Canada Immigration: Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs 2023 | IRCC
In this detailed article, we’ll explore the Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs for 2023. These programs are created to help with the shortage of workers in important industries in Quebec, like food, healthcare, and technology.
By the end of this article, you’ll know what you need to qualify for these programs and what they can do for you.
Quebec’s Commitment to Immigration
Quebec, a province in Canada, has initiated these pilot programs with the aim of attracting talented individuals who can contribute to the province’s growth. They have set ambitious targets, with plans to issue Quebec Selection Certificates (QSC) to up to 600 principal applicants along with their family members annually under each of these three pilot programs. The programs are scheduled to run until January 1st, 2026.
Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Food Processing
General Requirements
To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have the intention to settle in Quebec for work.
- Meet the conditions of your stay in Quebec.
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least the first three months following your arrival in Quebec.
Education Requirements
You should hold a diploma equivalent to at least a high school diploma or a Quebec vocational diploma obtained after completing a full-time program of study lasting at least one year.
Work Experience Requirements
You must have either:
- Held a full-time job in an eligible sector in Quebec.
- Worked in an eligible full-time paid job for a period of at least 24 months in Quebec within the 36 months preceding the date of your application.
The work experience or job must be in one of the two eligible sectors defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) of the Government of Canada, specifically NAICS 311 (food manufacturing) or NAICS 3121 (beverage manufacturing).
Language Requirements
You need to demonstrate knowledge of French corresponding to level 7 Advanced Intermediate on the Aschelle Quebecoise de Niveau de Competence en Francaise de Person Immigrants Adults or equivalent.
Targeted Occupations
Your work experience or currently held job must correspond to one of the following occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- NOC 6732: Specialized Cleaner
- NOC 8431: General Farm Worker (only in the position of chicken catcher)
- NOC 9461: Process Control and Machine Operator (Food and Beverage Processing)
- NOC 9462: Industrial Butcher and Meat Cutter (Poultry Preparer and Related Worker)
- NOC 9463: Fish and Seafood Plant Worker
- NOC 9617: Laborer and Food and Beverage Processing
- NOC 9618: Laborer and Fish and Seafood Processing
This program provides a pathway to permanent immigration for temporary foreign workers in the food processing sector.
Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies
This program offers a pathway to Canadian permanent resident status for individuals already residing in Quebec and working as orderlies, nurses, aids, or patient service associates.
General Requirements for Both Streams
To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have the intention to settle in Quebec for work.
- Meet the conditions of your stay in Quebec.
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least the first three months following your arrival in Quebec.
- Demonstrate knowledge of French corresponding to level seven Advanced Intermediate on the Aschelle Quebecoise de Niveau de Competence en Francaise de Person Immigrants Adults or equivalent.
Work Stream Specific Conditions
Education Requirements:
- Hold a diploma related to the occupation of orderly obtained after completing a full-time program of study lasting at least one year.
Work Experience Requirements: You must have either:
- At least 24 months of work experience as an orderly in Quebec within the 36 months preceding the date of your application, or
- At least 12 months in a health occupation related to basic personal care outside Quebec and at least 12 months as an orderly in Quebec during the 36 months preceding the date of your application. The work experience must have been legally acquired and paid on a full-time basis.
Targeted Occupations
Your work experience or currently held job must correspond to NOC code 3413: Nurse Aide, Orderly, and Patient Service Associate.
Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, and Visual Effects Sectors
This program is designed to attract and retain Quebec graduates and international talent in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT), and visual effects (VFX).
General Requirements for Both Streams
To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have the intention to settle in Quebec for work.
- Meet the conditions of your stay in Quebec if applicable.
- Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least the first three months following your arrival in Quebec.
Language Requirements for Both Streams
Both streams under this program include profiles for French speakers and non-French speakers. French speakers must demonstrate knowledge of French corresponding to level seven Advanced Intermediate on the Aschelle Quebecoise de Niveau de Competence en Francaise de Person Immigrants Adults or equivalent. Non-French speakers will be enrolled in a free personalized program called “Accompagny Quebec,” designed to facilitate integration into Quebec society and support French learning.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stream Specific Conditions
Foreign Workers:
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
- Hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec bachelor’s degree and have acquired two years of full-time work experience in level zero A or B jobs according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Alternatively, have obtained a diploma equivalent to a Quebec Masters or PhD in the last year before submitting the application and hold or have accepted a job in Quebec in the AI sector. The job must have a gross annual salary of at least $75,000 if the employer is located outside of the Metropolitan Montreal Community or at least $100,000 if located in the Metropolitan Montreal Community.
Quebec Graduates:
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
- Hold a higher specialized studies (DES) diploma, a Masters, or a PhD from a Quebec educational institution issued in the last 24 months.
- Hold or have accepted a full-time job in Quebec in the AI sector.
- Applicants with a DES diploma must have held a full-time job in a level zero A or B job according to the NOC for at least six months after completing their studies.
- Have lived in Quebec as a student for at least half of the study program.
Information Technology and Visual Effects (IT/VFX) Stream Specific Conditions
Education Requirements:
- Hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec diploma of college studies (Technical Training) or a Quebec bachelor’s degree.
Work Experience Requirement:
- Have held an eligible full-time job for at least two years and have or accept a full-time eligible job with an hourly wage equivalent to the maximum wage of the average wage of your occupation as specified on the Appel à la Que website.
Targeted Occupations
Your work experience or currently held job must correspond to one of the following occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- NOC 213: Computer and Information Systems Manager
- NOC 2133: Electrical and Electronics Engineer
- NOC 2171: Information Systems Analyst and Consultant
- NOC 2173: Software Engineer and Designer
- NOC 2174: Computer Programmer and Interactive Media Developer
- NOC 2241: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologist and Technician
- NOC 2281: Computer Network Technician
- NOC 5131: Producer, Director, Choreographer, and Related Occupations
- NOC 5225: Audio and Video Recording Technician
- NOC 5241: Graphic Designer and Illustrator