Maple News reports that as of January 12, applicants for the Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise – PEQ) can now submit their applications entirely online through the province’s Arrima platform. The shift is part of Quebec’s broader strategy to modernize and streamline its immigration processes.
Through this digital portal, applicants can complete and submit their PEQ applications, upload required documents, and pay all associated fees. This marks a significant move away from paper-based processing, which will be officially phased out after January 25. From that date forward, all applications to the PEQ must be submitted online, and the Quebec Ministry of Immigration will no longer accept physical submissions.
PEQ is designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have already gained valuable experience within the province. The move to online processing is expected to reduce wait times, lessen administrative burdens, and position Quebec’s immigration services in line with best practices seen across Canada.
This update aligns with changes already introduced to the Quebec Foreign Student Program in 2020, which also adopted the Arrima system and will shift to mandatory electronic submissions as of January 26.
Looking ahead, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) plans to extend digital submissions to three upcoming permanent immigration pilot programs. These new pilots will focus on key industries facing labour shortages in Quebec: healthcare, information technology, and food processing. Once launched, applications for these programs will also be processed exclusively via Arrima.
Launched in 2019, Arrima was originally created to manage expressions of interest under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). The system evaluates profiles based on factors like work experience, education, and language proficiency. Suitable candidates are then invited to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec or CSQ).
Previously, Quebec’s immigration system operated on a first-come, first-served basis that led to lengthy processing times—sometimes stretching up to three years. With Arrima, the province aims to accelerate decision-making and better align immigration intake with the province’s employment and demographic needs.
Maple News will continue to monitor Quebec’s digital transformation in immigration and provide updates as new pilot programs are launched.