The Quebec Expression of Interest (EOI) system is the first step in immigrating to Quebec under the province’s Skilled Worker Selection Program. Managed through the online Arrima platform, it allows individuals to indicate their intention to live and work in Quebec by submitting a profile that highlights their qualifications, experience, and language skills.
Quebec uses the EOI system to identify candidates who best meet its labour market and integration needs. Profiles are assessed and ranked based on selection criteria, and the highest-ranking candidates may receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection. This system replaces the previous first-come, first-served model, making the process more efficient and tailored to Quebec’s evolving priorities.
On This Page You Will Find
- Why filing an Expression of Interest is free
- Eligibility conditions for the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program
- How long your profile stays valid and how to renew
- Information and documents you must enter in Arrima
- Tips on linking with Quebec employers through the Employer Portal
Filing Is Free
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Quebec is always free of charge. You complete the process entirely online through the Arrima platform, and you do not need a paid representative. If you do hire someone, ensure they hold proper authorisation from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.
Who Can Submit an EOI
You must be at least 18 years old, plan to live and work in Quebec, and intend to take a position with an employer you do not control. Your target occupation cannot be in the province’s list of ineligible sectors. Meeting all three conditions lets you open an Arrima account and begin your profile.
Validity Period and Renewal
From the day you submit, your EOI remains active for 12 months. If you do not receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection in that time, the profile expires automatically. You cannot extend it, but you may file a new profile at no cost. Arrima transfers your previous answers, so update every field to reflect your current situation.
Information You Must Provide
Arrima asks for personal data, contact details, marital status and any temporary status you already hold in Quebec. You also declare:
- Intended occupation and, if applicable, a validated job offer
- Education history with secondary and post-secondary diplomas
- All work experience from the past five years
- Accepted French test results or qualifying diplomas, and optional English test scores
- Details on accompanying spouse and children
Gather passports, test results, diplomas and recent employment certificates before you start. If your occupation is regulated, note any assessment by the provincial authority.
Completing and Submitting in Arrima
Create your Arrima account, then you have 90 days to enter all answers and hit “Submit.” Miss the deadline and the draft profile disappears. The platform offers help capsules in French to guide each step. After submission, you may log in at any time to update your information; doing so keeps the profile accurate but does not extend its validity.
Connecting With Employers
In the consent section, you can agree to show your profile to Quebec employers through the Employer Portal. Companies seeking foreign talent may contact you for temporary or permanent roles – a useful pathway to secure an offer that boosts your immigration prospects.
Staying Informed
Arrima sends every official message to your online message centre and triggers an email alert. Check junk folders to avoid missing updates. You may also withdraw your EOI whenever you wish.
FAQ
What is the Quebec Expression of Interest, and why is it important?
The Expression of Interest is an online profile that tells Quebec you want to immigrate under the Skilled Worker Selection Program. Filing it is the first step toward receiving an invitation to apply for permanent selection. Without a valid EOI, Quebec cannot invite you to continue the immigration process.
Does it cost anything to file an Expression of Interest in Arrima?
No. Creating and submitting an EOI is entirely free. You pay nothing to the Quebec government at this stage. If you choose to hire an immigration representative, that person’s fees are your responsibility, and the representative must hold authorisation from Quebec’s immigration ministry.
How long does my profile remain valid, and can I extend it?
Your EOI stays valid for 12 months from the date of submission. You cannot extend or renew the same profile. If it expires without an invitation, you may file a fresh profile at no cost. Arrima will copy your previous answers, but you should review and update every section before resubmitting.
Can I edit my information after I have submitted my EOI?
Yes. You can log in to Arrima at any time and update your answers to reflect new jobs, language scores or family changes. Keeping your profile current can improve your chances of being invited, but updates do not reset the 12-month validity clock.
How does the employer-matching option work, and should I opt in?
If you give consent, Quebec employers can view your profile in the Employer Portal. Interested companies may contact you for recruitment, either as a temporary foreign worker or as part of a permanent immigration program. Opting in can widen your job prospects and strengthen your immigration application, especially if you secure a validated offer.
