FROM HOPE TO REALITY
The EOI outlines your socio-economic profile and qualifications, which are then used to evaluate and rank you among other candidates in the pool. If you rank among the top candidates, you may receive an invitation from the Quebec government to apply for permanent selection.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system was implemented by the Quebec government in 2018 to streamline the process for permanent selection in the province. This modernization effort mirrors the Express Entry system introduced in Canada in 2015, with both aiming to enhance the efficiency of immigration applications and better align them with labour market demands.
Quebec’s EOI system allows the government to create a pool of foreign nationals seeking permanent residency through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). To begin this process, applicants must create a profile in the Arrima portal and complete an EOI, which details their socio-economic background.
Eligible candidates answer a series of questions online, and their profiles are scored based on factors related to human capital and labour market needs. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) oversees the Arrima platform, conducting regular invitation rounds to select candidates based on their scores, target occupations, and other relevant criteria.
Submissions to the EOI are free, with no limit on the number of profiles that can be entered, and no specific deadline for submission. EOIs remain valid for one year and can be updated at any time, even after submission.
Any foreign national aged 18 or older who plans to live and work in Quebec can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Arrima portal.
Candidates are assessed using a point system that divides criteria into two categories. Some criteria also allow points to be awarded for the spouse or common-law partner of the principal applicant.
Here’s a summary of the criteria considered and the maximum points available for each:
1. Education
2. Work Experience
3. Age
4. Knowledge of French
5. Stay and Family in Quebec
6. Validated Job Offer
7. Spouse’s Characteristics
8. Presence of Children
9. Ability to be Financially Independent
Each criterion contributes to the overall score, which determines the candidate’s ranking in the EOI pool.
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Criteria | Maximum points –Â Principal Applicant | Maximum points –Â Spouse or common-law partner accompanying the principal applicant |
---|---|---|
Knowledge of French | 180 | 40 |
Knowledge of French and English | 80 | — |
Age | 130 | 110 |
Length of professional experience | 100 | — |
Level of education | 90 | 70 (principal applicant with accompanying spouse) 10 (spouse or common-law partner of principal applicant) |
Criteria | Maximum points –Â Principal Applicant | Maximum points –Â Spouse or common-law partner accompanying the principal applicant |
---|---|---|
Workforce diagnosis combined, if applicable, with the length of experience in the profession practiced; | 100 | — |
Field of training | 60 | — |
Québec diploma | 50 | 10 |
Length of professional experience in Québec | 100 | — |
Length of professional experience in the rest of Canada | 30 | — |
Validated job offer combined, if applicable, instead of the job depending on whether it is located inside or outside the territory of Greater Montréal | 380 (Outside of Greater Montreal Area 180 (In Greater Montreal Area) | — |
Candidates and their spouses or common-law partners can accumulate up to 1,320 points based on human capital and Quebec labour market factors.
When you file your EOI, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Foreign nationals interested in immigrating to Quebec through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) can start by submitting an online Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Arrima portal.
The application process for the QSWP consists of five key steps:
1. Submission of EOI: Candidates submit their Expression of Interest profile through the Arrima portal, entering the pool of candidates.
2. Invitation to Apply: Quebec’s Immigration Ministry (MIFI) issues invitations to the highest-ranking candidates, which may consider regional labor market needs among other criteria.
3. Application for CSQ: Invited candidates can then submit a complete application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ) under the QSWP.
4. Review and Approval: Submitted applications are reviewed, and approved candidates receive their CSQ.
5. Permanent Residence Application: After obtaining a CSQ, candidates can apply for Canadian permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Once submitted, the Expression of Interest (EOI) remains valid for one year, during which candidates can update their profiles. For instance, candidates can enhance their chances of receiving an invitation by completing a language test.
The highest-scoring candidates, or those who meet specific criteria—such as holding a job in a targeted occupation outside major metropolitan areas—will be invited to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) under the QSWP. Candidates can estimate their QSWP and EOI scores using the CanadaVisa Skilled Worker Points Calculator or the self-assessment tool provided by the Quebec government.
The Government of Quebec regularly issues invitations, and candidates can find the latest updates on the Arrima portal.
If invited to apply for the QSWP, candidates will have 60 days to submit a complete application for the CSQ. Applications are processed through the Mon Projet Québec application management system. Once the Ministry assesses the application, a complete list of required documents will be provided to the candidate.
The review process begins once all necessary documents are submitted. In some cases, applicants may be invited to attend an interview to verify the information provided in their application.
The Quebec government aims to process complete applications within 6 months. The processing time begins when MIFI receives: