The new online portal for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, known as Arrima, is now in service.
Effective from september 2018/09-18, candidates who are interested in obtaining Canadian permanent residence through the Quebec skilled worker Program can express their interest to the Government of Quebec by creating a profile using Arrima.
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.
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 point grid.
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.
As of August 2nd 2018, Quebec operates a new Expression of Interest system under its Quebec Skilled Worker program, called Arrima. It functions in a similar way as the federal Express Entry system and replaces the former first-come, first-served process.
The system is designed to allow candidates with the best credentials to get to the front of the line for Quebec economic immigration.
According to Quebec Ministry ot Immigration, diversity and Inclusion (MIDI), the new portal Arrima is ready for opening in September 2018.
Candidates submit an online expression of interest profile to the MIDI.
Profiles enter into an Expression of Interest pool, where they are ranked against each other and are valid for 12-months.
Profiles will be classified in two categories: one for candidates who are living in Quebec or have a job offer and meet specific criteria, and the another for candidates living outside Quebec and meet specific criteria.
The highest-ranking candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Quebec Certificate of Selection under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Candidates are ranked under many factors including education, work experience, age, language ability and time spent in Quebec. A valid job offer is also an important factor.
The qualifications of a candidate’s spouse or partner will also be considered.
Quebec publishes lists of High Demand Occupations and Areas of Training that could weigh considerably in the assessment.
These candidates will be ranked based on the following criteria:
What Points Are Available Under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program?
Quebec has not yet published the points structure of the selection criteria above.
However, candidates selected to apply for a CSQ under the Quebec Skilled worker program must also pass the threshold for the Selection factors, which is 50 points for a single candidate and 59 points for a married candidate.
The following is a partial reference to the Quebec Immigration High Demand Occupation List.
The list of occupations provides applicants from outside Canada, who do not have intermediate french abilities, the best chances to qualify under Quebec rules.