New Pilot Programs & Changes in Immigration Programs: Quebec government

Quebec - Arrima Draw Quebec Experience Program
  • November 2, 2020

Three new permanent immigration pilot programs are soon to be live in support of the labour shortage in Quebec. The government of Quebec announced detailed plans for three pilot permanent immigration programs that will be implemented in early 2021.

A written draft of such initiative was published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on October 28, 2020, that included regulations relating to the implementation of three new permanent immigration pilot programs.

The three new permanent immigration pilot programs, already announced by the government earlier this year, are as follows:

  •  The pilot program for orderlies;
  •  The pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence (AI), information technologies (IT), and visual effects sectors;
  • The pilot program for workers in food processing (FP).

In addition, the government announced major improvements to the application intake process for the Program for Refugees Abroad, or Collective sponsorship, as well as new regulations for the Self-Employed Worker Program and the Entrepreneur Program.

To Retain & attract the workforce, the government of Quebec is implementing New pilot programs
With the launch of new programs, the government of Quebec’s target is to “attract and retain people whose skills meet the specific needs of the Quebec labour market” that can fulfil the province’s labour shortages. These three programs will be on board after a 45-day consultation period.

The requirement of nurses’ aides and beneficiary attendants are increasing day by in Quebec and to fulfil the need of the market, the pilot programs will allow up to 550 principal applicants per year. Under this program, accompanying family members will also be considered and receive Quebec Selection Certificates.

Apart from the medical industry, the food processing industry will also get permanent workers. The pilot program for workers in food processing will provide a pathway to permanent immigration for temporary foreign workers. This is a five-year program that will also allow 550 eligible workers and their families to become permanent residents every year.

The third pilot program covers the technology industry i.e artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects sectors. It will follow the same pattern as above mentioned two programs. It will last for five years and will select up to 550 people and their families per year. Each sector will select candidates and the division of those candidates will be equal.

 

How to process such application & what is the processing time?

Quebec has also released information related to the number of applications that will be received under economic immigration programs for the coming year. Here are the highlights:

  •  A limit of 50 permanent selection applications has been set under the Self-Employed Program for the period from November 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
  •  A limit of 25 permanent selection applications will be accepted under the first stream of the Entrepreneur Program from November 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
    The second stream of the entrepreneur program is suspended for the next year so that it can be improved.
  •  The selection criteria in effect for immigration candidates who have filed an Expression of Interest in Arrima, Quebec’s immigration application management system, for selection under the Regular Skilled Worker Program have also been renewed and are in effect until November 1, 2021.
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