Quebec Reopens Three Immigration Pilot Programs to Address Labor Shortages in Key Sectors

On January 13, 2025, Quebec launched the reopening of three critical immigration pilot programs aimed at attracting skilled workers to help address labor shortages in essential sectors. These programs, initially introduced in 2021, offer qualified candidates the opportunity to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. The programs focus on key industries such as food processing, healthcare, and technology.

Overview of Quebec’s Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs

The following permanent immigration pilot programs are now accepting applications for 2025:

  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)

These programs are designed to attract skilled workers in sectors that are currently facing significant labor shortages in Quebec. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to settle in the province with a pathway to permanent residency.

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

The PP TA targets workers in food manufacturing and beverage manufacturing sectors. Key eligibility criteria for this program include:

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education: A secondary school diploma or professional studies diploma from Quebec is required.
  • Job Requirements: Applicants must hold a full-time job in Quebec in an eligible occupation within the food or beverage manufacturing sectors.
  • Work Experience: A minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 36 months.
  • French Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate French proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency.

The program will accept 600 applications for the 2025 cycle, with a deadline of December 31, 2025.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)

The PP PAB focuses on healthcare professionals, specifically beneficiary attendants. This program has two distinct components: Work Component and Work-Study Component.

Common Eligibility Criteria:
  • Age: At least 18 years old.
  • Work Experience: Paid, full-time work experience in healthcare, specifically as a beneficiary attendant, with no legal or de facto control over the employer.
  • French Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet level 7 proficiency on the Quebec Scale of Competency.
Work Component:
  • Experience: Applicants must have at least 24 months of work experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec or equivalent experience outside Quebec.
Work-Study Component:
  • Education: Applicants must hold a Quebec vocational studies diploma for beneficiary attendants (at least 870 hours).
  • Experience: After obtaining the diploma, applicants must have 12 months of work experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec.

The PP PAB program will accept 600 applications until December 31, 2025.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for AI, IT, and Visual Effects Workers (PP IA/TI-EV)

The PP IA/TI-EV program is divided into two key sub-components:

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

These components aim to address the growing demand for skilled workers in Quebec’s tech sector, with a focus on AI, IT, and visual effects industries.

Eligibility for the AI Component:
  • Foreign Workers: Applicants must hold a Quebec-equivalent bachelor’s degree, or have 24 months of relevant work experience in AI within the past 60 months. Applicants must also secure a full-time job in Quebec’s AI sector with a salary of at least $75,000 (outside the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, or CMM, or $100,000 within the CMM).
  • Quebec Graduates: Applicants must have completed a university degree in Quebec and have at least 6 months of full-time work in the AI field.
Eligibility for the ITVE Component:
  • Experience: Applicants must have a Quebec technical college diploma or bachelor’s degree, with at least 24 months of full-time work experience in IT or visual effects.
  • Job Offer: Applicants must hold or have accepted full-time employment in Quebec, with a wage equal to the maximum salary of their profession’s wage scale.
French Language Requirements:

To be eligible for the Francisation profile, applicants must meet the French proficiency level 7 requirement, supported by relevant documentation, such as test results or transcripts confirming French instruction. The PP IA/TI-EV program will allocate 150 spots each for the AI and ITVE components, with applications capped at 600 in total.

Key Takeaways: Quebec’s Immigration Pilot Programs for 2025

Quebec’s reopening of these three immigration pilot programs presents a significant opportunity for skilled workers in food processing, healthcare, and technology to secure permanent residence in Canada. With clear eligibility criteria and a focus on addressing sector-specific labor shortages, these programs offer a pathway for both foreign workers and Quebec graduates to contribute to the province’s economy.

The programs are open until December 31, 2025, and each offers distinct criteria for candidates to meet. If you qualify, these programs provide a valuable opportunity to settle in Quebec and build a future in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces.

Stay informed with The Canada Time for the latest updates on Canadian immigration policies!

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