Arrima Canada: Complete 2025–2026 Guide to Quebec Immigration via the Arrima Portal
The government website is entirely in French. The links lead to more links. There is a portal called “Arrima,” a program called “PSTQ,” something called a “CSQ,” and a reference to a program that — as of November 2025 — no longer exists. This guide cuts through every layer: what Arrima actually is, what happened to the old programs, how the new PSTQ works, which stream fits your profile, what the 1,400-point grid rewards, and what the real draw data shows heading into 2026.
What Is Arrima? (The Plain-English Answer)
Arrima is not an immigration program. It is the online portal through which Quebec’s immigration ministry — the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) — manages applications from foreign nationals who want to immigrate to Quebec.
Think of Arrima the way you think of the IRCC portal for federal applications. Arrima is the platform. The program running inside it is the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) — the Skilled Worker Selection Program.
Arrima launched in August 2018 when Quebec’s new Immigration Act came into force. It replaced a paper-based, first-come-first-served intake system that produced massive backlogs and had no mechanism for matching applicants to actual labour market needs. Under the old system, someone who filed in week one had the same chance as someone who filed in week six — regardless of how well their skills aligned with what Quebec needed. Arrima ended that.
Today, candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) — called a déclaration d’intérêt (DI) in French — through Arrima. They are scored, ranked, and invited when their profile matches Quebec’s current priorities. The system mirrors federal Express Entry in its mechanics, but operates completely independently.
Creating an account, submitting an EOI, and updating your profile cost nothing. Fees only apply once you are invited and submit a full permanent selection application for a CSQ.
What Arrima Is Not — Three Misconceptions Cleared Up
“Arrima is the same as Express Entry”
Your federal CRS score is entirely irrelevant inside Arrima. Quebec runs its own selection system under the Canada-Quebec Accord, giving the province unique authority to select its own economic immigrants. IRCC approves the final PR application, but Quebec selects first.
“Only people already in Quebec can apply”
Arrima accepts profiles from candidates worldwide. The scoring system does reward Quebec residence, work, and study — but overseas candidates can compensate through strong French scores, a Validated Job Offer (VJO) outside Montreal, and high human capital factors.
Arrima also handles employer applications, temporary worker documentation, student file submissions, collective sponsorship of refugees abroad, and French learning services. The skilled worker pathway (PSTQ) is the most discussed — but the platform is broader.
The 2024–2025 Overhaul — What Changed and Why It Matters
This is the section that most existing articles get wrong or skip entirely. Understanding this timeline is the difference between submitting a competitive profile and submitting an outdated one that goes nowhere.
- 1November 29, 2024RSWP replaced by PSTQ — then immediately paused
Quebec’s old Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP / PRTQ) was officially replaced by the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). MIFI immediately paused the new program to finalize invitation criteria and scoring.
- 2July 2, 2025Ministerial order confirms PSTQ scoring — draws can resume
A ministerial order in the Gazette officielle du Québec confirmed the PSTQ’s invitation criteria and scoring system. This cleared the legal path for draws to begin.
- 3July 17, 2025First PSTQ draw — 238 invitations
Stream 1 (216 candidates, minimum score 768) and Stream 4 (22 exceptional talent). Initial draws were small and targeted at high-scoring candidates with VJOs outside Montreal or Quebec diplomas.
- 4November 19, 2025Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) ends permanently
The PEQ — previously a fast-track pathway for Quebec graduates and temporary workers — closed for good. With its closure, the PSTQ became the only skilled worker route to a CSQ in Quebec.
- 5January 1, 2026Pilot programs end
Quebec’s permanent immigration pilot programs for food processing workers, orderlies, and AI/IT workers also ended. The PSTQ is now the only skilled worker pathway in the province.
- 6March 19, 2026Largest draw to date — 2,522 invitations at minimum score 452
As MIFI cleared the declaration of interest backlog, draw volumes grew substantially. By March 2026, Quebec had invited 7,618+ skilled candidates across all four PSTQ streams in 2026 alone.
MIFI stated that older declarations of interest remain in the Arrima system but must be updated to meet PSTQ requirements. A profile optimized for the old 82-point RSWP eligibility grid is not the same as one optimized for the new 1,400-point PSTQ invitation grid. If you submitted an EOI before November 2024, log into Arrima and review it against the current criteria immediately.
Who Is Eligible for Arrima / PSTQ?
The basic eligibility threshold is low — almost anyone 18 or older can create an Arrima account and submit an EOI. What separates eligibility from competitiveness is the scoring system.
General requirements to submit an EOI:
- Age 18 or older
- Intend to live and work in Quebec
- Intend to work for an employer you do not control (self-employment is not eligible under most streams)
- Work in a sector that is not on MIFI’s list of ineligible employment sectors
The Two-Stage System — This Is Where Candidates Get Confused
The PSTQ uses two entirely separate points systems, and confusing them is one of the most common mistakes applicants make:
Minimum Threshold to Enter the Bank
Single applicant: 50 points. Married or common-law: 59 points. Meeting this is relatively achievable. It determines whether your profile enters the Arrima declaration of interest database at all.
Maximum Points — Real Competition Happens Here
Once in the bank, this second system ranks your profile against every other candidate. Only the highest-scoring profiles receive invitations in each draw. Being in the bank does not mean you will be invited.
French Language — The Non-Negotiable Requirement Since November 2023
French proficiency is mandatory for Streams 1, 2, and 3. Quebec uses its own proficiency scale — the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français (1–12) — not the federal CLB system. The two scales are different, and converting between them incorrectly is a common and costly error.
Accepted tests: TCF Canada, TEF Canada, TEFAQ, DELF, and DALF. Results must not be older than two years at the time of CSQ issuance — not just at profile submission.
| Stream | Principal Applicant — Minimum | Accompanying Spouse | French Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stream 1 — Highly Qualified | Level 7 oral + Level 5 written | Level 4 spoken minimum | Yes |
| Stream 2 — Intermediate/Manual | Level 5 oral minimum | Level 4 spoken minimum | Yes |
| Stream 3 — Regulated Professions | Level 7 oral + Level 5 written | Level 4 spoken minimum | Yes |
| Stream 4 — Exceptional Talent | No mandatory minimum | — | Not Required |
The jump from Level 5 to Level 7 French (Échelle québécoise) can add 60–80 points to your PSTQ invitation score — one of the highest-return investments in the entire application. Start French preparation 12–18 months before you plan to apply.
The Four PSTQ Streams — Which One Is Yours?
MIFI determines your stream automatically based on the main occupation you declare in your EOI. You do not choose a stream — your NOC code and whether you intend to practise a regulated profession determine it. Getting the NOC code wrong does not just cost you points — it puts you in the wrong stream with different eligibility criteria entirely.
Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
Covers TEER 0, 1, and 2 occupations — managers, professionals, and technical roles. Most competitive stream with the highest minimum scores. The July 17, 2025 first draw required a minimum of 768 points.
TEER 0, 1, 2 French Level 7 Oral Min. 768 pts (first draw)Intermediate and Manual Skills
Covers TEER 2 and 3 occupations — skilled trades, manual work, technical roles requiring hands-on training. First draw July 31, 2025 required 661 points and residence outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community.
TEER 2, 3 French Level 5 Oral Min. 661 pts (first draw)Regulated Professions
Covers occupations requiring authorization from a Quebec professional regulatory body — nurses, engineers, lawyers, physicians, pharmacists. Candidates must show authorization to practise or partial credential equivalence recognition.
Any TEER (regulated) French Level 7 Oral Credential recognition requiredExceptional Talent
For individuals with outstanding professional achievement or international recognition in a targeted field. First draw July 17, 2025 — only 22 people invited. Typically requires a PhD plus recognition by a Quebec partner, or documented exceptional achievement.
Any TEER No French Minimum PhD or recognition requiredFind Out Your PSTQ Score Before You Apply
Use our free ARRIMA Points Calculator to estimate your score under the new 1,400-point grid, then get a personalised review of your Quebec and federal immigration options.
The 1,400-Point PSTQ Scoring Grid — Full Breakdown
The 1,400-point maximum is divided across three broad categories. Understanding each one — and where you can gain the most points — is the entire strategy of a competitive Arrima application.
- French proficiency — up to 200 pts
50 pts per skill × 4 skills (principal); 40 pts/skill for spouse. Highest single factor in the entire grid. - Age — up to 120 pts
Peak range 18–30. Points decline progressively after 30. - Education — up to 130 pts
Quebec diplomas score higher than equivalent foreign credentials. - Work experience — up to 70 pts
Experience in your main NOC over the past 5 years. Recent experience earns more.
- Validated Job Offer (VJO)
Outside CMM adds more than inside Montreal. One of the most powerful single levers available. - In-demand occupation
MIFI’s labour market diagnosis of your specific NOC. Priority: healthcare, education, trades, IT. - Quebec diploma
At least 900 hours vocational/college or 30 university credits in Quebec. - Quebec work experience
Experience specifically in Quebec — not just anywhere in Canada. - Settlement outside Montreal
~40% of draws target non-CMM candidates. Strong structural advantage.
- Study stay in Quebec
Length of time you have spent studying in Quebec. - Family member in Quebec
Having a qualifying family member already living in the province. - Spouse’s French proficiency
Échelle québécoise score for your accompanying spouse. - Spouse’s education and Quebec experience
Their degree level and any Quebec work history. - Spouse’s Quebec diploma
Completed in Quebec — adds to household integration score.
When two candidates reach the same total score, MIFI ranks them by the exact date and time they submitted their EOI in Arrima. Submitting the moment you meet minimum eligibility — rather than waiting for a “perfect” profile — gives you a genuine ranking advantage at your score level. This mirrors the federal Express Entry UTC timestamp tie-breaker.
The Validated Job Offer (VJO) — Quebec’s Strategic Advantage
A VJO is not a regular job offer. It is a formal job offer that MIFI has validated after assessing whether the role is genuine, falls within your declared NOC, and meets Quebec’s labour market criteria. The employer pays a CAD $228 fee to validate the offer. Validation is valid for 18 months — with no possibility of extension.
The VJO outside Montreal is the single most powerful lever most candidates have to move from “competitive but uncertain” into near-guaranteed invitation territory for their stream. Here is why the location matters so much:
The job must be: full-time (minimum 30 hours/week), non-seasonal, in your declared NOC occupation, and with an employer you do not control. The position must be occupied immediately on arrival in Quebec if you are abroad, or upon obtaining PR if already in the province.
Practical Guidance
- The VJO is particularly powerful for trades workers, healthcare professionals, and educators seeking positions in regional Quebec.
- Employers in these sectors actively recruit internationally and are familiar with the MIFI validation process.
- If your employer in Quebec City, Sherbrooke, or Trois-Rivières is willing to validate an offer, the points advantage compared to a Montreal-based offer can mean the difference between waiting many draw cycles and receiving an invitation in the next round.
- Fee: CAD $228 paid by the employer. Valid 18 months. No extensions — if your CSQ process extends beyond 18 months, the VJO expires.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Create Your Arrima Account
Go to arrima.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca. The portal is in French only — MIFI has not published an English interface. Account creation is free and requires a valid email address.
- 2
Complete Your Expression of Interest — 90-Day Deadline
From the date you create your account, you have 90 days to complete and submit your EOI. If you do not submit within 90 days, the system deletes it and you start over. The EOI covers your NOC code, work history, education, French test results, family situation, and Quebec ties. It is not a formal application — it is a detailed profile.
- 3
Your EOI Enters the Arrima Bank — Score Assigned Automatically
Once submitted, your profile enters the declaration of interest database. Your score is calculated automatically. Your EOI is valid for 12 months. You can update it if your circumstances change — new language results, a VJO, additional Quebec experience — but each update carries implications for your tie-breaker timestamp.
- 4
Wait for an Invitation — Check Your Message Centre
MIFI holds draws approximately every 4–6 weeks with no fixed schedule. You will receive a notification in your Arrima message centre if invited — and a separate email alert. Check your message centre regularly. Do not rely on email alone.
- 5
Accept or Decline — 30-Day Deadline
If invited, you have 30 days to accept through your Arrima account. You can also decline and keep your EOI in the bank, or decline and have it removed entirely.
- 6
Submit Your Permanent Selection Application — 60-Day Deadline
Once you accept, MIFI sends instructions for submitting your full application through Mon Projet Québec. The deadline is 60 days from acceptance for most streams. Stream 3 (Regulated Professions) allows up to 1 year in certain cases.
- 7
Pay CSQ Fees and Provide Documents
CSQ processing fees (as of January 1, 2025): Principal applicant: CAD $827. Accompanying spouse or partner: CAD $174. Dependent child: CAD $174. Additional costs include French testing (~$200–350), ECA, police clearances, translations, and federal PR fees. Some applicants may be called for an interview to verify information.
- 8
Receive Your CSQ — Valid for 2 Years
A successful application results in a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). The CSQ is valid for two years from issuance. This is the window within which you must submit your federal PR application to IRCC.
- 9
Apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence
The CSQ confirms Quebec’s approval. You then apply to IRCC, which conducts medical examinations, security and criminal background checks, and issues final PR approval. IRCC’s decision is separate from Quebec’s. You must settle in Quebec — moving to another province after using a Quebec CSQ to obtain PR can have serious consequences.
Arrima Draw History — Real Data 2025–2026
This is what every applicant needs to know, and what almost no competitor resource provides in one place. All data is sourced from official MIFI publications and immigration.ca tracking.
| Date | Stream | Invitations | Minimum Score / Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2025 | Stream 1 — Highly Qualified | 216 | 768 points minimum |
| July 17, 2025 | Stream 4 — Exceptional Talent | 22 | Recognition or exceptional achievement + PhD |
| July 31, 2025 | Stream 2 — Intermediate/Manual | 273 | 661 pts; outside CMM; residing in Quebec |
| August 11, 2025 | Stream 1 | 275 | 760 pts; VJO outside CMM |
| August 28, 2025 | Stream 1 + Stream 4 | 200+ | 760 pts; VJO + in-demand occupations |
| November 30, 2025 | Stream 1 | 605 | Quebec diploma required; 900+ hrs vocational/30+ university credits |
| November 30, 2025 | Stream 2 | 649 | — |
| December 4, 2025 | All streams | 1,870 | Stream-specific criteria |
| January 26, 2026 | Stream 1 | 1,094 | TEER 0–2; 12 months experience in NOC |
| January 26, 2026 | Stream 2 | 750 | — |
| February 23, 2026 | Stream 1 | — | TEER 0–2; 12 months experience in main occupation |
| March 19, 2026 | All streams | 2,522 | Minimum 452 pts — largest and most accessible draw to date |
Early draws (July–August 2025) were small and targeted, requiring 760–768 points — focused on Stream 1 candidates with VJOs outside Montreal or Quebec diplomas. As MIFI built confidence in the new system and cleared the backlog, draw volumes grew substantially. The March 19, 2026 draw at minimum 452 points across all streams was the most accessible in the PSTQ’s history. In 2026 alone, Quebec has invited 7,618+ skilled candidates. MIFI announced a 2026 target of 29,000 economic immigrants, implying continued high draw volumes throughout the year.
Country cap: Since October 9, 2024, a 25% per-country cap per draw limits how many candidates from any single country can receive an invitation in one round — introduced to diversify Quebec’s immigration sources.
Arrima vs. Express Entry — Which Is Right for You?
Quebec is not a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) province. It operates under the Canada-Quebec Accord, which gives it the most extensive immigration selection authority of any province. Quebec selects its own permanent residents — IRCC only approves the final PR application.
| Factor | Arrima / PSTQ (Quebec) | Federal Express Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Who manages it | MIFI (Quebec government) | IRCC (federal government) |
| Points system | 1,400-point PSTQ grid (Échelle québécoise for French) | CRS score (max 1,200, CLB for language) |
| CRS score relevance | Completely irrelevant — zero | Determines ITA eligibility |
| French requirement | Mandatory for 3 of 4 streams | Optional — adds CRS points; opens category draws |
| Where you must live | Quebec only | Anywhere in Canada except Quebec |
| First step outcome | CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate) | ITA → eAPR → PR |
| No settlement funds needed | ✅ No funds required | ✅ CEC: no funds. FSW: yes, required |
Choose Arrima / PSTQ when: your French is at Level 7 or above on the Échelle québécoise; you have Quebec ties (study, work, or family); you are willing to settle outside Montreal; your occupation is in demand in Quebec; or you have or can pursue a VJO.
Choose federal Express Entry when: your French is weak but English CLB is strong; you have no Quebec connection; your CRS score is competitive for current federal draw cut-offs; or your occupation aligns with federal category-based draws (STEM, healthcare, trades).
Yes — but with an important condition. Federal Express Entry candidates who live outside Quebec can use the French Language Proficiency category draw (cut-offs as low as 379–400 in recent rounds). But if you receive a federal ITA, you must commit to living outside Quebec. You cannot apply under FSW or CEC and then settle in Quebec. The Canada-Quebec Accord reserves Quebec immigration to the PSTQ for those who intend to live in the province.
7 Mistakes That Sink PSTQ / Arrima Applications
- 1Submitting an Old RSWP Profile Without Updating for PSTQ Criteria
A profile optimized for the old 82-point RSWP eligibility grid is not the same as one optimized for the new 1,400-point PSTQ invitation grid. If you submitted an EOI before November 2024, review and update it immediately. Old profiles can remain in the bank — but they will score very poorly under the new system.
- 2Updating Your Profile and Losing Your Tie-Breaker Position
Every substantive update changes your EOI submission timestamp — the tie-breaker when two profiles share the same score. Updating for a 2-point improvement may push you behind hundreds of candidates who entered the bank earlier at the same score. Only update when the score gain is meaningful and clearly worth the queue position cost.
- 3Using an Expired French Language Test
Your test results must not be older than two years at the time of CSQ issuance — not just at the time you create your profile. If you submitted results in January 2024 and receive a CSQ in March 2026, the test has expired. Monitor expiry dates and retest before accepting an invitation if needed.
- 4Choosing the Wrong NOC Code
MIFI assigns your stream based on your declared main occupation NOC code. A wrong code does not just cost you points — it assigns you to the wrong stream with entirely different eligibility criteria. An IT project manager declared under a TEER 3 code instead of TEER 1 will be placed in Stream 2 instead of Stream 1.
- 5Claiming Points for Self-Employed Work Without Documentation
MIFI is strict about employment documentation. Self-employed income claimed without tax records, contracts, and proof of business activity will be rejected at the document review stage. Have the paperwork ready before accepting an invitation if you have self-employment history.
- 6Assuming a High Federal CRS Score Helps
Your federal Express Entry CRS score is completely irrelevant inside Arrima. Not partially relevant. Not a tiebreaker. Zero. Candidates sometimes spend months improving their CRS when they should be improving their PSTQ score — specifically their French proficiency and Quebec ties.
- 7Not Targeting the Regional Bonus
Settlement outside Montreal is one of the highest-value point areas in the PSTQ grid, and approximately 40% of draws specifically target non-CMM candidates. Declaring regional settlement without genuine intent and evidence to back it up at the application stage is a misrepresentation risk with serious consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrima Canada
Is Arrima free to use?
Yes. Creating an account, submitting an Expression of Interest, updating your profile, and waiting for an invitation are all free. Fees only apply when you are invited and submit a full permanent selection application for the CSQ. The principal applicant CSQ fee as of January 1, 2025 is CAD $827.
Do I need to speak French to submit an Arrima profile?
You need French proficiency to meet the eligibility requirements for Streams 1, 2, and 3. Stream 4 (Exceptional Talent) has no mandatory French minimum. However, without meaningful French proficiency, your score will be too low to receive an invitation in most draws. The Arrima portal itself is also in French only — MIFI has not published an English interface.
Can I apply for Arrima from outside Canada?
Yes. Candidates from anywhere in the world can create an Arrima account and submit an EOI. The scoring system rewards Quebec residence, work, and study — but overseas candidates can compensate through strong French scores, a Validated Job Offer outside Montreal, and high human capital factors (education, age, work experience).
What is the difference between an EOI and a full application?
The EOI (Expression of Interest / Déclaration d’intérêt) is a detailed profile you submit to enter the Arrima bank. It is not an immigration application and you pay no fees at this stage. A full application only happens after you receive and accept an invitation from MIFI — at that point, you submit supporting documents and pay the CSQ processing fees through Mon Projet Québec.
How long does an Arrima EOI stay active?
Your EOI is valid for 12 months from the date of submission. You can update it throughout this period, but each update changes your tie-breaker timestamp. If you do not receive an invitation within 12 months, the profile expires and you must resubmit.
How often are Arrima draws held?
MIFI holds draws approximately every 4–6 weeks, though there is no fixed schedule. The frequency, size, and criteria of each draw vary based on Quebec’s immigration targets, the composition of the declaration of interest bank, and current labour market priorities.
What is the minimum score for an Arrima invitation?
It varies by stream and draw exercise. Stream 1 draws required 760–768 points in early rounds in 2025. Stream 2 first drew at 661 points. By March 2026, a broad draw ran at a minimum of 452 points across all streams — the most accessible to date. Scores vary with each draw based on pool composition and MIFI’s targeting criteria.
Does a Validated Job Offer guarantee an invitation?
No. A VJO adds significant points to your score, but MIFI still selects the highest-scoring candidates and may apply additional criteria — regional residence, specific NOC code, Quebec diploma — that determine eligibility within a given draw. A VJO outside Montreal substantially improves your chances but does not guarantee an invitation.
What happens after I receive a CSQ?
The CSQ is valid for two years from issuance. You use it to apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence. IRCC conducts medical examinations and security and criminal background checks, then issues final PR approval. You must settle in Quebec — moving to another province after using a Quebec CSQ to obtain PR can have serious consequences for your immigration status.
What replaced the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)?
The PEQ ended permanently on November 19, 2025. Quebec graduates and temporary workers who previously would have used the PEQ fast-track must now apply under the PSTQ through Arrima. The PSTQ has four streams, including Stream 2 for intermediate and manual skills that covers some of the same worker profiles the PEQ previously served. There is no equivalent replacement for the PEQ’s speed — the PSTQ is a competitive, scored system, not a fast-track pathway.
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This guide reflects MIFI policies and Arrima draw data as of May 2026. Quebec immigration rules have changed significantly since 2024 and continue to evolve. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Quebec immigration lawyer before making decisions about your application.