Quebec Opens Key Immigration Programs for Workers in Food, AI, IT & Healthcare

On January 13, 2025, Quebec will reopen three key immigration pilot programs, aiming to address labor shortages in essential sectors. These programs offer a pathway to permanent residence (PR) for skilled workers and are set to run until December 31, 2025, with application limits and updated guidelines.

Overview of the Programs

The programs were initially launched in 2021 and target workers in specific industries:

1. Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers (PP TA)
2. Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)
3. Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects (PP IA/TI-EV)

Each program has tailored eligibility criteria to ensure the attraction of highly skilled individuals to Quebec’s workforce.

Application Limits

• PP TA and PP PAB: Each program will accept 600 applications.
• PP IA/TI-EV: This program is split into two components, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology and Visual Effects (TI-EV), with 300 applications per component. Within each component, 150 spots are reserved for applicants under the Francization profile.

Eligibility Criteria Highlights

1. Food Processing Workers (PP TA)

To qualify, applicants must meet criteria such as:

• Age: Minimum of 18 years.
• Work Experience: At least 24 months of full-time, eligible experience in Quebec within the last 36 months.
• Education: High school or vocational diploma from Quebec.
• French Proficiency: Minimum level 7 on the Quebec Scale.
• Employment: Hold a full-time job in food or beverage manufacturing.

2. Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)

This program includes two components—Work and Study-Work—with shared and unique requirements:

• Age: Minimum of 18 years.
• Work Experience: Full-time paid experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec or healthcare-related roles.
• French Proficiency: Minimum level 7.
• Education: Relevant vocational diploma for beneficiary attendants.

Component-Specific Requirements:

• Work Component: 24 months of work experience in Quebec as a beneficiary attendant.
• Study-Work Component: Completion of a relevant vocational program in Quebec and 12 months of work experience as a beneficiary attendant afterward.

3. Artificial Intelligence, IT, and Visual Effects Workers (PP IA/TI-EV)

This program is divided into AI and ITVE components, each with distinct requirements for foreign workers and Quebec graduates.

Common Criteria for Both Components:

• Age: Minimum of 18 years.
• Employment: Full-time position in Quebec with no control over the company.
• Financial Independence: Ability to support oneself.

AI Component Specifics:

• Foreign Workers:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher with 24 months of experience in a skilled job within the last 60 months.
  • Alternatively, a recent master’s or doctorate from Quebec and a job offer in AI with a minimum salary threshold.

• Quebec Graduates:

  • Specialized degree from Quebec within the last 24 months.
  • Relevant work experience or job offer in the AI sector.

ITVE Component Specifics:

• Technical or bachelor’s degree equivalent.
• 24 months of eligible work experience within the last 60 months.
• Full-time position with a competitive wage in Quebec.

Francization Profile

Applicants under the Francization profile must demonstrate French proficiency (level 7 or higher). Proof may include:

• Transcripts from French-language education.
• Certificates or French test results (e.g., TEF, TCF).

A signed commitment to French language integration is also required.