Quebec Reopens Immigration Pilot Programs to Address Critical Labour Shortages

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Quebec Reopens Immigration Pilot Programs to Address Critical Labour Shortages

January 20, 2025
5:28 pm

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In a significant move to tackle labour shortages across key industries, Quebec has reopened its immigration pilot programs. These programs, designed to attract skilled professionals, offer pathways to permanent residence (PR) for workers in food processing, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT), and visual effects. Starting January 13, 2025, these initiatives will run until December 31, 2025, providing 600 application slots for each program. Let’s explore what these programs entail and how they aim to boost Quebec’s economy.

An Overview of Quebec’s Immigration Pilot Programs

Quebec’s immigration pilot programs focus on addressing workforce gaps in specific sectors critical to the province’s economic development. Here’s a breakdown of the three main programs:

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

Each program targets a unique industry, offering tailored eligibility requirements and benefits. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of each initiative.

Eligibility and Key Details

1. Food Processing Workers

This program supports workers in Quebec’s food and beverage manufacturing sectors. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have legal, full-time work experience in Quebec’s food manufacturing sector (e.g., NAICS 311).
Possess a secondary or professional studies diploma from Quebec.
Demonstrate spoken French proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec Scale.
Work in eligible occupations, such as:
NOC 94141 (Food Process Operators)
NOC 95106 (Meat Cutters)

The program’s aim is to strengthen Quebec’s agri-food supply chain by attracting skilled professionals.

2. Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)

This program caters to healthcare professionals addressing Quebec’s growing demand for healthcare services. It features two components: the work component and the study-work component.

Common Eligibility

Be 18 years or older.
Hold a relevant diploma (e.g., vocational studies in healthcare).
Have paid, full-time work experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec.
Achieve level 7 French proficiency on the Quebec Scale.

Distinct Requirements

Work Component: Requires 24 months of relevant work experience in the last 36 months.
Study-Work Component: Open to those who completed a vocational studies diploma and gained 12 months of work experience as a beneficiary attendant.

The program supports Quebec’s healthcare infrastructure by attracting and retaining qualified healthcare workers.

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

This program targets two components: artificial intelligence and IT/visual effects. It’s designed to support Quebec’s tech ecosystem.

AI Component Requirements:

Hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec baccalaureate or higher.
Have 24 months of work experience in a relevant AI job (FÉER 0, 1, or 2).
Secure a full-time job in Quebec’s AI sector, meeting specific salary thresholds.

IT and Visual Effects Requirements:

Hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec technical college diploma.
Have 24 months of work experience in eligible IT or visual effects roles.
Achieve an hourly wage equivalent to the profession’s top salary bracket.

Applicants for both components must also demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially and meet French proficiency requirements if applying under the Francisation profile.

How These Programs Benefit Quebec

These pilot programs play a vital role in addressing critical workforce shortages while attracting international talent. They enable Quebec to:

Strengthen priority sectors, such as food manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
Foster economic growth by filling high-demand roles with skilled professionals.
Promote integration of newcomers through French proficiency requirements and settlement support.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Start Date: January 13, 2025
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
Program Expiry: January 1, 2026

Quebec’s immigration pilot programs offer an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to secure Canadian permanent residence while contributing to the province’s economy. By focusing on food processing, healthcare, and technology, Quebec aims to address critical labour shortages and build a robust workforce.

If you’re considering a move to Quebec, now is the perfect time to explore these programs and take the first step toward a prosperous future in Canada. For personalized guidance on your immigration journey, connect with ImmigCanada today. Let us help you turn your dreams of living and working in Quebec into reality.