Quebec Skilled Worker Program’s Arrima portal is now open

The Government of Quebec switched to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the QSWP in August. (Shutterstock)

The new online portal for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, known as Arrima, is now in service.

Effective today, candidates who are interested in obtaining Canadian permanent residence through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) can express their interest to the Government of Quebec by creating a profile using Arrima.

The Government of Quebec switched to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the QSWP in August. The EOI system requires all interested candidates to create a profile and provide the requested information on their education, area of training, proficiency in French and other languages and work experience, among other details.

Quebec’s Immigration Ministry, MIDI, says it will issue invitations to “those who meet certain criteria, focusing mainly on labour market needs in the different regions of Quebec.”

Anyone issued an invitation will then be able to apply to the Government of Quebec for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de séléction du Québec, or CSQ).

Once a Quebec Selection Certificate is awarded, individuals can submit a complete Canadian permanent residence application to Canada’s federal government.

Eligibility

Unlike the QSWP’s previous first-come, first-served model, there is no cap on the number of candidates who can enter the QSWP bank.

In order to submit a profile, the only requirement is to be at least 18 years of age.

However, in order to be eligible for selection, candidates will have to meet passing scores for employability and selection factors in accordance with the QSWP points grid.

MIDI has provided only limited information on how individuals will be ranked in the QSWP bank of candidates. It has indicated there will be a ranking system, but it is not known if it will be similar to the federal Express Entry system‘s Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS.

How Arrima works

Users enter a virtual waiting room, where they wait until notified of their turn to access the portal.

Once access is granted, users will have 90 minutes in the portal. MIDI recommends saving frequently in order to avoid losing the information submitted up to that point in the event one’s 90-minute session expires.

Registrants have 30 days to complete their profile, which will remain valid for one year.

Candidates in the EOI pool can update their profile with new information or to revise the information provided at any time during the 12-month validity period.

Those invited by Quebec to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate have 90 days to submit a complete application.