What's the difference between the Arrima and Express Entry selection systems?

The main difference between the Arrima and Entrée Express selection systems lies in their geographical scope and linguistic focus. Arrima is aimed specifically at immigrants wishing to settle in Quebec, with greater emphasis on knowledge of French. Entrée Express, managed by the federal government, applies to all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec, and places greater emphasis on English and French language skills. Both systems are based on a points system that evaluates candidates according to factors such as education, work experience and age.

The world of immigration to Canada is constantly evolving. For those wishing to immigrate, it's important to understand the selection systems in place. The Arrima and Express Entry selection systems are two of the main ways in which immigrants can enter Canada. But what distinguishes these two systems? In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the differences and similarities between Arrima and Entrée Express.

What is Arrima?

Launched by the Quebec government in 2018, the Arrima (Arbitrage Immigration) selection system is an online platform that manages applications for the Expression of Interest for the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program and other online selection programs. It operates on a point system that takes into account various factors, such as education, work experience, age, language, ties to Quebec, and ability to support oneself financially.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian federal government to manage skilled immigration applications through three economic programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker program and the Federal Skilled Trades program. It was implemented in 2015 and also uses a points system to evaluate applicants.

The main difference between Arrima and Entrée Express

One of the main differences between the two systems lies in their scope. While Arrima is specifically designed for people wishing to immigrate to Quebec, Entrée Express is a federal system that covers all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec.

Selection process

Both systems operate on a points basis, but the selection criteria differ slightly.

Express Entry

Under the Express Entry system, applicants create a profile and are then placed in a pool of candidates. They receive points based on their age, level of education, command of English and/or French, work experience, and other factors. Candidates with the highest number of points are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Arrima

With Arrima, candidates submit an expression of interest and are then invited to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) if they meet Quebec's immigration criteria. Candidates are evaluated on criteria similar to those for Express Entry, but with greater emphasis on knowledge of French.

Sponsorship opportunities

Entrée Express offers the possibility of provincial sponsorship (except Quebec), which can significantly increase a candidate's score. The Arrima system does not offer provincial sponsorship, as it is specifically designed for Quebec.

Choose between Entrée Express and Arrima depending on your language skills

When deciding between the Arrima and Entrée Express systems, one of the most important decision criteria is the applicant's level of language proficiency. Both systems require language skills, but there are significant differences in the way each system evaluates these skills.

Express Entry and language skills

In the Entrée Express system, language skills are assessed through one of two official tests, the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) for French and the Test d'évaluation d'anglais (IELTS) for English.

Entrée Express awards points for skills in Canada's two official languages, English and French. However, English skills are often more highly valued by employers, as most of Canada's provinces outside Quebec, or Rest Of Canada (ROC), are predominantly English-speaking.

However, additional points are awarded to candidates who demonstrate proficiency in French, even in an English-speaking province, in order to meet the Francophone immigration thresholds, which may increase their overall score.

Arrima and language skills

Arrima, on the other hand, strongly values knowledge of the French language. Quebec, for which the Arrima system was designed, is the only majority French-speaking province in Canada. Consequently, proficiency in French is an important factor in obtaining an invitation to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).

Candidates can prove their French language skills through the Test de connaissance du français (TCF), the Test d'évaluation du français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ), or other approved tests.

Making the right choice

If you're more comfortable in French, Arrima might be a better option for you. This is especially true if you plan to live and work in Quebec.

However, if your English is stronger, you may find the Express Entry system more advantageous, as it covers all other Canadian provinces and territories.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your language skills, your immigration goals, and where you want to live in Canada. Taking the time to understand the requirements of each system and making an honest self-assessment of your language skills can help you make the decision that's right for you.

Choose between Express Entry and Arrima depending on where you want to live in Canada

One of the decisive factors in choosing between the Express Entry and Arrima systems is your geographical preference. Where you want to settle in Canada can influence which immigration system best suits your plans.

The Express Entry system for the rest of Canada

Express Entry is a system managed by the federal government and is applicable to all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec. This means that if you're planning to settle in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, or any other city outside Quebec, Express Entry would be the most appropriate immigration system for you.

The Express Entry system also includes the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows each province (except Quebec) to nominate candidates based on their specific labour market needs. If you have a specific province in mind, it can be advantageous to understand the PNP requirements for that province and structure your application accordingly.

The Arrima system for Quebec

On the other hand, if you intend to settle in the province of Quebec, then the Arrima system is the obvious choice. Quebec has its own immigration policy, independent of other provinces, and uses the Arrima system to select candidates who best meet its specific needs.

Québec is unique in that it is the only province in Canada with a French-speaking majority. As a result, fluency in French is an important criterion for immigration to Quebec. However, it also offers a rich culture, great diversity and many opportunities, especially in cities like Montreal and Quebec City.

Making the right choice

Ultimately, the choice between Express Entry and Arrima depends largely on where you want to live in Canada. If you're drawn to the French-speaking charm of Quebec, the Arrima system may be your best option. If you prefer to live elsewhere in Canada, then Express Entry is probably the best choice for you.

Each system has its own unique benefits and requirements. Whichever system you choose, make sure you understand the application criteria and processes to maximize your chances of success. Canada is a diverse and welcoming country that offers many opportunities to those seeking to immigrate here.

Choice between Entrée Express and Arrima based on professional and educational qualifications

Your professional and educational qualifications are key elements to consider when deciding between the Arrima and Express Entry systems for immigrating to Canada. Both systems place significant importance on these criteria, but the way in which they assess these qualifications varies.

Express entry and professional and educational qualifications

The Entrée Express system awards points based on your educational and professional qualifications. The higher your level of education, the more points you earn. What's more, if you've earned a degree in Canada, you can earn additional points.

Express Entry also values skilled work experience, both inside and outside Canada. You can earn points for up to six years of work experience. In addition, Canadian work experience is valued more highly, allowing you to earn more points.

Arrima and professional and educational qualifications

The Arrima system, like Entrée Express, also values educational and professional qualifications. However, Arrima has a specific list of training areas for which extra points are awarded. If your training is in one of these specific areas, you can earn more points.

As far as work experience is concerned, Arrima takes into account work experience acquired over the past five years. Like Entrée Express, Arrima values work experience in Quebec more than work experience elsewhere.

Making the right choice

Ultimately, the choice between Express Entry and Arrima depends on your specific qualifications. If you have training in a specific field sought after by Quebec, or if you have significant work experience in Quebec, the Arrima system may be more beneficial for you.

On the other hand, if you have advanced education or qualified work experience, especially in Canada, Express Entry may offer you more points.

It's crucial to make an honest assessment of your qualifications and to understand how they are evaluated in each system. With careful planning and preparation, you can maximize your points and increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.

Other factors to consider when choosing between Arrima and Entrée Express

Beyond language skills, preferred location and professional and educational qualifications, there are other factors to consider when choosing between Arrima and Entrée Express.

Age

In both systems, the age of the candidate is an important factor. Younger candidates are generally favored, as they are considered to have a greater capacity to contribute to the economy in the long term. So it's important to check how your age is assessed in each system.

Economic integration potential

Through the Arrima system, Quebec evaluates a candidate's potential for economic integration. This means that factors such as level of education, work experience, age, level of French and capacity for financial autonomy are all taken into account. It's a global assessment that goes beyond professional and educational qualifications.

Validated job offer

A validated job offer can be a major asset in both systems. Under Express Entry, having a validated job offer from a Canadian employer can earn you extra points. Similarly, under Arrima, having a job offer validated by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) can increase your chances of success.

Waiting time

The length of the immigration process can also be a factor. The time it takes to process an application can vary depending on various factors, including the number of applications received and the processing capacity of immigration agencies.

To sum up, it's essential to understand that the choice between Arrima and Entrée Express largely depends on your individual situation. Each candidate has a unique set of skills, experiences and goals. Therefore, it's important to take all these factors into account and research carefully to determine which system offers the best chances of success for your Canadian immigration project.

Conclusion

Arrima and Express Entry are two effective systems for managing skilled immigration to Canada, but they have different objectives and criteria. The choice between the two will depend on a number of factors, including where you wish to live, your knowledge of the official languages, and your professional and educational qualifications.

If you're thinking of moving to Canada, it's important to understand these systems so you can make the best possible choice. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice on your situation.

Immigration to Canada can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the different options available, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you choose Arrima or Express Entry, Canada offers many opportunities for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives.

Whether you're planning to settle in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto or elsewhere, Canada welcomes you with open arms. Good luck in your immigration adventure!