Quebec Immigration Quebec Skilled Worker
How Does Quebec Immigration’s Arrima Portal Work?
Quebec’s immigration system operates slightly differently than the rest of the country. In September 2018, Quebec introduced Arrima, its new immigration portal for skilled workers. With the introduction of Arrima, the province has attempted to simplify the application process and level the playing field for all foreign nationals interested in applying through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSW).
What is Arrima?
The Arrima portal is designed to manage Quebec’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which has replaced the first-come, first-served intake process.
Who is the Arrima portal for?
The Quebec Arrima portal is for anyone who is 18 and over and interested in coming to Quebec through one of the following programs:
- Regular Skilled Worker Program
- Québec Experience Program
- Permanent immigration pilot programs
- International Student Program (for document transmission only)
The Arrima portal may also be used by Quebec businesses that wish to search for profiles that meet their labour needs.
Expression of Interest
After creating an Arrima account, you can start filling out the expression of interest form by selecting “New File”. You should make sure that you have your required documents on hand, such as your diploma and language test results.
You can stop and save the information at any time, but the expression of interest form must be completed within 90 days. Once you have submitted your expression of interest, it is valid for one year.
What happens next?
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) sorts through the expressions of interest and determines which ones best suit the current needs of the province’s labour market. Those best qualified will be issued invitations to apply.
From there, selected applicants have 60 days to submit an official immigration application.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the selection grid.
One of the main factors in the selection process is being able to demonstrate that you have a validated job offer. This will allow you to secure a Quebec Selection Certificate and Canadian permanent residence.
Like the Express Entry system, applicants are awarded points for the criteria that they fulfill.
The selection grid determines your eligibility for Quebec immigration. The following factors are taken into consideration to determine how easy it will be for you to integrate into Quebec society:
- Education or professional training
- Age
- Work experience
- Your language proficiency (French and English)
- Previous visits and short-term stays in Quebec
- Validated job offer
- Number of children who will be accompanying you
- Your financial situation and your ability to support yourself and your family for the first three months after your arrival in Quebec
- Relationships with Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Quebec
- If you have a spouse accompanying you
If you have a spouse accompanying you, they will also be evaluated based on their age, education, and language proficiency and could potentially boost your score.
Invitations to Apply
Invitations will be sent through the Arrima platform.
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration prioritizes:
- People who submitted an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate before August 2, 2018
- People with a validated job offer from a Quebec employer
What are my chances of getting an invitation?
After receiving an invitation through the Arrima portal, you can submit your application for a Quebec Selection Certificate. If this application is successful, you can go on to apply for permanent residence at the federal level.
As Quebec’s immigration system is being flooded with applications every day, your best chance of securing a Quebec Selection Certificate is by holding a validated job offer. This can open the door for you to attain residency in Quebec and eventually permanent residency at the federal level.
Remember that with the introduction of the Arrima portal, it is now possible for anyone to submit an expression of interest at any time and still have a chance at successfully immigrating to the province of Quebec. Get started on your application process today!
If you would like more information about Arrima and your Quebec immigration options, please contact us.
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