Quebec Reopens Key Immigration Pilot Programs to Address Labor Shortages in Key Sectors
Quebec has officially re-launched three key permanent immigration pilot programs aimed at addressing labor shortages in critical industries across the province. The programs, which were first introduced in 2021, are now accepting applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. With new guidelines and eligibility criteria in place, these initiatives will help attract essential talent to Quebec’s labor market in the following sectors:
- Food Processing
- Healthcare (Beneficiary Attendants)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), and Visual Effects (TI-EV)
Successful applicants to these programs can secure Canadian permanent residency (PR). Below is an in-depth overview of the programs, eligibility requirements, and how Quebec plans to manage the intake of candidates.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Quebec’s Immigration Pilot Programs
- Program 1: Permanent Immigration Pilot for Food Processing Workers
- Program 2: Permanent Immigration Pilot for Beneficiary Attendants
- Program 3: Permanent Immigration Pilot for Workers in AI, IT, and Visual Effects
- Eligibility Criteria for the Programs
- How to Apply and What to Expect
1. Overview of Quebec’s Immigration Pilot Programs
On January 13, 2025, Quebec reintroduced three immigration pilot programs that aim to address critical labor shortages in three specific sectors. The programs are open until December 31, 2025, and are designed to fill the gaps in these high-demand industries:
- Food Processing Workers (PP TA)
- Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)
- Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects Workers (PP IA/TI-EV)
Each program will accept a limited number of applications, with a cap of 600 applications for both the Food Processing and Beneficiary Attendants categories. For the AI/IT/Visual Effects category, 600 applications will be split evenly between the AI and IT/Visual Effects components.
These pilot programs will remain in effect until January 1, 2026, after which new policies or extensions may be introduced. Here is a closer look at each program.
2. Program 1: Permanent Immigration Pilot for Food Processing Workers (PP TA)
The Food Processing Workers Pilot Program (PP TA) is designed to address labor shortages in Quebec’s food manufacturing and beverage sectors. The program aims to attract skilled workers who have experience in the food and beverage production industries.
Eligibility Requirements for PP TA:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Intent to Settle: Applicants must intend to settle in Quebec and work for a company that they do not have legal or de facto control over.
- Education: Must hold at least a secondary school diploma or a professional studies diploma obtained in Quebec.
- Work Experience: A minimum of 24 months of full-time, eligible work experience in Quebec within the past 36 months. The work must be in an eligible sector.
- Eligible Occupations: NOC occupations include food processing workers (e.g., NOC 94141, 95106).
- French Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French at level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency or its equivalent.
- Financial Independence: Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial independence.
For more detailed information, prospective applicants can refer to the Quebec government’s official guidelines.
3. Program 2: Permanent Immigration Pilot for Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)
The Beneficiary Attendant Pilot Program (PP PAB) is targeted at attracting qualified healthcare workers, particularly beneficiary attendants, to Quebec. This program is split into two components: work component and work-study component.
Eligibility Requirements for PP PAB:
- Common Requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 or older.
- Intent to Settle: Applicants must intend to settle in Quebec and work for an employer over whom they have no control.
- Work Experience: A minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec or abroad.
- French Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet level 7 on the Quebec Scale of French Proficiency or provide equivalent proof.
- Education: Must provide proof of French language proficiency through certificates, diplomas, or transcripts.
- Work Component: Requires applicants to have 24 months of full-time experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec.
- Study-Work Component: For applicants completing a Quebec vocational studies diploma in beneficiary care, this component requires at least 12 months of full-time experience as a beneficiary attendant after obtaining the diploma.
Eligible occupations are mainly in healthcare, specifically beneficiary attendants (NOC 33102) and related healthcare professions.
4. Program 3: Permanent Immigration Pilot for Workers in AI, IT, and Visual Effects (PP IA/TI-EV)
The AI/IT/Visual Effects Pilot Program (PP IA/TI-EV) is designed to attract skilled workers in the rapidly expanding fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), and Visual Effects (TI-EV). This program is split into two components: AI and IT/Visual Effects, each with specific eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements for the AI and IT/Visual Effects Components:
- Common Requirements (Both Components):
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Intent to Settle: Applicants must intend to settle in Quebec and work for a company where they do not have legal or de facto control.
- Financial Independence: Applicants must be able to support themselves financially.
- Eligibility for Foreign Workers in AI:
- Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Quebec baccalaureate.
- Applicants must have 24 months of full-time work experience in an eligible AI job within the past 60 months.
- For graduates with a master’s or doctorate from Quebec, there are additional provisions related to salary and sector eligibility.
- Eligibility for Quebec Graduates in AI:
- Must have completed a higher education program in Quebec (e.g., specialized graduate diploma, master’s, or doctorate).
- Applicants with a DESS or other advanced degrees must have held 6 months of full-time employment in an eligible AI job.
- Eligibility for Newcomers in IT/Visual Effects:
- Applicants must hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec technical college diploma or a baccalaureate.
- Must have 24 months of full-time work experience in an eligible IT or visual effects job.
- Applicants must have accepted a full-time position with an eligible employer in Quebec.
Francisation Profile:
Applicants for both the AI and IT/Visual Effects components must demonstrate proficiency in spoken French at level 7 or equivalent. This includes submitting relevant language tests (e.g., TCF-Quebec, TEF) taken at authorized centers.
5. Eligibility Criteria for All Programs
In addition to sector-specific requirements, all applicants across the three pilot programs must meet the following general criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- French Language Proficiency: Proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency, including listening and speaking, is a requirement for most applicants.
- Work Experience: Applicants must provide proof of paid, full-time work experience in eligible sectors.
- Intention to Settle: Applicants must intend to live and work in Quebec, and the employment must be with a company where the applicant has no control.
6. How to Apply and What to Expect
Interested individuals can submit their applications for the programs starting January 13, 2025. The Quebec government will review the applications and select candidates based on the established quotas.
Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2025. After this period, the programs are expected to expire, unless extended or renewed by the government.
By re-opening these immigration pathways, Quebec aims to strengthen its workforce in critical industries and ensure the continued growth of the province’s economy while filling much-needed positions in sectors like food processing, healthcare, and technology.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
