Quebec has relaunched three immigration pilot programs aimed at attracting skilled workers in artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects. These programs provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible applicants.The pilot programs were initially launched in 2021 to address labor shortages in these critical sectors. According to Quebec’s Immigration service, the programs are now accepting new applications, targeting sectors essential to the province’s workforce.
Eligibility criteria for applicants
Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for these programs. General requirements include being at least 18 years old, demonstrating financial independence, and intending to settle in Quebec to work in an eligible sector.
Key Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet, including:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrating financial independence.
- Intending to settle in Quebec to work in an eligible sector.
- Not working for a company they control directly or indirectly
Applicants must also meet sector-specific requirements. For the Artificial Intelligence component, foreign workers need at least two years of full-time experience in AI or a related field. Quebec graduates can apply with a recent master’s or doctoral degree in AI.
Sector-Specific Requirements
Artificial Intelligence:-
- 2+ years of full-time experience in AI or a related field (NOC FÉER 0, 1, or 2)
- Recent master’s or doctoral degree in AI (for Quebec graduates)
- Full-time employment in Quebec’s AI sector with salary thresholds ($75,000 outside Montreal, $100,000 within Montreal)
- Expert committee opinion confirming position alignment with qualifications
Information Technology and Visual Effects:
- 2+ years of relevant work experience
- Technical college diploma or higher
- Salary requirements based on the 9th decile of profession’s wage scale
- Not working in an ineligible sector or for a company they control
The Information Technology and Visual Effects component requires applicants to have at least two years of relevant work experience and a technical college diploma or higher. Applicants must also meet salary requirements based on the 9th decile of their profession’s wage scale.
Quebec graduates with a recent master’s or doctoral degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are eligible to apply for the AI component. To qualify, applicants must secure full-time employment in Quebec’s AI sector, meeting salary thresholds of $75,000 outside Montreal or $100,000 within Montreal. An expert committee’s opinion is also required to confirm that the applicant’s qualifications align with the position.
The Information Technology and Visual Effects component has distinct eligibility criteria. Applicants must possess at least two years of relevant work experience and hold a technical college diploma or higher. Additionally, they must meet salary requirements based on the 9th decile of their profession’s wage scale. Applicants are also required to ensure they are not working in ineligible sectors or for companies they control.
French language proficiency and francization requirements
The two components offer dual application pathways, differentiated by language proficiency. Applicants can choose between the Francophone profile, which necessitates a French language proficiency of at least level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency Levels, or provide proof through recognized language tests or academic records.
Alternatively, applicants can opt for the Francization profile, which requires a commitment to learning French following selection. This pathway provides access to integration services to support language acquisition.
Ineligible sectors and application process
Certain industries, such as payday lending, pawnbroking, and adult entertainment, are excluded from the program. Applicants with a background in these sectors will not be eligible.
For the Artificial Intelligence component, applicants must obtain a favorable opinion from a committee of experts, verifying that their job offer aligns with their skills. Although a positive opinion is mandatory, it does not guarantee the issuance of a Quebec Selection Certificate.
For detailed eligibility criteria or to submit an application, interested candidates can visit the official Quebec Immigration website or contact the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration during office hours.
