Quebec Immigration: What Is Arrima?
Arrima is an online platform operated by the Government of Quebec to deliver a wide range of immigration-related services to foreign nationals who wish to settle in the province. The platform is free to use and accessible to all eligible applicants.
Arrima plays a central role in Quebec’s immigration system by managing Expressions of Interest and applications for several economic immigration programs. Below is an overview of how Arrima works and how it can be used by immigration candidates.
Arrima is a secure electronic system used to manage skilled worker immigration applications to Quebec. It functions in a manner similar to Canada’s federal Express Entry system.
Through Arrima, candidates can create and submit profiles for consideration under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), previously known as the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Once submitted, profiles are assigned a score and ranked against other candidates in the Arrima pool.
This method of selecting candidates is known as the Expression of Interest (EOI) system, or in French, système de déclaration d’intérêt (DI).
Quebec officially implemented this system in August 2018, following the enactment of the Québec Immigration Act.
Purpose of the Arrima Platform
The Arrima platform was introduced to modernize Quebec’s immigration system by:
Reducing application processing times
Replacing the former paper-based system
Improving alignment between immigration selection and labour market needs
Under the previous system, long delays and limited labour-market targeting were common. Arrima allows Quebec to better identify candidates whose skills and experience meet current economic priorities.
Today, Arrima is primarily used to manage EOIs under the SWSP, but it is gradually expanding to support additional immigration programs, including the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for temporary workers and international graduates.
Can I Use Arrima for Quebec Immigration?
Yes. Many immigration procedures can be completed through Arrima, depending on the program and the stage of your application.
Arrima can be used by candidates to:
Create, submit, update, and manage an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the SWSP
Access a self-assessment tool to estimate their EOI score and chances of receiving an invitation
Apply for permanent selection under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), including document submission and fee payment
Apply for permanent selection under Quebec’s immigration pilot programs
Submit applications and documents for temporary selection as an international student
Access information and submit forms related to:
Financial assistance for part-time French courses
Accompagnement Québec services
The Program for Refugees Abroad (collective sponsorship)
Arrima can also be used by employers to:
Receive personalized support from Quebec’s immigration authorities
Connect with foreign workers who meet their labour needs through the Employer Portal and offer employment opportunities in Quebec
How to Apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program Through Arrima
To be considered under the SWSP, candidates must first submit an online profile through Arrima. Each profile is evaluated using a points-based system that considers factors such as:
Education
Work experience
Language proficiency
Ties to Quebec
Validated job offers
Eligible candidates are placed into the Arrima pool and ranked accordingly.
Typically, the Quebec government conducts invitation rounds approximately once per month, selecting top-ranking candidates to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)—the first step toward Canadian permanent residence.
Immigration Process Through Arrima: Step-by-Step
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Arrima
Receive a score based on established selection criteria
MIFI invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent selection
Invited candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application
MIFI reviews the application and supporting documents
Successful applicants receive a CSQ, usually within six months
CSQ holders apply to the federal government (IRCC) for permanent residence
An Expression of Interest remains valid for 12 months and can be updated at any time during that period. Improving language test results or obtaining a validated job offer can significantly increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Arrima used for?
Arrima is an online platform launched by the Government of Quebec in 2018 to manage applications under the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP). Its primary purpose is to operate Quebec’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, allowing foreign nationals to submit profiles for consideration for permanent selection.
In addition to EOIs, Arrima is also used to submit applications, documents, and fees for several Quebec immigration programs, including:
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Quebec permanent immigration pilot programs
International Student programs
2) Is the Arrima portal open for applications?
Yes. The Arrima portal is currently open and accessible to applicants.
Please note that Arrima must be accessed using a computer or tablet, as the platform does not support mobile phone navigation.
3) How do I create a profile in Arrima?
Creating an Arrima profile involves the following steps:
Enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your registration
Accept the terms of use and complete your personal identity and contact details
Receive confirmation that your Arrima account has been successfully created
Once your account is active, you may submit an Expression of Interest or complete applications for eligible programs.
4) How long is an Expression of Interest (EOI) valid in Arrima?
An Expression of Interest submitted through Arrima is valid for 12 months from the date of submission.
During this period, candidates may update their profile at any time.
5) Can I cancel my Expression of Interest (EOI) in Arrima?
Yes. You may withdraw or cancel your EOI at any time through your Arrima account.
You are also free to create a new profile and submit another EOI whenever you choose.
6) Do I have to pay to use Arrima?
No. Arrima is completely free to use. There are no fees to create an account or submit an Expression of Interest.
Fees are only required if you are invited to apply for permanent selection and proceed with a full application.
7) How often does Quebec invite immigration candidates through Arrima?
Invitations may be issued at any time, depending on Quebec’s labour market needs and annual immigration targets set by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Because invitation rounds are not fixed, it is recommended that candidates submit their profile as early as possible and keep it updated.
8) How can I improve my chances of receiving an invitation in Arrima?
Candidates with the highest scores in the EOI pool are most likely to receive invitations. Factors that can significantly improve your chances include:
Having a validated job offer from a Quebec employer
Employment outside the Montréal metropolitan area
Experience in occupations facing labour shortages in Quebec
Strong French language proficiency
Higher levels of education and relevant work experience
Keeping your Arrima profile accurate and up to date is essential to maximizing your ranking in the pool.