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How Quebec's Arrima Expression of Interest Bank Works

Quebec's immigration program operates separately from the federal Express Entry system. The province manages its Expression of Interest (EOI) bank through the Arrima portal, where candidates submit their profiles for consideration for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This article explains the Arrima portal's functionality, the EOI submission process, and how profiles are scored and ranked.

introduction to quebec immigration and arrima

The Quebec immigration program is designed to address the province's specific labor market needs. The Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) manages the program, utilizing the Arrima portal to process EOIs. Candidates create a profile on the portal, providing personal and professional information, including education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.

To submit an EOI, candidates must first complete their profile. Once the profile is complete, they can submit an EOI, which enters the Arrima pool. Profiles in the pool are scored and ranked based on factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. French language proficiency is highly valued, and candidates with strong French skills receive more points. Ties to Quebec, such as family members or friends living in the province, also increase a candidate's points.

scoring and ranking in arrima

The scoring system prioritizes candidates with skills and experience that align with Quebec's labor market needs. For instance, candidates with experience in in-demand occupations like healthcare or technology may receive higher scores. The ranking system ensures that the most qualified candidates are invited to apply for a CSQ.

receiving an invitation to apply for a csq

Selected candidates receive an invitation to apply for a CSQ based on their score and ranking, as well as the province's labor market needs. Upon receiving an invitation, candidates have a limited time to submit a complete application. It's essential for candidates to ensure their application is thorough and accurate to increase their chances of approval.

what is the quebec immigration program

The Quebec immigration program aims to attract skilled workers and their families to the province. With its own eligibility criteria and application process, the program differs from the federal Express Entry system. For more information on the Quebec immigration program, visit the Quebec immigration page.

how does the arrima portal differ from express entry

The Arrima portal is unique to Quebec's immigration program, using a scoring and ranking system to select candidates for a CSQ. In contrast, Express Entry is a federal program that uses a points-based system. To learn more about Express Entry, visit the Express Entry page. The Arrima portal's distinct approach allows Quebec to prioritize candidates who best meet the province's specific needs.

For candidates interested in learning more about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), visit the PNP page. Official current rules are at canada.ca immigration; this guide is independent reference content. The Canada.ca website is the official source of information on immigration to Canada.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 20, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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