On April 22, Quebec initiated an economic immigration pilot project for foreign workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and visual effects.

Foreign workers in the artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects industries can apply for permanent selection in Quebec from April 22.

The five-year pilot project will allow for a total of 550 principal applicants and their family members to be selected per year.  Applicants should be willing to work and live in Quebec.

The program was designed to recruit highly qualified workers for the key sectors of the Quebec economy that are experiencing a labour shortage.

In a press release, Quebec Immigration Minister Nadine Girault said “with the launch of this new pilot program, our government wants to provide companies with the tools they need to recruit the best international talent and to support and accelerate innovation in new technologies. More than ever, Quebec’s economic recovery needs innovative and promising tools for wealth creation”.

About the new pilot program

The pilot project offers two streams:

• Artificial intelligence
• Information technology and visual effects.

To apply under AI stream, you may do so as a foreign worker or as a Quebec graduate.

There are two types of profiles in each stream: Francophone and Francization. The Francophone profile needs applicants to have an oral proficiency score of 7 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants.

Candidates who apply under the francization profile must agree to learn French at the time of submitting their application for permanent selection and will be automatically registered with an immigrant integration service. This procedure is designed to motivate new immigrants in learning French and integrating into Quebec society.

While immigrating to Quebec, you must have a strong command of the French language.

The application intake period is open from April 22 to October 31, 2021.