Arrima Portal: How Quebec's Expression of Interest Works

Arrima is Quebec's online expression of interest platform for the PSTQ skilled worker program. Understanding how to create a strong Arrima profile and navigate Quebec's draw system is essential for workers applying from outside the province.

What Is Arrima?

Arrima (from the French word for 'to moor' or 'to align') is the web portal managed by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) for submitting and managing expressions of interest in the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). It was launched in August 2018 to modernize Quebec's economic immigration and make it more responsive to the province's actual labour market needs, similar to how Canada's Express Entry modernized federal selection.

The platform represents a fundamental shift in how Quebec selects skilled workers. Prior to Arrima, Quebec operated on a first-come, first-served basis with periodic application intake windows that would fill within hours or even minutes. This system created significant challenges for applicants and did not effectively prioritize candidates who were most likely to succeed in Quebec's labour market.

Today, Arrima allows Quebec to conduct targeted selection rounds based on specific criteria such as occupation, region of intended settlement, French language proficiency, or validated job offers. This flexibility enables MIFI to align immigration selection with evolving economic priorities and regional labour shortages across Quebec's diverse regions, from Montreal and Quebec City to more remote areas like Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Côte-Nord.

As of 2025, Arrima has processed tens of thousands of expressions of interest and continues to be refined based on feedback from applicants and stakeholders. The system integrates with other Quebec immigration programs and provides a centralized dashboard where candidates can track their profile status, receive notifications about draws, and manage their entire application journey from initial expression of interest through to CSQ issuance.

Creating Your Arrima Profile

Visit the Arrima website (arrima.gouv.qc.ca) and create an account using a valid email address. You will need to verify your email and create a secure password. Once logged in, you will complete a detailed profile covering multiple categories of information that determine your eligibility and ranking score.

The profile sections include: personal information (name, date of birth, country of citizenship, passport details, marital status), French language test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada with test dates within the last two years), English language results (IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or TEF Canada for English, if applicable), education credentials (Quebec diplomas and foreign credentials with details on institution, program, duration, and field of study), work experience (occupation classified by NOC code, duration in months or years, whether experience was obtained in Quebec or abroad, and whether it relates to your field of training), validated Quebec job offer (if you have secured employment with an employer who has obtained MIFI validation), Quebec connections (relatives residing in Quebec as citizens or permanent residents, previous studies completed in Quebec, previous work experience in Quebec), and your spouse or common-law partner's information if applicable (their education, language skills, and age).

The portal calculates your score based on the PSTQ points grid as you enter information, providing real-time feedback on how each element contributes to your overall ranking. This transparency allows you to identify areas where improvements could strengthen your profile before or after submission.

It's important to note that submitting an Arrima profile does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a CSQ. The expression of interest is simply a declaration of your interest in immigrating to Quebec as a skilled worker. Your profile remains in the pool for 12 months from the date of submission, after which it expires if you have not received an invitation. You can create a new profile if your previous one expires.

The Scoring System

Your Arrima score is calculated automatically from the points grid established by Quebec regulation. The maximum possible score is approximately 1,320 points for a single applicant without a spouse, or higher when spouse factors are included. Understanding the breakdown helps you strategize how to maximize your competitiveness.

The breakdown is as follows: French language proficiency (up to 22 points for listening, speaking, reading, and writing at advanced levels—the single largest factor in the selection grid), education (up to 14 points, with higher points awarded for university degrees, particularly graduate degrees, and additional points for Quebec credentials or credentials in priority fields), work experience (up to 8 points for experience in occupations related to your field of training, with more points for longer duration and Quebec experience), age (maximum points awarded to candidates aged 18-35, with points decreasing for older applicants), Quebec connections (a validated job offer from a Quebec employer can provide up to 8 points, having close relatives—parents, siblings, grandparents—residing in Quebec as citizens or permanent residents adds points, and previous Quebec study or work experience contributes up to 8 additional points), spouse factors (additional points for your spouse's education level, French and English language proficiency, and age), and English language proficiency (up to 6 complementary points for demonstrating English ability, recognizing that bilingualism is valuable in Quebec's diverse economy).

In 2025, MIFI has placed increased emphasis on French language skills, reflecting Quebec's commitment to protecting and promoting the French language as the province's official language. Candidates with strong French proficiency (CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities) have a significant advantage in draws. For example, a candidate with TEF Canada scores of 400+ in listening, 400+ in speaking, 300+ in reading, and 400+ in writing will maximize their French language points.

Review your score in the Arrima portal dashboard and update it as your situation improves. The system provides a detailed breakdown showing exactly how many points you earned in each category, allowing you to identify opportunities for improvement. For instance, if you scored only 4 points in French but 14 points in education, investing time in French language training and retaking the TEF Canada could dramatically increase your overall score and invitation prospects.

How Tours de Sélection (Draws) Work

MIFI holds periodic invitation rounds called tours de sélection (selection rounds). In each round, MIFI invites the highest-scoring candidates above a minimum threshold to submit a full CSQ application. The frequency and size of draws vary based on Quebec's immigration targets, labour market needs, and processing capacity.

MIFI may hold targeted draws for specific occupations experiencing labour shortages (such as nurses, engineers, information technology specialists, or skilled trades), specific regions outside Montreal that need population growth and economic development, or candidates with validated job offers in priority sectors. The ministry also conducts general draws that invite candidates across all occupations and regions based purely on their ranking score.

Unlike Express Entry, MIFI does not publish a regular draw schedule with predictable dates and frequencies. Draws can be announced and held with limited advance notice—sometimes only a few days' warning. This unpredictability means candidates must keep their profiles current and monitor MIFI communications regularly. Subscribe to MIFI news alerts and check the Arrima portal frequently to stay informed about upcoming draws and any changes to selection criteria.

In recent draws throughout 2024 and early 2025, minimum scores have ranged from approximately 580 points to over 650 points depending on the draw type and labour market conditions. Targeted draws for in-demand occupations or regions may have lower thresholds, while general draws typically require higher scores due to greater competition. For example, a February 2025 draw targeting healthcare professionals had a minimum score of 590 points and invited 1,200 candidates, while a general draw in the same month required 635 points and invited 800 candidates.

After Receiving an Invitation

If your Arrima profile is selected in a tour de sélection, you receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This invitation is sent through your Arrima portal account, and you will also receive an email notification. You have 60 days from the date of invitation to submit a complete application through the Arrima portal. This deadline is strict—failure to submit within 60 days results in the invitation expiring, and you must return to the pool and wait for a future draw.

The application requires all supporting documents to substantiate the information in your expression of interest profile. Required documents typically include: official language test results (original TEF Canada, TCF Canada, IELTS, or CELPIP test report forms), educational credentials (diplomas, degrees, and transcripts, along with an Educational Credential Assessment from a recognized organization if your credentials are from outside Quebec or Canada), employment records (reference letters from employers detailing job titles, duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week), proof of any Quebec connections you claimed (birth certificates or proof of residence for relatives in Quebec, Quebec study completion certificates, Quebec work permits and pay stubs), a validated job offer letter if applicable (with the MIFI validation certificate), identity documents (passport biographical pages, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable), and police certificates from all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 18.

After submitting a complete application with all required documents and paying the processing fees (approximately CAD $822 for a principal applicant as of 2025, with additional fees for accompanying family members), MIFI targets processing within 12 months. However, actual processing times fluctuate based on application volumes, complexity of individual cases, and verification requirements. Some straightforward applications with strong documentation may be processed in 6-8 months, while others requiring additional verification or missing documents may take 15-18 months or longer.

During processing, MIFI may request additional documents, clarifications, or even schedule an interview (though interviews are less common under the Arrima system than under previous selection methods). Respond promptly to any MIFI requests to avoid delays. Once approved, you receive your CSQ, which is valid for a limited period (typically 24 months) and allows you to proceed with your federal permanent residence application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Keeping Your Profile Current

Update your Arrima profile immediately whenever your circumstances change in a way that affects your score or eligibility. This includes: improved language test results (if you retake TEF Canada or TCF Canada and achieve higher scores), a new or validated job offer from a Quebec employer, new education credentials (completing a degree or diploma, particularly from a Quebec institution), additional work experience (especially Quebec work experience or experience in your field of training), changes in marital status (marriage, common-law partnership, or separation that affects spouse points), or changes to Quebec connections (a family member obtaining permanent residence or citizenship in Quebec, completing Quebec studies, or gaining Quebec work experience).

An outdated profile with a lower score than your actual situation means you may be invited at a lower priority than you deserve, or you may miss invitation opportunities altogether. For example, if you improved your French from CLB 5 to CLB 7 but didn't update your profile, you could be missing out on 10-15 additional points that might make the difference between receiving an invitation or remaining in the pool.

You are responsible for keeping your profile accurate and current—MIFI does not proactively update it for you or notify you when updates might be beneficial. Set reminders to review your profile every few months, particularly before anticipated draw periods. The Arrima system allows you to edit your profile at any time while it remains in the pool, and updates take effect immediately for future draws.

Strategic Tips for Improving Your Arrima Score

If your current Arrima score is below recent draw thresholds, consider these strategies to strengthen your profile and improve your chances of receiving an invitation in future rounds.

Prioritize French Language Training

French proficiency is the highest-weighted factor in the PSTQ points grid. Investing in quality French language training—whether through Alliance Française courses, online programs, private tutoring, or immersion experiences—can yield the greatest score improvements. Aim for at least CLB 7 (NCLC 7) in all four language abilities (listening, speaking, reading, writing) to maximize your French points. Many candidates see score increases of 15-20 points after dedicated French study.

Obtain a Validated Job Offer

A validated job offer from a Quebec employer provides substantial points and may make you eligible for targeted draws with lower thresholds. Network with Quebec employers in your field, apply for positions through Quebec job boards, and work with recruitment agencies specializing in international talent. Once you have a job offer, your employer must apply to MIFI for validation, demonstrating that the position is genuine and that hiring you will not negatively affect the Quebec labour market.

Consider Quebec Study or Work Experience

If feasible, gaining Quebec experience through study or temporary work can significantly boost your score. Completing a program at a Quebec educational institution (even a short graduate certificate or diploma) provides points for Quebec education and may improve your French. Working in Quebec on a temporary work permit (such as through the International Mobility Program or a post-graduation work permit) adds valuable Quebec work experience points and demonstrates your ability to integrate into Quebec's labour market.

Upgrade Your Education

Higher education credentials earn more points. If you have a bachelor's degree, consider pursuing a master's degree or graduate diploma, particularly in a field aligned with Quebec's labour market priorities (technology, healthcare, engineering, skilled trades). Quebec credentials receive additional recognition, so studying in Quebec provides dual benefits of education points and Quebec connection points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many Arrima applicants make preventable errors that lower their scores or cause application delays. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Using expired language test results: Language test results must be less than two years old at the time of profile submission and must remain valid when you submit your full CSQ application after receiving an invitation. Plan your test timing carefully to ensure validity throughout the process.

Claiming work experience without proper documentation: Work experience must be verifiable with detailed reference letters on company letterhead, showing job titles, duties, employment dates, and hours worked. Self-employment and informal work are difficult to document and may not be accepted.

Overestimating language ability: Be honest about your language proficiency. The points grid is based on official test results, not self-assessment. Taking a test before you're ready wastes money and time—invest in training first to maximize your score.

Neglecting to update the profile: As mentioned earlier, failing to update your profile when circumstances change means you're competing with an artificially low score. Set calendar reminders to review and update your profile quarterly.

Missing the 60-day application deadline: After receiving an invitation, you must submit your complete application within 60 days. Start gathering documents as soon as you create your profile so you're prepared when an invitation arrives. Missing the deadline means starting over from the beginning.

Integration with Federal Immigration

It's crucial to understand that the Arrima system and CSQ are only the first stage of immigrating to Quebec. After receiving your CSQ, you must apply for permanent residence through IRCC at the federal level. The federal application involves additional requirements including medical examinations, police certificates, biometrics, and security background checks.

Federal processing adds approximately 12-18 months to your overall timeline, meaning the complete journey from Arrima profile to permanent residence typically takes 24-36 months or longer. Budget accordingly for application fees (federal fees are separate from Quebec fees and total approximately CAD $1,365 for a principal applicant plus additional fees for family members), medical examinations, document translations, and potential settlement costs.

The CSQ demonstrates to IRCC that Quebec has selected you as a skilled worker who meets the province's economic and linguistic criteria. However, you must still meet federal admissibility requirements related to health, security, and criminality. IRCC conducts its own independent assessment and can refuse permanent residence even if you hold a valid CSQ, though this is uncommon for straightforward cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Arrima profile remain active in the pool?

An Arrima expression of interest profile remains active for 12 months from the date of submission. If you do not receive an invitation to apply for a CSQ within that 12-month period, your profile expires and is removed from the pool. You can create a new profile at any time if your previous one expires, and many candidates do so with improved scores after gaining additional qualifications, work experience, or language proficiency. There is no limit to how many times you can submit a new profile, and there is no fee to create or maintain an Arrima expression of interest profile.

Can I have both an Arrima profile and an Express Entry profile at the same time?

Yes, you can maintain both an Arrima profile for Quebec immigration and an Express Entry profile for federal immigration programs simultaneously. Many candidates pursue both pathways to maximize their chances of receiving an invitation. However, be aware that if you receive a provincial nomination through Express Entry from a province other than Quebec, you typically commit to settling in that province, not Quebec. If you receive both a Quebec CSQ and a provincial nomination from another province, you must choose one pathway and withdraw from the other. Additionally, Quebec permanent residence through Arrima requires a CSQ and does not use the Express Entry system—these are separate immigration streams with different requirements and processes.

What happens if my circumstances change after I receive an invitation but before I submit my application?

If your circumstances change after receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) but before you submit your complete CSQ application, you should update your information in the application to reflect your current situation. However, be aware that if the changes negatively affect your score (for example, if your language test results expire or you lose a validated job offer), you may no longer meet the minimum threshold that qualified you for the invitation. In such cases, MIFI may refuse your CSQ application. Conversely, if your circumstances improve (such as obtaining higher language test scores or additional education), you should include the updated, stronger information in your application. Always provide accurate, current information in your CSQ application even if it differs from your original expression of interest profile, and include a letter of explanation describing any significant changes and how they affect your application.