work visa good for at least a year

5

Work experience for less than six months in Quebec

0

Working vacationer for at least three months

0

Other journeys lasting three months or longer

2

Other journeys (2 weeks to less than 3 months)

1

Other journey of fewer than two weeks

0

Family in Quebec

 

Partners, parents, siblings, kids, and grandparents

3

Maximum Points

8

5. Language Proficiency

Language Proficiency- Principal Applicant

Points

French

 

Listening & Speaking

 

C2

7

C1

6

B2

5

B1, B2, A1, A2 or less than A1

0

Reading & Writing

 

C1 or C2

1

B2, B1, A1, A2 or less than A1

0

English

 

Speaking & Listening 

 

CLB 9

2

CLB 5

1

Reading & Writing

 

CLB 5

1

Maximum Points

22

6. Accompanying Partner Factors

Accompanying Spouse Factors

Points

Level of Education

 

General Secondary

1

Professional secondary

2

General post-secondary 2 years

1

Technical higher education one or two years

2

Three years of technical postsecondary

3

Undergraduate students 1 year

1

Two years of undergraduate study

2

3+ years of undergraduate study

3

Graduated from college one or more years

4

College post-graduate

4

Area of Training

 

Section A

4

Section B

3

Section C

2

Section D

1

Section E

0

Age

 

Less than 18 years

0

18-35 years

3

36 years

2

37 years

2

38 years

2

39 years

2

40 years

1

41 years

1

42 years

1

43+ years

0

French- Language Proficiency

 

Oral Comprehension

0,2,3

Spoken French

0,2,3

Maximum Points

17

7. Valid Employment Offer

Valid Job Offer

Points

Acceptable employment offer in the Montreal Metropolitan Area

8

Valid Job Offer, by Region, outside of Montreal

 

Chaudière-Appalaches

Capitale-Nationale

Monteregie

14

Centre-du Québec

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Outaouais

Estrie

Lanaudiere

13

Cote-Nord

Bas-Saint-Laurent

Mauricie

Laurentides

 Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Nord-du-Quebec

12

Gaspesie

10

Maximum Points

14

Points Grid of Arrima EOI

You receive a score after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Arrima portal, which is used to compare you with other applicants.

When candidates are invited to apply for a certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ-Quebec selection certificate), Quebec performs regular Arrima drawings. Quebec will occasionally use a minimum EOI score in these drawings to decide who gets an invitation.

Quebec scores RSWP candidates using the points system shown below.

Factors Maximum Points Maximum Points

With Spouse

Without Spouse

Education

70

90

Quebec Education

50

50

French Proficient

180

180

Age

110

130

English & French Proficient

80

80

Accompanying Spouse Factors

40

40

Quebec’s needs response

100

100

Response to Quebec needs

Diagnostic

Work Experience Length

Foreign National

Assessment of a profession that is balanced or without a diagnosis

Below 12 months

12 or 12+ months

0

30

Professional shortage estimated to be modest

Below 12 months

12-23 months

24-35 months

36 or 36+ months

0

60

70

90

Profession considered to be in demand

Below 12 months

12-23 months

24-35 months

36 or 36+ months

0

70

90

100

Maximum 

 

100

 

Spouse Factors

Accompanying Spouse Factors

Points

Level of Education

 

General Secondary

1

Professional secondary

6

General post-secondary 2 years

4

Technical higher education one or two years

7

Three years of technical postsecondary

9

Undergraduate students 1 year

5

Two years of undergraduate study

8

3+ years of undergraduate study

10

Graduated from college one or more years

10

College post-graduate

10

Quebec Education

 

General Secondary

1

Professional secondary

6

General post-secondary 2 years

4

Technical higher education one or two years

7

Three years of technical postsecondary

9

Undergraduate students 1 year

5

Two years of undergraduate study

8

3+ years of undergraduate study

10

Graduated from college one or more years

10

College post-graduate

10

French- language Proficient

Proficiency 

Points

Reading

 

1-4

0

5 or 6

9

7 or 8

15

9 or 10

18

11 or 12

20

Writing 

 

1-4

0

5 or 6 

9

7 or 8

15

9 or 10 

18

11 or 12

20

French Proficiency

French Proficient

Points

Listening

 

1-4

0

5 or 6 

32

7 or 8

53

9 or 10 

63

11 or 12

70

Speaking

 

1-4

0

5 or 6 

32

7 or 8

53

9 or 10 

63

11 or 12

70

Reading

 

1-4

0

5 or 6 

9

7 or 8

15

9 or 10 

18

11 or 12

20

Writing

 

1-4

0

5 or 6 

9

7 or 8

15

9 or 10 

18

11 or 12

20

Maximum Points

180

Proficiency in English & French

French Level

English CLB Level

Points

1- 4

1-12

0

5 or 6 

5-8

25

7 or 8

9-12

50

9 or 10

5-8

50

9 or 10

9-12

67

11 or 12

5-8

67

11 or 12

9-12

80

Maximum Points

 

80

Education

Education

Points

Points with Spouse

General Secondary

18

14

Professional secondary

54

42

General post-secondary 2 years

36

28

Technical higher education one or two years

63

49

Three years of technical postsecondary

81

63

Undergraduate students 1 year

45

35

Two years of undergraduate study

72

56

3+ years of undergraduate study

83

65

Graduated from college one or more years

86

68

College post-graduate

90

0

Maximum Points

90

68

Age

Age

Points

Points with Spouse

18-30 years

130

110

31 years

118

100

32 years

112

95

33 years

107

91

34 years

100

85

35 years

95

80

36 years

85

72

37 years

78

66

38 years

72

61

39 years

65

55

40 years

59

50

41 years

46

39

42 years

33

28

43 years

20

17

44 years

7

6

45 or 45+ years

0

0

Maximum Points

130

110

 

Draws using the Arrima Portal for Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program

Date No. of Invitation Criteria

15 September 2022

1,009

Their profession is included in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) below:

  • 0213 Managers of computer & information systems
    2147 (except designers and software engineers) Computer Engineers
    2171 analysts and consultants for information systems
    2172 database administrators and analysts
    2173 Software designers & engineers
    2174 Programmers and media developers
    2175 Web developers & designers
    2241 Electrical technicians, technologists & engineers
    2281,2282, 2283 Computer network, user support & information system testing technician
    3012 Nurses (Registered Psychiatric)
    5223 Technicians of graphic art
    3233 Practical nurses (licensed)
    3413 Patient service representatives, orderlies, and nurse aids
    5241 They scored 563 points or more on the grading scale for illustrators and graphic designers
    4214 Assistants & Educators of early childhood
    5131 Choreographers, directors & producers

8 September 2022

1,202
They achieved a score of 620 points or more 11 August 2022  58 Candidates have a legitimate employment offer from a location outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community. 7 July 2022  351 They have employment experience in one of 14 specific professions and a score of at least 624 Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had a legitimate employment offer. They had NOC 3233 work experience and a score of at least 575 points They had NOC 3413 work experience and a 580 point or better test score They had NOC 4214 work experience and a score of at least 551 points

5 May 2022

30

Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had a legitimate employment offer.

7 April 2022

 33

Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had a legitimate employment offer.

10 March 2022

506

They received a score of 592 points or more and have job experience in one of 20 specific vocations
They got a legitimate employment offer from a location outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.

24 February 2022

306

They achieved a score of 630 points or more
Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had legitimate employment offer

10 February 2022

523

They received a score of 592 points or more and have job experience in one of 21 specific vocations

27 January 2022

322

They received a grade of 647 points or more
They had a legitimate employment offer from somewhere beyond the Montreal Metropolitan Community’s borders

13 January 2022

512

They obtained a score of at least 602 points and have experience working in one of 23 specific professions

Date No. of Invitation Criteria

15 September 2022

1,009

Their profession is included in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) below: 0213 Managers of computer &; information systems 2147 (except designers and software engineers) Computer Engineers 2171 analysts and consultants for information systems 2172 database administrators and analysts 2173 Software designers & engineers 2174 Programmers and media developers 2175 Web developers & designers 2241 Electrical technicians, technologists & engineers 2281,2282, 2283 Computer network, user support &; information system testing technician 3012 Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) 5223 Technicians of graphic art 3233 Practical nurses (licensed) 3413 Patient service representatives, orderlies, and nurse aids 5241 They scored 563 points or more on the grading scale for illustrators and graphic designers 4214 Assistants & Educators of early childhood 5131 Choreographers, directors & producers

8 September 2022

1,202
They achieved a score of 620 points or more 11 August 2022  58 Candidates have a legitimate employment offer from a location outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community. 7 July 2022  351 They have employment experience in one of 14 specific professions and a score of at least 624 Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had a legitimate employment offer. They had NOC 3233 work experience and a score of at least 575 points They had NOC 3413 work experience and a 580 point or better test score They had NOC 4214 work experience and a score of at least 551 points

5 May 2022

30

Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had a legitimate employment offer.

7 April 2022

 33

Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had a legitimate employment offer.

10 March 2022

506

They received a score of 592 points or more and have job experience in one of 20 specific vocations
They got a legitimate employment offer from a location outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.

24 February 2022

306

They achieved a score of 630 points or more
Outside the boundaries of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, they had legitimate employment offer

10 February 2022

523

They received a score of 592 points or more and have job experience in one of 21 specific vocations

27 January 2022

322

They received a grade of 647 points or more
They had a legitimate employment offer from somewhere beyond the Montreal Metropolitan Community’s borders

13 January 2022

512

They obtained a score of at least 602 points and have experience working in one of 23 specific professions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arrima Portal only available in French?

The Arrima immigration system in Quebec is only available in French, however, speaking French is not a condition for immigration to Quebec.

On Arrima, how can I send documents?

The actions to take are as follows:

  • Get your papers ready. After submitting your application, the online portal for temporary selection for studies will send you a checklist.
  • Go to your file number.
  • Open a profile on the Arrima platform.
  • Submit your paperwork regarding Arrima.
Who is qualified to use Arrima?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old and is interested in moving to Quebec through one of the following programs should visit the Quebec Arrima login portal: Regular Program for Skilled Workers. Program for Quebec Experience. Pilot initiatives for permanent immigration.

Does Quebec Arrima remain open?

Yes, students who want to immigrate to Quebec may submit applications using the Arrima site. Since mobile devices cannot navigate the program, a PC or laptop is required.

Do you have to pay to use Arrima?

No. The use of Arrima Canada is free.