Arrima is the online portal for expressions of interest (EoI) from foreign nationals or skilled workers interested in coming to Quebec under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Anyone at 18 years of age or above can submit an expression of interest through the Arrima portal.
The new Arrima system has been considered to be more effective than the old one. Arrima portal replaces the Mon Projet Quebec online system that had many issues as the applicants had to go through a tough time applying through the system.
In this article
- What Is Arrima Portal
- How Does Arrima Portal Work?
- Steps to follow:
- New Quebec Expression of Interest system
- Reason Why Quebec Authorities Introduced Arrima
- After Submitting An Expression of Interest Is Submitted?
- What Next After An Invitation To Apply Is Issued?
- Most Recent Invitation Rounds Using The Arrima Portal
- Frequently Asked Questions About Arrima Portal for QSWP
What Is Arrima Portal
Arrima is an online portal for QSWP candidates to express their interest to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
By replacing the old system with this new Arrima portal, Quebec province aimed to fast track the processing time for Permanent residency applications and manage the applications better.
The name ‘Arrima’ is coined from the French word “arrimage” meaning harmonization. The portal’s aim is to harmonize the Quebec Skilled Worker Program(QSWP) applications.
Those candidates interested in coming to Quebec through QSWP need to first create a profile in the Arrima portal.
The eligible candidates will then enter a virtual pool from which the Quebec’s government will nominate candidates on a priority basis via periodic draws to invite to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Candidate must provide the following information while creating the profile
- Personal details
- Contact details
- Family information
- Status in Quebec
- Education history
- Professional experience
- Job offers
- Language proficiency
- Other supporting documentation and information
How Does Arrima Portal Work?
The candidates who start creating a profile on the Arrima portal will first enter a virtual waiting room, where they will need to wait till being granted access to the portal.
Once granted access into the portal, the candidates can start creating the profile in a 90-minute session. The profile must be completed within 30 days.
Once created, the profile will be valid for 12 months. During this period, the candidates or users are allowed to correct, update and revise their Arrima portal profile.
Steps to follow:
- Submission of expression of interest form online
- The Quebec Immigration Ministry will review all the expressions of interest and will invite all applicants who meet certain criteria, based on labor market needs of the Province of Quebec;
- Selected individuals can submit a permanent selection application (official immigration application) and pay the associated fees.
New Quebec Expression of Interest system
The newly introduced Quebec Expression of Interest system may be similar to that of federal Express Entry system. The system was launched by the Government of Quebec on August 2, 2018, to effectively manage the applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Anyone at the age of 18 and above can apply through the system. But in order to qualify, the candidates must obtain the minimum required scores points for employability and other selection factors with respect to the QSWP points grid.
The eligible candidates who able to create a profile for EoI system will enter a pool of candidates. If the candidate meets the requirements, he or she will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
After obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), the candidate can submit the application within three (3) months. Those who receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) can apply for Canada permanent residence.
Reason Why Quebec Authorities Introduced Arrima
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a popular Quebec immigration program that permits eligible foreign residents and families who want to live and work in Quebec easy Canadian permanent residence visa through issuance of a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de séléction du Québec, or CSQ) from the Government of Quebec.
The Arrima portal which was launched in September 2018 when Quebec Immigration Act and regulations was enacted on August 2, put an end to the previous “first-come, first-served” application process used for the QSWP.
Through the implementation an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate can now be issued on a more regular intervals and reduce application processing times for the QSWP is also reduced.
After Submitting An Expression of Interest Is Submitted?
Once an Arrima account is created, A candidate has maximum of 90 days to complete and submit his or her expression of interest after creating an Arrima account which will last for only two years.
That candican update, renew or add new information to the account any time for that period of two years before the account becomes invalid. Candidates must have a valid email address to register an Arrima account.
An expression of interest remains valid for a year and candidates will be able to update their profile during the entire validity period.
For example, candidates can increase their chances of being invited by completing a language test.
Qualified candidates are invited and they are expected to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate which will mean that they must pass a certain cut-off. The passing scores is based on Quebec’s unique QSWP points grid.
What Next After An Invitation To Apply Is Issued?
If you invited to apply for the QSWP through your Arrima portal, you then have a maximum of candidates will have 90 days to submit a complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) will be processed using the Mon Project Quebec application management system.
The Ministry will assess the application and then send a complete list of required documents to you.
You must submit all the necessary documents because the application review process only begins after you have submitted all the necessary all documents. You must be ready to be called for interview because some applicants may be invited to attend an interview for information verification on the information provided in the application.
Most Recent Invitation Rounds Using The Arrima Portal
Below is a table showing the most recent invitations rounds using Arrima portal and the necessary criteria required from the applicants. A good study of it will help you to know what will make you rank well in the points grid
| Date of invitation | Number of invitations issued | Candidates had to meet the following criteria |
|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2021 | 90 |
|
| April 29, 2021 | 83 |
|
| March 30, 2021 | 208 |
|
| January 26, 2021 | 95 |
|
| December 16, 2020 | 233 |
|
| September 24, 2020 | 365 |
|
| June 18, 2020 | 7 |
|
| January 16, 2020 | 23 |
|
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrima Portal for QSWP
Q. How long does Arrima Quebec last?
Ans. Once granted access into the portal, the candidates can start creating the profile in a 90-minute session. The profile must be completed within 30 days. Once created, the profile will be valid for 12 months. During this period, the candidates or users are allowed to correct, update and revise their Arrima portal profile.
Q. Can I immigrate to Quebec without French?
Ans. Yes you can immigrate to Quebec without French but you must immigrate through the QSW Program. The applicant must be awarded enough points from other categories of the selection grid to attain a passing score.
Q. How do I apply for Arrima in French?
Ans. In order to immigrate to Quebec under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), you must create an Arrima account where you will submit your application for permanent selection, submit all your necessary documents and pay the required fees.
You can also update your profile which is valid for twelve months. When you update your account with relevant information, your scores increase.
Q. What is Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
Ans. Quebec Skilled Worker Program(QSW) is a point based immigration program for workers who want to work in the province of Canada and meet the criteria for to work in Quebec. The program allows candidates who have work experience, who meet a minimum score in the point grid.
French is not a criteria for this program but proficiency in French will gain extra points for you. Also, if you are travelling with your spouse or children, they can gain extra points for you in the score grid.
