Maple News reports that Quebec officially launched a targeted immigration pilot program on April 22 to attract skilled professionals in artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT), and visual effects. The innovative five-year initiative aims to strengthen Quebec’s economic growth by addressing critical labour shortages in its high-demand tech sectors.
The pilot will accept up to 550 principal applicants annually, along with their accompanying family members. To qualify, candidates must intend to settle and work in Quebec. The program is part of Quebec’s larger strategy to fuel economic recovery through innovation and global talent recruitment.
Quebec Immigration Minister Nadine Girault stated that the pilot is designed to give Quebec companies tools to hire international experts, reinforcing the province’s leadership in emerging technologies and supporting long-term economic development.
The program consists of two dedicated streams: one for professionals in artificial intelligence, and another for those in IT and visual effects. Within each stream, applicants can apply under two profiles—Francophone or Francization. Francophone applicants must demonstrate oral proficiency in French at level 7 on Quebec’s official scale. Francization candidates, while not initially fluent, must commit to learning French and will be automatically enrolled in a government-supported integration program.
This marks a significant shift in policy, as most Quebec immigration paths prioritize French proficiency from the outset. The new allowance for non-French speakers under this pilot signals greater inclusivity and flexibility in attracting international talent.
The application window for this year runs from April 22 to October 31. Selected applicants will be issued a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), qualifying them to apply for permanent residence through Canada’s federal immigration system.
This tech-focused pilot follows the recent launch of two other sector-specific immigration programs for orderlies and food processing workers, both introduced in March. All three pilots were originally announced in October 2020 as part of Quebec’s broader plan to fill essential roles and revive its labor market.
Collectively, the three permanent immigration pilot programs will offer up to 1,650 application spots per year, with each stream capped at 550 applicants. These new pathways demonstrate Quebec’s strategic approach to economic immigration, aligning workforce needs with global talent mobility.