Quebec Reopens Three Unique Immigration Pilots For Ambitious Workers

On January 13, 2025, Quebec will reintroduce three permanent immigration pilot programs tailored to combat labor shortages in vital sectors. This initiative offers successful applicants the opportunity to secure Canadian permanent residence (PR).

Originally launched in 2021, these programs are strategically designed to draw skilled workers to the province across key industries. The three programs are:

• Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers (PP TA)

• Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)

• Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in the Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects Sectors (PP IA/TI-EV)

The provincial government has established updated guidelines for these initiatives.

From January 13 through December 31, 2025, a total of 600 applications will be accepted for both the PP TA and PP PAB programs. For the PP IA/TI-EV program, the 600 applications will be evenly divided between the Artificial Intelligence (AI) segment and the Information Technology and Visual Effects (TI-EV) segment, with a maximum of 150 applications allocated to the Francisation profile in each component.

These pilot programs are set to conclude on January 1, 2026.

Selection Criteria for Pilot Programs

PP TA

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Must be 18 years or older.

• Intention to Settle: Applicants should intend to reside in Quebec and work for an employer over which they have no legal or de facto control in an eligible sector.

• Education: Hold a secondary school diploma or professional studies diploma from Quebec, achieved through a full-time program lasting at least one year.

• Job Eligibility: Must hold an eligible full-time position in Quebec.

• Work Experience: A minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in Quebec within the last 36 months in an eligible sector.

• Eligible Occupations: Must work in specified NOC occupations such as CNP 94141, 95106, and others.

• Sectors: Food Manufacturing (NAICS 311) and Beverage Manufacturing (NAICS 3121).

• French Language Proficiency: Demonstrate spoken French proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency Levels or equivalent.

• Financial Independence: Show the ability to support oneself financially.

PP PAB

This program comprises two components:

1. Work Component
2. Study-Work Component

Common Requirements:

• Age: Must be 18 years or older.

• Intention to Settle: Applicants must intend to settle in Quebec and work for a company where they have no legal or de facto control.

• Work Experience: Must have legal, paid, full-time work experience without control over the business.

• French Language Proficiency: Level 7 on the Quebec Scale or equivalent proof.

• Education: Meet French language requirements with supporting documentation.

Component-Specific Requirements:

PP IA/TI-EV

This program features two components:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Component
2. Information Technology and Visual Effects (ITVE) Component

Common Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Intend to settle in Quebec and work for a company without legal or de facto control in an eligible sector.

• Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Workers under AI:

Foreign applicants must:

• Hold a diploma equivalent to at least a Quebec baccalaureate and possess at least 24 months of relevant full-time work experience within the last 60 months.

OR

• Hold a master's or doctorate from Quebec obtained within the last year and secure employment in AI with specified salary thresholds.

Eligibility Requirements for Quebec Graduates under AI:

Quebec graduates must:

• Have studied at least half of their program in Quebec and earned a qualifying university diploma within the past two years.

All applicants must provide an expert opinion confirming that their job offer aligns with their skills profile.

Eligibility Requirements for Newcomers under ITVE:

Newcomers must:

• Hold an equivalent diploma from a recognized institution and have relevant work experience.

Francisation Profile Eligibility

To qualify under both components' Francisation profile, applicants must:

Demonstrate spoken French proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec Scale and submit supporting documents such as transcripts confirming three years of full-time French study or accepted French test results.

For those committed to integrating into Quebec’s vibrant community, this is an incredible opportunity! More information is readily available on the Quebec government's website.