Quebec has recommenced three immigration pilot programmes offering skilled workers in artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects a route to permanent residency in Canada.

According to Quebec’s Immigration Service, the programmes which were launched first in 2021 aimed to address ongoing labour shortages in the industries and are now accepting new applications, targeting sectors critical to the province’s workforce.

To qualify, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, demonstrate financial independence, and intent to settle in Quebec to work in an eligible sector, and must not work for a company they control directly or indirectly.

For the Artificial Intelligence component, foreign workers need at least two years of full-time experience in AI or a related field, categorised as FÉER 0, 1, or 2 under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Quebec graduates can apply with a recent master’s or doctoral degree in AI.

All applicants must secure full-time employment in Quebec’s AI sector, with salary thresholds of $75,000 outside Montreal or $100,000 within Montreal.

They must also submit an opinion from an expert committee confirming the position aligns with their qualifications.

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 and must not work in an ineligible sector or for a company they control.

Both components offer two application tracks based on language proficiency.

The Francophone profile requires a minimum French language proficiency of level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency Levels, which can be demonstrated through a recognized language test or academic records.

Alternatively, the Francization profile involves a commitment to learning French after selection through integration services.

For more eligibility information or to apply, candidates are advised to visit the Quebec Immigration website or contact the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration during business hours.