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 MIFI for submitting and managing expressions of interest in the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). It was launched in 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.
Creating Your Arrima Profile
Visit the Arrima website (arrima.gouv.qc.ca) and create an account. You will complete a detailed profile covering: personal information, French language test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada), English language results (if applicable), education (Quebec and foreign credentials), work experience (occupation, duration, Quebec work history if any), validated Quebec job offer (if you have one), Quebec connections (relatives, previous studies or work in Quebec), and your spouse's information if applicable. The portal calculates your score based on the PSTQ points grid as you enter information.
The Scoring System
Your Arrima score is calculated automatically from the points grid. The breakdown is roughly: French language (up to 22 points, the single largest factor), education (up to 14 points), work experience (up to 8 points in related field), age (maximum at 18-35), Quebec connection (job offer validated by MIFI up to 8 points, relatives in Quebec, previous Quebec study/work up to 8 points), spouse factors (additional points for spouse's education and language), and English (up to 6 complementary points). Review your score in the Arrima portal and update it as your situation improves.
How Tours de Sélection (Draws) Work
MIFI holds periodic invitation rounds called tours de sélection. 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 — MIFI may hold targeted draws for specific occupations or regions, as well as general draws. Unlike Express Entry, MIFI does not publish a regular draw schedule — draws can be announced and held with limited advance notice. Subscribe to MIFI news alerts to stay informed.
After Receiving an Invitation
If your Arrima profile is selected, you receive an invitation to apply for a CSQ. You have 60 days to submit a complete application through the Arrima portal. The application requires all supporting documents: language test results, educational credentials (with ECA equivalency from a recognized Quebec organization if applicable), employment records, and any documents supporting your Quebec connections. After submitting a complete application, MIFI targets processing within a year, though timelines fluctuate with application volumes.
Keeping Your Profile Current
Update your Arrima profile immediately whenever your circumstances change in a way that affects your score: improved language test results, a new job offer, new education credentials, or additional 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. You are responsible for keeping your profile accurate — MIFI does not proactively update it for you.