Innovative Quebec Immigration Pathways for Sector-Specific Workers
Quebec has unveiled specialized immigration pilot programs targeting vital sectors facing labor shortages. These programs are designed specifically for workers in the food industry, healthcare (particularly orderlies), and the technology sector, including areas like Artificial Intelligence and Visual Effects. This detailed guide on CanadaVisa provides insights into the unique eligibility criteria for each of these innovative pilot programs.

Detailed Overview

The pilot programs in Quebec are structured to address talent needs in critical sectors experiencing labor deficits. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has the objective of issuing Quebec Selection Certificates (QSC) to up to 600 principal candidates and their families annually under each pilot program. These programs will run until January 1, 2026.

Pilot Program for the Food Processing Industry

This program provides a permanent immigration route for temporary foreign workers in admissible roles within the food processing sector. The application period spans from November 3, 2021, to December 31, 2022.

Eligibility Criteria Include:

• Age requirement: Minimum 18 years.
• Intention to reside and work in Quebec.
• Compliance with Quebec’s stay conditions.
• Proof of financial independence for the first three months post-arrival.

Education and Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum education: High school diploma or Quebec vocational diploma.
• Required work experience in eligible Quebec sectors.

Language Proficiency:

• Advanced intermediate French proficiency (level 7 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français).

Target Occupations:

• Specific roles under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are targeted, primarily in food and beverage manufacturing.

Pilot Program for Healthcare Assistants

This program offers Canadian permanent residency to Quebec residents working as orderlies or similar healthcare roles. It comprises two streams: Work and Work-Study.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2022.

Eligibility Requirements for Both Streams:

• Age: Minimum 18 years.
• Intention to settle and work in Quebec.
• Compliance with Quebec’s stay conditions.
• Financial independence for the first three months.
• French proficiency (level 7 or equivalent).

Stream-Specific Conditions:
Work Stream:

• Education: Diploma related to orderly occupation.
• Work Experience: Minimum 24 months as an orderly in Quebec.

Work-Study Stream:

• Education: Quebec diploma of vocational studies (DEP) in the relevant field.
• Work Experience: Minimum 12 months post-study completion.

Target Occupations:

• Specific NOC codes, primarily in nursing and healthcare support roles.

Pilot Program for AI, IT, and Visual Effects Workers
This program is tailored for Quebec graduates and international talent in AI, IT, and Visual Effects. It has two distinct streams: AI and IT/VE.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2022.

General Requirements for Both Streams:

• Age: Minimum 18 years.
• Intention to settle and work in Quebec.
• Financial self-sufficiency for the initial three months.
• Language proficiency varies based on the stream.

Stream-Specific Conditions:
AI Stream:

• Education and Work Experience: Varies based on applicant’s background in AI.

IT/VE Stream:

• Education: Diploma equivalent to Quebec’s technical training or bachelor’s degree.
• Work Experience: Minimum 2 years in eligible roles.

Target Occupations:

• Various roles under NOC codes related to computer systems, software engineering, and visual effects.

Application Process for Quebec’s Specialized Pilot Programs
To apply for these programs, candidates must use Quebec’s online platform, Arrima. The process involves obtaining a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) from the Quebec government, followed by an application for permanent residency to the federal government.

For those seeking to migrate to Quebec through these sector-specific pilot programs, detailed guidance and support are available on the RABAAB IMMIGRATION SERVICES offering a comprehensive pathway to permanent residency in these critical industries.