Quebec’s pilot program for AI workers now open

As per a latest update by the Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration [MIFI] on April 22, 2021, Quebec’s new “permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors comes into force”.

The new immigration pilot program is among the 3 new immigration pilot programs earlier announced by the government of Quebec.

The other 2 new Quebec pilot programs – for workers in food processing and for orderlies – are already accepting applications.

For 2021, the application reception period for Quebec’s new pilot program for AI workers is open from April 22 to October 31, 2021.

Quebec’s new permanent immigration pilot programs
Pilot Program	Effective date	Maximum number of foreign nationals that might be selected under the program	Status
For workers in food processing	From March 24, 2021 until January 1, 2026.	550 per year	Accepting applications
For orderlies   [Note. By ‘orderly’ and ‘profession’ are meant the professions as per NOC 3413.]	From March 31, 2021 until January 1, 2026.	550 per year	Accepting applications
For workers in the artificial intelligence [AI], information technologies and visual effects sectors	From April 22, 2021 until January 1, 2026.	550 per year   [Note. 275 –Québec graduates and temporary workers in AI   275 – Foreign workers in the sectors of visual effects and  information technologies.	Accepting applications

Note. NOC: National Occupational Classification matrix.

The pilot program for AI and tech workers aims at attracting and promoting the retention of foreign workers – that have significant work experience in any 1 of the targeted sectors – along with graduates in artificial intelligence.

Quebec’s new pilot program specifically targets workers and researchers in the artificial intelligence [AI] sector as well as certain professions dealing with a shortage of manpower within the province in the visual effects sector and information technology.

According to the Regulation to make three permanent immigration pilot programs, by “eligible occupations” for the AI pilot of Quebec are implied the following 10 professions, based on the NOC matrix –   ·       NOC 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants ·       NOC 5241: Graphic designers and illustrators [but only in the visual effects sector] ·       NOC 0213: Computer and information systems managers ·       NOC 2173: Software engineers and designers ·       NOC 2133: Electrical and electronics engineers ·       NOC 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations [but only in the visual effects sector] ·       NOC 2174: Computer programmers and interactive media developers ·       NOC 5225: Audio and video recording technicians [but only in the visual effects sector] ·       NOC 2281: Computer network technicians ·       NOC 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians   Occupations will be included, with the conditions that, as the case may be, that are associated with the NOC codes above-mentioned.

 

An application for Canadian permanent residence can be submitted under any 1 of the 2 streams available under the permanent immigration pilot programs for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors.

The 2 streams available are –

• Artificial intelligence stream
• Information technologies and visual effects stream

After receiving their Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ – Québec Selection Certificate], the candidate must proceed to submitting their application for Canadian permanent residence visa to IRCC as a skilled foreign worker approved by Quebec.

To immigrate to Quebec, an individual – along with their accompanying family members – must first be selected by the Quebec Government, later admitted by the federal government of Canada.

 

If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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