On January 13, 2025, Quebec is reopening its three permanent immigration pilot programs designed to address labor shortages in key sectors. These programs aim to attract skilled workers to the province and provide successful applicants with Canadian permanent residence (PR). Originally launched in 2021, these initiatives are an essential part of Quebec’s strategy to meet its evolving workforce needs.
Overview of the Pilot Programs
Quebec’s three immigration pilot programs focus on specific industries that are vital to the province’s economy:
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers (PP TA): Targets workers in food and beverage manufacturing sectors.
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB): Focuses on healthcare professionals, particularly beneficiary attendants.
- Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects (PP IA/TI-EV): Caters to professionals in technology and visual effects industries.
Each program operates under specific guidelines to ensure fair access and alignment with Quebec’s economic priorities.
Application Guidelines and Quotas
From January 13 to December 31, 2025, the government will accept a maximum of 600 applications for each of the PP TA and PP PAB programs. For the PP IA/TI-EV program, the 600 applications are evenly distributed between its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology and Visual Effects (ITVE) components. Notably, 150 applications in each component are reserved for candidates under the Francisation profile, which emphasizes French language proficiency.
These programs will expire on January 1, 2026, unless renewed or modified.
Program-Specific Eligibility Criteria
1. Food Processing Workers (PP TA)
This program is tailored to meet the demands of Quebec’s robust food manufacturing sector.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Education: A secondary school or professional studies diploma from Quebec (minimum one-year full-time program).
- Work Experience: 24 months of full-time, legal work experience in Quebec’s eligible food and beverage manufacturing sectors within the last 36 months.
- Occupations: Must work in eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) jobs such as CNP 94141 (food processing).
- French Proficiency: Spoken French proficiency at level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency Levels.
2. Beneficiary Attendants (PP PAB)
This program addresses the acute labor shortage in Quebec’s healthcare sector, particularly for beneficiary attendants.
Components:
- Work Component: Requires at least 24 months of full-time experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec or equivalent healthcare experience elsewhere.
- Study-Work Component: Applicants must complete a vocational studies diploma (870 hours) in Quebec and have at least 12 months of post-study work experience as a beneficiary attendant in Quebec.
Common Requirements:
- Age: Minimum 18 years.
- French Proficiency: Level 7 or equivalent.
- Eligible Occupations: Beneficiary attendant (CNP 33102) and related healthcare professions.
3. AI, IT, and Visual Effects (PP IA/TI-EV)
This program is designed to attract professionals in cutting-edge industries.
Eligibility Criteria for AI Component:
- Education: A master’s or doctorate from Quebec within the last 12 months or equivalent diploma.
- Work Experience: At least 24 months of full-time experience in a high-demand job within the last five years.
- Salary Requirements: Annual gross salary of $75,000 (outside Montreal) or $100,000 (within Montreal).
Eligibility Criteria for ITVE Component:
- Education: A diploma equivalent to a Quebec baccalaureate or technical college diploma.
- Work Experience: 24 months of full-time, eligible work experience within the last five years.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants seeking the Francisation profile must demonstrate French proficiency at level 7 or higher.
French Proficiency and Francisation Profile
Quebec places significant emphasis on French language skills. For candidates applying under the Francisation profile, additional documentation, such as transcripts or official language test results (e.g., TCF-Quebec or TEF), is required. This commitment reflects Quebec’s effort to preserve its cultural and linguistic identity.
Broader Implications for Quebec’s Workforce
The reopening of these pilot programs aligns with Quebec’s broader goals to address demographic challenges and economic growth. With a declining birth rate and aging population, immigration is critical to sustaining the province’s labor force. According to recent statistics, Quebec’s unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in December 2024, signaling the need for targeted immigration to fill labor shortages in key sectors.
Why These Programs Matter
The tailored approach of these programs ensures that Quebec attracts immigrants who meet its specific economic and demographic needs. By prioritizing sectors like healthcare, technology, and food processing, the province addresses both immediate labor shortages and long-term economic goals. Additionally, the focus on French language skills underscores Quebec’s commitment to integrating newcomers into its cultural fabric.
Quebec’s decision to reopen its immigration pilot programs demonstrates a proactive approach to managing labor shortages and fostering economic growth. These programs provide a pathway for skilled workers to contribute to Quebec’s prosperity while ensuring that newcomers integrate seamlessly into the province’s linguistic and cultural framework. As these initiatives unfold, they will play a crucial role in shaping Quebec’s future workforce and economy.
