Quebec has introduced new Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs to address labour shortages in key sectors such as food processing, healthcare, and technology. These targeted programs offer skilled workers a clear pathway to permanent residence in Quebec.
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) plans to issue up to 600 Quebec Selection Certificates (QSCs) per year under each pilot program. All three pilots began in November 2023 and will run until January 1, 2026.
Overview of Quebec Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs
Quebec has launched three permanent immigration pilot programs:
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Food Processing Workers Pilot Program
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Orderlies (Healthcare Support Workers) Pilot Program
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Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects Pilot Program
Each program is designed to attract and retain workers in occupations facing critical labour shortages.
1. Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers
This pilot program allows temporary foreign workers employed in Quebec’s food processing sector to apply for permanent residence.
Application Period
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November 23, 2023 – December 31, 2024 (or until the intake cap is reached)
Basic Eligibility Requirements
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Must be 18 years or older
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Intend to live and work in Quebec
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Hold valid legal status in Quebec
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Demonstrate the ability to support yourself financially for at least three months after obtaining PR
Education Requirement
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Minimum of a high school diploma or Quebec vocational diploma
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At least one year of full-time study
Work Experience Requirement
Applicants must meet one of the following:
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Hold a full-time job in Quebec in an eligible occupation, or
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Have 24 months of paid, full-time work experience in Quebec within the last 36 months in an eligible sector
Eligible Industry Sectors (NAICS)
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NAICS 311 – Food Manufacturing
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NAICS 3121 – Beverage Manufacturing
Targeted Occupations (NOC)
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NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters
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NOC 95106 – Food and beverage processing workers
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NOC 95107 – Fish and seafood processing workers
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NOC 65311 – Specialty cleaners
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NOC 94140 – Machine and process operators (food and beverage)
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NOC 85100 – Animal care workers (chicken gatherers only)
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NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers
Language Requirement
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French proficiency at level 7 (advanced intermediate) on the Quebec French Competency Scale or equivalent
2. Orderlies Permanent Immigration Pilot Program
This pilot program targets healthcare support workers already working in Quebec. It has two streams:
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Work Stream
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Work-Study Stream
Application Period
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November 23, 2023 – December 31, 2024 (or until intake cap is reached)
General Requirements (Both Streams)
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At least 18 years old
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Plan to settle in Quebec
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Employed by a Quebec employer not under personal control
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Hold valid legal status in Quebec
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Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least three months
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French level 7 proficiency required
Target Occupation
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NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
Work Stream – Specific Requirements
Education
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Diploma related to orderly work
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Equivalent to a Quebec Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP)
Work Experience
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Either 24 months of orderly experience in Quebec in the last 36 months, or
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12 months of healthcare experience outside Quebec + 12 months as an orderly in Quebec
Eligible external healthcare occupations include:
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NOC 31300 – Nursing coordinators and supervisors
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NOC 31301 – Registered nurses
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NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners
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NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
Work-Study Stream – Specific Requirements
Education
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Quebec Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
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Completion of the Institutional and Home Care Assistance Program
Work Experience
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At least 12 months of full-time paid work as an orderly in Quebec during or after studies
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Must obtain a Quebec employer job offer and work permit after graduation
3. Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for AI, IT, and Visual Effects Workers
This program aims to attract international and Quebec-trained talent in advanced technology sectors. It includes two streams:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Information Technology & Visual Effects (IT/VE)
A total of 600 applicants per year will be selected across both streams.
General Eligibility Requirements
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Minimum 18 years of age
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Plan to live and work in Quebec
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Hold valid legal status (if applicable)
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Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least three months
Language Requirements
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French-speaking profile: French level 7 or higher
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Non-French-speaking profile: Mandatory enrollment in the Accompagnement Québec francization program
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stream
Foreign Workers
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Bachelor’s degree equivalent to Quebec + 1 year of full-time work experience, or
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Quebec Master’s or PhD obtained within the last year
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Minimum salary:
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$75,000 outside Montréal
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$100,000 within Montréal
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Quebec Graduates
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DESS, Master’s, or PhD from Quebec (within last 24 months)
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Full-time job or job offer in AI sector
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At least 6 months of residence in Quebec after graduation
Information Technology & Visual Effects (IT/VE) Stream
Education
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Quebec college diploma or university bachelor’s degree
Work Experience
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Minimum 2 years of full-time experience
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Job offer meeting Emploi-Québec wage standards
Targeted Occupations (NOC)
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NOC 0213 – Computer and information systems managers
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NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts
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NOC 2173 – Software engineers
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NOC 2174 – Software developers
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NOC 2281 – Computer network technicians
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NOC 5241 – Graphic designers and illustrators
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NOC 5225 – Audio and video recording technicians
How to Apply for Quebec Pilot Programs
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Submit an application through Arrima, Quebec’s online immigration portal
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Apply to the federal government of Canada for permanent residence
Key Highlights
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Designed to address labour shortages in Quebec
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Up to 600 QSCs issued per program per year
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Programs active until January 1, 2026
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French proficiency at level 7 required for most streams
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Clear pathways for workers already in Quebec
Conclusion
Quebec’s Permanent Immigration Pilot Programs provide skilled workers with a structured and realistic pathway to permanent residence. By targeting industries with urgent labour needs, these programs benefit both newcomers and the province’s economy.
If you work in food processing, healthcare support, or advanced technology, these pilot programs may be your opportunity to build a long-term future in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which industries do these pilot programs target?
Food processing, healthcare orderlies, and technology sectors such as AI, IT, and visual effects.
Q2. How many applicants are selected each year?
Up to 600 main applicants per pilot program annually.
Q3. Is French mandatory?
Yes, most streams require French level 7, though non-French speakers may qualify through francization programs.
Q4. Where do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through Arrima, Quebec’s immigration portal.
Q5. Do these programs lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Successful applicants receive a CSQ and can then apply for Canadian permanent residence.
