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Quebec Arrima Portal for Canada Immigration – Process & Criteria

Updated on 15 March, 2024

The Arrima portal is a platform that maintains a supply and demand balance between immigration and the Québec labour market. Individuals above the age of 18 can use this portal for free. In the coming years, the platform is expected to provide services for all the Ministère’s clients. Currently, it is utilized by: 

1. Individuals wishing to immigrate permanently or temporarily under any of these programs;

  • Regular Skilled Worker Program
  • Québec Experience Program
  • Permanent immigration pilot programs
  • International Student Program (document transmission only)

2. Individuals wishing to seek the services of Accompagnement Québec.

3. To Québec businesses, for use by Portail employers.

4. To immigration representatives.

 

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How to Create an Arima Profile?

You can create their Arima profile using these simple steps;

  • Validate your email address, choose a password and confirm your registration in the secure authentication system.
  • Approve the terms and conditions of your Arrima account, and correctly fill in the details in the Identity and Contact information sections before you receive the confirmation regarding the creation of your account.

An Arrima profile is required for submitting and updating an applicant’s Expression of Interest (EI). The Québec Immigration Ministry (Ministère de l’Immigration) reviews all the EIs and invites applicants who fulfil the required criteria via Arrima. It is mostly influenced by the labour needs of the Province of Québec. Individuals who have received an invitation can submit a permanent selection application.

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Services for individuals

1. Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP):

Individuals who wish to immigrate to the Québec province of Canada under the Regular Skilled Worker Program have to create a profile on Arrima. It is needed to complete, submit, and update the user’s expression of interest or EI.

The platform also includes a self-assessment tool for users to get an estimated score according to their application and expression of interest. This also means that users and new applicants can get an idea about their chances of getting permanent selections. The tool, however, is available in the French language only.

Scoring System of  RSWP

Quebec’s immigration authority introduced a new scoring system regarding the factors that would be utilized to rank profiles in the Arrima Expression of Interest bank. This scoring system came into play on  July 14, 2021. 

Top Factors of the Scoring Systems

Human capital factors:
  • Age
  • Qualification
  • Work experience
  • French language ability
  • French and English combined
Québec labor market factors:
  • Work experience in a field that has a scarcity of labor
  • Qualification in one of Quebec’s areas of training.
  • Level of Québec education.
  • Professional experience in Quebec.
  • Professional experience in the rest of Canada.
  • Job offers within or outside Greater Montreal.

The score delivered by the assessment tool is provided only for information purposes. It might differ from the final score. The software calculates an applicant’s chance of receiving an invitation depending on the information uploaded on the platform.

2. Québec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise or PEQ):

The PEQ immigration program is for students who graduated from Québec and are temporary foreign workers. It is an immigration program used to permanently obtain a Québec selection certificate to settle in Québec. Unlike regular applications, PEQ applications are processed faster.

3. Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs

  • Food processing workers
  • Nurses
  • Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and visual effects

4. International Student Program:

The International Student Program includes four categories 

A) Financial assistance program for skills recognition refresher training (PAFFARC)

The Financial Assistance Program for Competency Recognition Refresher Training (PAFFARC) allows you to receive refresher training allowances. However, the refresher training must allow you to seek a job or start a business in Québec. 

B) Financial assistance for part-time French courses

Users can also explore financial assistance options offered by the government of Québec for learning part-time French courses. 

C) Accompagnement Québec

Accompagnement Québec is a free service offered to immigrants by the government of Québec. The services are designed for easier integration and participation of new immigrants in French and Québec society in general. An Arrima profile is required to enjoy the benefits of the free services of Accompagnement Québec.

D) Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship)

This is for a group of 2 to 5 persons who wish to submit an undertaking application for refugees. Applicants have to designate a representative from among the members of the group. The representative has to create a profile on the Arrima platform and submit the applications and the required documents.

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Arrima Portal for Employers

This section of the portal is for companies in Québec looking to hire talent and workers via immigration.

With an Arrima profile companies can:

  • Obtain personalized coaching from the Ministère de l’Immigration
  • Connect with foreign workers or talent that meet the company’s needs. Employers can also offer job opportunities in Québec via the Portail employers

For Representatives

Representatives assigned by possible immigrants should also have a profile on the Arrima portal. It is required to:

  • Establish a representational link with the client
  • Make required arrangements with the Ministère for clients

Students and workers applying for immigration via paid representatives should know that only the following persons are authorized to represent them at the Ministry:

  1. a) Individuals considered reliable by the Barreau du Québec and the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
  2. b) Individuals authorized by either the Barreau du Québec or the Chambre des notaries du Québec.
  3. c) Immigration consultants registered with the Registre québécois des consultants en immigration.
  4. d) An unpaid representative example of a family member, friend, or representative from a non-profit.

The Ministère de l’Immigration (immigration ministry) of Québec allows anyone aged 18 years or above to apply for immigration to Québec, Canada via the RSWP initiative.

Technical Advice 

It is advisable to use a personal computer or tablet to access Arrima as the application does not enable navigation on a cell phone. You can utilize any of these browsers; Chrome or Firefox. Other than these browsers, you can use  the following operating systems:

  • Windows (version 8.1 and later); 
  • Mac OS (version 10.2.4 and later); 
  • iOS (version 11 and later).

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

To apply for the Québec Skilled Worker Program in Arrima, the candidate must submit their profile on the Québec Arrima portal. To decide the eligibility for immigration, the applicants are assessed based on a scoring system. Several parameters like education, language skills, work experience, and a valid job offer in the country they are applying for are considered to formulate their score. 

After shortlisting, the candidates are added to the pool of eligible candidates that can apply for permanent selection. The Government of Québec announces the highest scoring candidates on the Arrima portal Québec from the pool and invites them to apply for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This is the first step toward applying for permanent citizenship in Canada. 

Steps to Apply for Quebec Skilled Worker Program

For immigration to Quebec, a candidate has to follow the steps mentioned below:

  • After getting shortlisted in the Arrima pool of candidates, an individual must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). A self-assessment tool is available on the government page. It estimates the score they might get based on their EOI. 
  • After getting an invitation from the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI), the candidates must complete the application and submit it to MIFI within 60 days. 
  • On successful submission of the application, the MIFI will review it, and if selected, the candidate will receive their CSQ within six months. 
  • Upon receiving the CSQ, one can apply for Canadian permanent residence to the federal government.

Arrima Portal for Quebec immigration

Creating a profile on the Arrima portal eases the process of immigration and aligns it with the needs of Quebec’s labour market. Here is how a candidate can use the Québec immigration Arrima portal:

  • To apply for the Québec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), the candidate must submit their Express Of Interest (EOI). They can also check their possibilities of getting an invitation to apply for permanent selection for immigration on the Québec immigration Arrima portal. 
  • Once the candidate receives the invitation to apply for the permanent selection to immigrate to Quebec, they must submit their documents and pay the requisite fees. 
  • To become a temporary resident for study purposes, a student needs to create a profile and submit the documents required for an international student. 
  • The Québec immigration Arrima portal can obtain information about collective sponsorship programs for refugees abroad and financial aid for part-time French courses. 
  • Various employers can also use it to connect with potential foreign workers suitable for a position at their organization. The Employer portal can offer jobs to deserving candidates in Quebec. 

Selection Criteria for Quebec Arrima Portal

In 2018, Arrima was introduced to Quebec’s immigration portal to help skilled foreign workers get jobs. Since then, the application process under QSW has been simplified for students and working professionals who wish to immigrate to the province. Here are the criteria laid by the selection grid, which determines the candidate’s eligibility to secure a Québec Selection Certificate and Canadian permanent residence. 

Here are the parameters based on which an individual’s ability to integrate into the Québec society is evaluated:

  • Language proficiency
  • Educational Qualification
  • Age
  • Proof of professional training or work experience
  • Valid offer letter for Québec immigration
  • Ability to afford a lifestyle in Québec for the first three months after arrival
  • If any children are accompanying the candidate, and if yes, then how many
  • If there is any relative in Canada who is a permanent resident of Quebec
  • If a spouse accompanies the candidate, the spouse is also evaluated based on their education, age, and language proficiency. If the spouse scores well, that would be an added advantage for the candidate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arrima?

Arrima is an online portal designed to allow applicants to show their interest in immigrating to the country through an Expression of Interest (EOI). It manages applications for Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Arrima can also present the necessary documents required for Quebec’s immigration programs, such as the International Student Program and Permanent immigration pilot programs.

What is the scoring system for the Québec Skilled Worker Program in the Arrima portal?

A person must be 18 years old to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) after creating their portal on the Arrima portal. The candidate is evaluated on a scoring system that sums to 1320 points. The candidate is assessed on two criteria- Human capital (580 points) and Québec labor market needs (740 points). The requirements in Human capital include knowledge of English (180 points), knowledge of English and French (80 points), age (130 points), length of professional experience (100 points), and level of education (90 points). On the other hand, the labor market needs in Québec to evaluate an individual based on work diagnosis (100 points), the field of training (60 points), a valid job offer (380 points), a Québec diploma (50 points), duration of professional experience in Québec (100 points) and in the rest of Canada (30 points).

Who is eligible for Arrima?

Any person above 18 years of age is eligible to create their profile on the Arrima portal and submit their Expression of Interest (EOI).

How can you submit an expression of interest through Arrima?

To submit your Expression of Interest, log into your account on the Arrima portal. There is an option named new file, and you will be able to find the EOI form in which you need to fill up various sections. After filling up a particular section, you can save it from resuming later. The portal also provides the option to view a summary of the information entered. You also need to submit documents to prove your EOI form, such as language test results, diploma, etc.

Is Québec Arrima still open?

Yes, the Arrima portal accepts applications from students willing to immigrate to Quebec. A computer or laptop is necessary since the application cannot be navigated through mobile.

How do I create a profile in Arrima?

The first step of creating your Arrima profile involves validating your email address, choose a password, and confirming your registration in the secure authentication system. After this step, you must approve the terms and conditions of your Arrima account and correctly fill in the details in the Identity and Contact information sections.

How long is an expression of interest (EOI) valid in Arrima?

The validity of an expression of interest (EOI) valid in Arrima is one year from the original date of creation. After the expiry of the EOI, you will have to create a new EOI to still be active in the system.

Can I cancel my expression of interest (EOI) in Arrima?

Yes, you can cancel your expression of interest (EOI) in the Arrima portal. Upon the cancellation of your expression of interest, the representation mandate possibly linked to your Arrima account automatically gets eliminated.

How often does Québec invite immigration candidates through Arrima?

The invitation of immigration candidates through Arrima depends on the Québec labor market needs and the integration potential of immigrants. The ministry sends invitations whenever there is a high demand for skilled workers in the country.

How can I improve my chances to be invited to apply for immigration in Arrima?

Certain characteristics influence the chances of being invited to apply for immigration in Arrima. These characteristics can involve being a part of a profession with a labor shortage in Québec or being familiar with the French language. To improve your chances of invitation, you could showcase your French knowledge by taking a French test and declaring the results in your expression of interest.

What is the Québec points calculator?

The Québec Points Calculator ensures the selection of eligible individuals for the program. There are several selection factors based on which the scores are awarded by the Québec points calculator. Some of these factors include Educational Qualification, Work Experience, Area of Training, Validated Employment Offer, Age, Language Proficiency, etc.

What is the IELTS score required for Québec immigration?

The minimum IELTS score required for Québec immigration is a CLB 7 in all categories (which indicates 6.0 in each section of the IELTS General Training).

Yashita Sinha

An aspiring writer making the most out of every opportunity and growing from challenges on the way. Yashita is a mass communication graduate who has tried her hands on freelancing, worked as a creative content writer and has now stepped into the corporate

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