permanent immigration pilots for Quebec

Quebec

Three permanent immigration pilots for Quebec, targeting orderlies, food processing, and IT sector workers, are now open for application.

According to Nadine Girault, the Minister of Immigration in Quebec, from March 31, orderlies will be able to apply for the Permanent Immigration Pilot program.

Intended to tackle the issue of the critical shortage of workers in health care sectors, this pilot is projected to run for 5 years and aims to select a maximum of 550 applicants per annum. It will be open for application from March 31 to October 31, 2021.

Food Processing workers pilot program gives the foreign workers with eligible jobs in this field the opportunity to gain permanent residence. It was launched on March 24, 2021.

From April 22, 2021, foreign workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Visual Effects will be able to apply for the third pilot program of Quebec.

Each year, 1,650 candidates who work in eligible sectors, along with their family members will receive CSQs (Quebec Selection Certificate) for these three new pilots.

Last year, Quebec announced a plan for starting these three permanent immigration pilots to control the current and future shortage of workers in the aftermath of a pandemic.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Orderlies

French-speaking orderlies, nurse aides, and patient service associates (NOC 3413) are the target group for this pilot. There are two streams for this program:

Work Stream:

Eligibility:

Have a relevant diploma, equivalent to a Quebec diploma of vocational studies, obtained after the completion of a one-year full-time study; and

Have a minimum of 24 months of experience during the three years before submitting your application; or

Have a minimum of 12 months of experience in a profession related to basic personal care in a city other than Quebec and a minimum of 12 months of experience working as an orderly in Quebec during the three years before submitting your application.

Work-study Stream:

Eligibility:

To be eligible, the applicant is required to have:

  • A Quebec diploma of vocational studies related to the profession of an orderly obtained during the two years before applying; and
  • A minimum of 12 months of work experience in Quebec as an orderly during the past 2 years (prior to application) and after completing the study program;
  • A secondary diploma of vocational studies and the completion of the Institutional and Homecare Assistance study program.

Permanent Immigration Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers

Foreign citizens who are working in Quebec in the food processing sector in an occupation meeting the eligibility criteria of the pilot can submit their application. The Candidates are required to have an intermediate knowledge of the French language.

Eligibility:

You are expected to have the following requirements:

  • A high school diploma or diploma from a program in Quebec for professional studies; and
  • 24 months of full-time work experience in the past 3 years in one of the eligible occupations; and
  • French oral skills at level 7

Eligible Occupation:

  • Industrial butcher, meat cutter, poultry preparer, and related workers (NOC 9462);
  • Laborer in food and beverage processing (NOC 9617);
  • Laborer in fish and seafood processing (NOC 9618);
  • Specialized cleaner (NOC 6732);
  • Machine and industrial process operator in food and beverage processing (NOC 9461);
  • Agricultural worker, (NOC 8431) but only the job title “chicken picker;” and
  • Worker in fish and seafood processing plants (NOC 9463);