Canada | PR Visa | PNP | Quebec’s three upcoming new Pilot Programs for 2020-21

The Government of Quebec releases details on the upcoming three new permanent immigration pilot projects to resolve worker shortages. These programs will be launched in early 2021

On 28 October 2020, the draft regulation relating to the introduction of three new permanent pilot projects for immigration was published in the Gazette officielle du Québec.

The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Immigration (MIFI) expects to receive feedback on these programs for the next one and a half months before their implementation officially.

The three proposed pilot projects for permanent immigration, already declared by the government earlier this year, are as follows:

• Pilot program for orderlies;
• Pilot program for staff in the fields of artificial intelligence ( AI), Information Technology (IT) and visual effects;
• The Food Processing (FP) pilot program for workers.

The Government of Quebec seeks to attract and maintain people whose talents match the specific needs of the Quebec labor market through these new pilot projects and to resolve labor shortages in three main fields. After a 45-day consultation period, the three pilot projects will come into force.

Pilot program for orderlies

The Orderlies Pilot Program would allow up to 550 principal applicants each year to be chosen to work in Quebec as nursing assistants and beneficiary assistants. Under this scheme, supporting family members will also earn Quebec Collection Certificates.

Pilot program for Artificial Intelligence, IT and Visual effects

The second pilot program targets the fields of artificial intelligence, IT and visual effects. It will last for 5 years, like the other programs, and will pick up to 550 individuals and their families.

The selection is divided evenly between the field of artificial intelligence and the other two sectors. The aim of this pilot project is to draw new talent employed in these sectors and to ensure the temporary retention of those who are already in Quebec.

The Food processing Pilot Program for Workers

For temporary foreign workers employed in the food processing industry, this pilot program would offer a gateway to permanent immigration. It will also be a five-year initiative that will annually pick up to 550 qualifying workers and their families.

Changes to application processing times and Immigration Programs   

Information pertaining to the number of applications for submission in economic immigration services for the coming year has also been published by Quebec. The highlights are here:

Self-Employed Worker Program

Under the Self-Employed Scheme, a cap of 50 permanent selection applications has been set. The duration of application submission is from 1 November 2020 until 30 September 2021.

The self-employed workers have to demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of French i.e Level 7 or 8.

Entrepreneur Program

The first stream of the Entrepreneur Program will approve a maximum of 25 permanent selection applications. The applications have to be submitted From 1 November 2020 to 30 September 2021. The entrepreneur candidates under stream 1 need to demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of French i.e Level 7 or 8.

The second stream of the entrepreneur program is suspended until November 1, 2021.

Collective Sponsorship

Reforms and a revised intake cycle have been adopted by the government for applicants under the Refugees Abroad program (Collective Sponsorship). There will be a limit of 750 applications approved from April 6 to May 5, 2021, for group sponsorships of two to five persons. Applications for sponsorship must now be made electronically. It will then be chosen randomly through a draw under an outside Auditor’s supervision.

The selection requirements in place for immigration applicants who have applied for selection under the Regular Skilled Worker Program by filling an  Expression of Interest in Arrima, Quebec’s immigration applicant management scheme, have also been extended and are in place until 1 November 2021.