Work and Economic Immigration to Canada

You are considering working in Canada?
Good news: the country is full of job opportunities!

However, it is important to note that, besides Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the vast majority of people who wish to work in Canada need a work permit. This permit can be “closed” (restricted to a specific employer) or “open” (allowing you to work for any employer in Canada).

In line with our commitment to providing comprehensive service, our assistance goes beyond the legal aspects of the process.

For example, in collaboration with our trusted partners, we can help you with:
  • Translating your CV to French and/or English
  • Optimizing your CV
  • Preparing you for a potential interview with a Canadian employer
  • Understanding how to find suitable accommodation and, if desired, making minimal preparations for your arrival
  • Helping you obtain essential items to ensure your quality of life in Canada
  • Any other integration steps that may facilitate your arrival and settlement in Canada (or direct you to third-party resources if we cannot meet your needs)


Working in Canada: Finding the Right Program for Your Future

Canada and its provinces offer a wide range of immigration and mobility programs that allow foreign workers to come to Canada, whether on a temporary basis or as part of a pathway toward permanent residence. These programs are designed to meet the country’s economic, demographic, and social needs, while also taking into account the professional and personal aspirations of applicants.

Given the variety of available options, it is entirely normal to feel overwhelmed. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, processing times, and benefits. This is why obtaining a personalized assessment of your profile is essential in order to choose the most suitable pathway for you.

At Giroux O’Connor Immigration Law, we guide you through this process by analyzing your professional experience, qualifications, short- and long-term goals, and your eligibility for various programs.

Our objective: to direct you toward the most effective strategy to work in Canada — whether on a temporary or permanent basis.

Overview of the Main Types of Work Programs in Canada

Temporary Work Programs

These programs allow foreign nationals to come work in Canada for a specified period of time.

They often provide an opportunity to transition to permanent residence.

1) Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP is designed to allow Canadian employers to fill temporary labour shortages when no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill a given position. This program plays a crucial role in several economic sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, technology, food processing, and healthcare.

Main Components of the TFWP:

  • LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment):

    • In most cases, the employer must obtain a positive LMIA from Service Canada. This document demonstrates that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market.

  • TFWP Streams:

    • High-Wage Stream

    • Low-Wage Stream

    • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

    • Agricultural Stream (for permanent or seasonal workers)

    • Global Talent Stream for highly specialized tech positions

Duration and Renewal:

  • Generally up to 2 years, renewable under certain conditions.

  • Can sometimes serve as a stepping stone to permanent residence, notably through the Canadian Experience Class or the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

2) International Mobility Program (IMP)

The IMP allows certain foreign nationals to obtain a work permit without requiring an LMIA, which often simplifies and speeds up the process. This program aims to support Canada's economic, cultural, and diplomatic interests.

Common IMP Categories:

  • International Agreements:

    • Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) (formerly NAFTA)

    • Free trade agreements with other countries (such as CETA with the European Union)

    • International Experience Canada (IEC) Program (Working Holiday, Young Professionals)

  • Intra-Company Transfers:

    • For employees of a multinational company transferred to a Canadian branch. This is a key tool for tech companies and multinational corporations.

  • Open Work Permits for Spouses:

    • The spouse of an international student or skilled worker may obtain an open work permit, without a specific job offer.

  • Francophone Mobility (outside Quebec):

    • Allows qualified French-speaking workers to work in provinces or territories outside Quebec, supporting the development of Francophone minority communities.

Advantages of the IMP:

  • Faster processing times

  • Fewer administrative formalities

  • Several open permits available

3) Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

The PGWP is an open work permit for international students who have successfully completed an eligible program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It provides a valuable opportunity to gain Canadian work experience after studies, which can facilitate a transition to permanent residency.

Main Features of the PGWP:

  • Duration of the permit:

    • Based on the duration of the completed program of study (minimum 8 months).

    • Maximum of 3 years.

  • Eligibility Requirements:

    • Have studied full-time at a DLI for at least 8 months.

    • Have completed an eligible diploma, certificate, or degree.

    • Have received an official graduation letter and final transcript.

    • Apply within 180 days after receiving these documents.

  • Open Work Permit:

    • You can work for any employer, in any province or territory.

Transition to Permanent Residency:

  • The work experience gained with a PGWP can be used to apply for permanent residency through:

    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — via Express Entry

    • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

    • Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) (if studying and working in Quebec)

Note:

The PGWP cannot be renewed. It is therefore essential to carefully plan your study project in Canada.

Programs Leading to Permanent Residency

These programs aim to attract skilled workers to address long-term labour shortages. They are generally based on a points system and on criteria related to experience, education, and adaptability.

1) Express Entry

The Express Entry system is the main pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers wishing to settle in Canada. Implemented by the federal government in 2015, this electronic management system aims to strategically and quickly select candidates who are most likely to successfully integrate into the Canadian economy.

Unlike immigration systems based solely on the order applications are received, Express Entry operates on a merit-based approach. Eligible candidates create an online profile that is assessed based on several key factors:

  • language skills (English and/or French),

  • level of education,

  • work experience,

  • age,

  • validated job offer (if applicable),

  • connections to Canada (studies, experience, family members),

  • and more.

These factors are weighted under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns a score to each candidate. The highest-ranked candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

A dynamic and adaptable system

One of the major advantages of the Express Entry system is its ability to adapt to Canada’s evolving economic needs. In addition to general draws, the government now holds category-based draws to attract specific profiles—for example, healthcare professionals, workers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), Francophones, or skilled trades workers.

This flexibility allows Canada to more effectively address critical labour shortages while promoting immigration that supports long-term economic growth.

Faster processing, simplified procedures

Express Entry is also distinguished by its fast processing times. Once a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), their application is generally processed within six months or less. The process is 100% digital—from profile creation to submission of the permanent residence application—helping to reduce delays and administrative errors.

An opportunity for workers from around the world

Express Entry targets a wide range of international candidates, whether they already live in Canada (e.g., temporary workers, recent graduates) or are abroad. It is one of the most accessible and efficient avenues for those looking to build a sustainable future in Canada.

This system suits both experienced professionals and recent graduates and promotes proactive immigration, where candidates are encouraged to improve their profile—for example, by enhancing their language skills, pursuing further education, or obtaining a Canadian job offer—in order to boost their CRS score.

A competitive process – but accessible with the right strategy

Although Express Entry is based on a competitive ranking system, it is entirely possible to optimize your profile to stand out. Several strategies can be considered:

  • Improve your language score (IELTS, TEF, etc.)

  • Add an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

  • Accumulate eligible work experience

  • Study or work temporarily in Canada

Good professional guidance can make all the difference in understanding how to strengthen your application and make the most of the system.

Three Programs

Three economic immigration programs are currently managed under the Express Entry system:

  1. Canadian Experience Class

  2. Federal Skilled Worker Program

  3. Federal Skilled Trades Program

Details specific to each of these programs are provided below.
1) Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is intended for individuals who have acquired skilled work experience in Canada and wish to settle permanently. This program is particularly popular among former international students and temporary workers who have already integrated into the Canadian labor market.

It is one of the three economic immigration streams managed through the Express Entry system, offering a smooth pathway to permanent residency for those who have demonstrated their ability to adapt to the Canadian labor market.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Skilled Work Experience in Canada

  • Have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience (or the equivalent in part-time) in Canada within the three years preceding the application date.

  • The experience must:

    • Have been acquired under a valid work permit.

    • Be in an occupation classified under Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) levels 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC), representing generally skilled occupations (formerly NOC 0, A, or B).

  • Self-employment and work experience gained during full-time studies (such as co-op placements) are not eligible.

Language Proficiency

  • Applicants must demonstrate they possess the minimum required language skills, based on the occupational category:

    • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB/NCLC) level 7 for occupations at TEER levels 0 or 1 (e.g., management, professional roles).

    • CLB/NCLC level 5 for occupations at TEER levels 2 or 3 (e.g., technical or skilled trades).

  • An approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada) is required and must be valid at the time of submitting the Express Entry profile.

Benefits of the Canadian Experience Class

Proof of Funds Exemption

Unlike other Express Entry programs, CEC applicants are not required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves, provided they are already residing in Canada at the time of application.

Fast Processing Times

Once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received, applications are typically processed within six months or less.

High Adaptability

Applicants who have already worked in Canada have demonstrated their ability to integrate into the labor market and Canadian society, thereby strengthening their eligibility.

Important Notes

  • Legal temporary residence in Canada alone is not sufficient for eligibility: the key requirement is having legally acquired skilled work experience in an eligible occupation.

  • Applicants must still meet all other eligibility and selection requirements under the Express Entry system.

2) Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is intended for individuals with skilled work experience, acquired either in Canada or abroad, who wish to settle permanently in Canada.

This program primarily targets professionals and skilled workers who possess a combination of language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors that support their economic integration in Canada. It is one of the main pathways to enter the country through the Express Entry system.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must meet a set of basic criteria established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

Skilled Work Experience

  • Have accumulated at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience within the ten (10) years preceding the application.

  • The job must fall under category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC).

  • The work experience must be:

    • Paid (volunteer or unpaid work is not eligible);

    • Legal, under the laws of the country where it was obtained;

    • In the same primary occupation as the one stated in the application (primary NOC code).

Note: Work experience acquired during studies may be considered if it meets the following criteria:

  • It was paid employment;

  • It complied with the authorized hours under study permit regulations;

  • It meets NOC requirements.

Language Proficiency

  • Applicants must take an approved language test in English or French (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada).

  • They must obtain at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB/NCLC) level 7 in all four abilities (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).

  • The test must be valid at the time the Express Entry profile is submitted.

Education

  • Applicants must hold at least a high school diploma (equivalent to a Canadian credential).

  • If they obtained their credentials abroad, they must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization.

Minimum Passing Score: 67/100

  • Applicants must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the selection grid used by IRCC.

  • This grid assesses six key factors:

    1. Level of education

    2. Language proficiency

    3. Work experience

    4. Age

    5. Arranged employment (optional)

    6. Adaptability (e.g., spouse’s education, Canadian experience, family ties)

Why Choose This Program?

Global Accessibility

Unlike other programs, there is no requirement to have previously lived or worked in Canada to be eligible.

Direct Pathway to Permanent Residence

Once selected through Express Entry and invited to apply, the process is fast—typically around 6 months.

Open to Numerous Sectors

The program welcomes professionals across various fields such as engineering, finance, healthcare, technology, education, and more.

3) Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed to attract individuals with hands-on experience in a technical or skilled trade to Canada. This program allows these qualified professionals to obtain permanent residency and contribute to the Canadian economy in sectors where labor is in high demand, such as construction, mechanics, electrical work, manufacturing, and food processing trades.

This program is managed through the Express Entry system and is intended for individuals who, although they may not hold a university degree, possess practical skills essential to the country's growth.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

Work experience in a skilled trade

  • Have accumulated at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the five (5) years preceding the application.

  • The experience must:

    • Be paid work;

    • Be in an eligible skilled trade under the major groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021).

Proof of qualification in Canada

The applicant must meet one of the following two conditions:

  1. Have a valid job offer:

    • The offer must be:

      • Full-time;

      • Of at least one year in duration;

      • In an eligible skilled trade;

      • Made by one or two Canadian employers;

      • Supported, in most cases, by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

OR

  1. Hold a Certificate of Qualification:

    • The applicant must have obtained a Certificate of Qualification issued by a competent provincial, territorial, or federal authority in Canada.

    • Obtaining this certificate generally requires:

      • Passing a theoretical and/or practical exam;

      • Demonstrating a certain number of hours of experience;

      • Living or having worked in the relevant province or territory.

Language Skills

  • The applicant must take a language test recognized by IRCC (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada).

  • They must meet the following minimum levels:

    • CLB 5 in listening and speaking;

    • CLB 4 in reading and writing.

Program Benefits

Open to applicants without a university degree

The program recognizes the value of practical skills and on-the-job work experience.

Addressing sectoral labor shortages

Applicants can quickly enter the Canadian labor market in industries facing high labor demand.

Direct permanent residence

Once accepted through Express Entry, the applicant obtains permanent resident status with all associated rights.

Geographic flexibility

A job offer or certificate can come from any province or territory, except Quebec (which manages its own economic immigration system).

General Selection Criteria under Express Entry

Each of the three programs managed under Express Entry has its own eligibility criteria. However, they share a common logic: Canada selects skilled workers based on their ability to quickly integrate into the labor market and contribute to the national economy.

Candidates are evaluated based on a set of key factors, including:

  • Age;

  • Level of education;

  • Work experience (in Canada and/or abroad);

  • Language proficiency in French and/or English;

  • Presence of a valid job offer, with or without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

To be eligible for Express Entry, a candidate must meet the requirements of at least one of the three federal programs. Once in the pool, they may also be selected through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which could significantly increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

2) Provincial Nominee Programs

Each Canadian province and territory — with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut — has its own immigration programs. These programs aim to meet the economic, demographic, and social needs specific to each region by selecting candidates with profiles that match local priorities.

A worker who wishes to settle permanently in Canada can be selected by a province or territory under a PNP if they:

  • Possess the skills, training, and experience required to contribute to the economic growth of a particular province or territory
  • Intend to reside in that province or territory
  • Wish to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Express Entry and PNP: Two Possible Pathways

The application process can be:

  • integrated with Express Entry (PNP – Express Entry stream), allowing for faster processing and a 600-point boost in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS); or

  • outside of Express Entry, with the application submitted directly to IRCC after the provincial nomination.

3) Immigration Pilot Programs: Targeted Pathways to Permanent Residence

The Canadian government implements pilot programs to address specific economic or regional needs and to assess new immigration models before potentially making them permanent.

These programs are often designed to help certain regions or industries attract skilled or semi-skilled workers and are generally more targeted and time-limited than regular programs.

Why do pilot programs exist?

Canada is facing several challenges, including:

  • an aging population,

  • labour shortages in certain sectors,

  • the need to develop rural and remote communities.

Pilot programs therefore aim to:

  • Attract immigrants to less popular economic sectors or regions,

  • Test new approaches to make immigration more flexible and inclusive,

  • Respond swiftly to temporary or emerging labour market needs.

Common Features of Pilot Programs

Each pilot program has its own criteria, but several elements are commonly required:

    • A valid job offer in a targeted sector or region;
    • Recent work experience (in Canada or abroad);
    • Minimum language proficiency in English or French;
    • A genuine intention to settle permanently in a specific region or province.
    • Some programs also allow the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner and children to accompany them.
Examples of Pilot Programs Currently in Effect

While each pilot program deserves its own detailed explanation (which we can elaborate on later), here is an overview of a few notable initiatives:

➤ Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

  • Intended for small communities located outside major urban centres.

  • Requires a local job offer and a commitment to settle in the community.

➤ Agri-Food Pilot Program

  • For workers in agriculture or food processing sectors, such as livestock, meat production, or greenhouse operations.

  • Provides a pathway to permanent residence after one year of Canadian experience.

➤ Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

  • Applies to the Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

  • Allows designated employers to hire skilled workers or international graduates.

➤ Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots

  • For individuals who have worked as in-home caregivers (nannies, elderly caregivers, etc.) in Canada.

  • Allows for employment and permanent residency

4) The Special Case of Quebec

Quebec distinguishes itself from the rest of Canada by possessing full autonomy in the selection of economic immigrants. This unique feature enables the province to design its own immigration programs and criteria tailored to its socio-economic, linguistic, and cultural needs. As such, any individual wishing to settle in Quebec as a permanent worker must go through one of the immigration programs managed by the Quebec government, rather than directly through the federal system (such as Express Entry).

A Distinct Constitutional Authority

Unlike other Canadian provinces, Quebec signed an agreement with the federal government in 1991: the Canada–Quebec Accord. This agreement grants the province the authority to:

  • Define its own selection criteria for economic immigrants;

  • Manage its own selection programs for skilled workers, Quebec experience, and certain temporary workers;

  • Set its annual immigration targets according to its economic and demographic priorities.

The federal government, for its part, continues to oversee eligibility checks (health, security, documentation, etc.) for permanent residence, even after selection by Quebec.

Objectives of Quebec’s Immigration Programs

Quebec’s immigration programs aim to:

  • Address the needs of Quebec’s labor market, particularly in sectors experiencing workforce shortages;

  • Ensure the francophone integration of immigrants into Quebec society;

  • Promote the long-term settlement of newcomers throughout Quebec, including in the regions.

These objectives are aligned with the province’s vision of balanced regional economic development, the sustainability of the French language, and social cohesion.

General Characteristics of Quebec’s Programs

Here are some key elements to know about Quebec’s immigration programs:

  • Proficiency in French is often essential, particularly for economic programs. Quebec seeks to attract individuals capable of living, working, and integrating in French.
  • Applicants are often required to demonstrate qualified professional experience in a field or sector considered a priority by the province.
  • The selection process occurs in two stages: first by Quebec (via the Quebec Selection Certificate – CSQ), followed by the federal government (for the permanent residence process).
  • Certain programs also value experience acquired in Quebec, notably through studies or temporary employment.
  • Accelerated pathways exist for certain profiles (students, essential workers, talents in new technologies, etc.).
Overview of Program Types

Quebec offers several programs tailored to the diverse profiles of economic immigrants. The main categories include:

  1. The Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP): intended for individuals with relevant professional experience and strong language skills.

  2. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): for foreign workers or graduates who have already gained significant experience in Quebec.

  3. Targeted pilot programs, including:

    • Food processing workers;

    • Orderlies in the healthcare sector;

    • Specialists in artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects.

1) Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)

The Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) is one of Quebec’s main economic immigration streams. It is designed for individuals with education, professional experience, and language skills that can contribute to the province’s economic development.

This program is intended for workers residing abroad or temporarily in Quebec who do not meet the criteria of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), but who wish to settle in the province on a long-term basis.

Program Objective

The objective of the SWSP is to select qualified candidates to address the needs of Quebec’s labor market, taking into account their potential for integration into a French-speaking society.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the SWSP, a candidate must meet several criteria, which are assessed through a points-based system (known as the selection grid). The main factors considered include:

1. Education and Training

  • The candidate must hold a recognized diploma equivalent to a level of secondary or post-secondary education in Quebec.

  • Additional points are awarded if the field of study is in demand in Quebec (according to the current List of Areas of Training).

2. Professional Experience

  • Qualified work experience obtained in Quebec or abroad within the past five years.

  • The experience must generally be full-time and in a recognized field.

3. Knowledge of French

  • French proficiency is highly valued in the SWSP. Candidates must demonstrate strong oral and written skills in French (minimum recommended level of B2).

  • Points may also be awarded for English proficiency, although it is not mandatory.

4. Age

  • Candidates should ideally be between 18 and 42 years old, with the highest number of points awarded to those aged 18 to 35.

5. Validated Job Offer (Optional)

  • Having a validated job offer in Quebec in a priority sector can be a significant asset, but it is not required to apply.

6. Financial Self-Sufficiency

  • The candidate must sign a declaration of financial self-sufficiency, confirming they have the necessary resources to support themselves (and their family, if applicable) during the initial months following arrival.

The Selection Process
  1. Submit a Declaration of Interest in Arrima

    • The candidate must create a profile on the Arrima platform, which manages applications for the SWSP.

    • They must enter their qualifications (education, work experience, language skills, etc.).

  2. Invitation to Apply

    • The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) invites the most promising profiles to submit an application for permanent selection.

  3. Assessment and Issuance of the CSQ

    • If the application is approved, the candidate receives a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

  4. Application for Permanent Residence

    • Once the CSQ is obtained, the candidate may submit an application for permanent residence to the federal government.

2) Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast-track pathway to permanent residence for individuals with significant experience in Quebec, either as temporary workers or as international students who graduated in the province.

This program is designed to promote the rapid integration of individuals who are already familiar with Quebec society and who meet the needs of the local labor market.

Who Can Apply to the PEQ?

The PEQ is divided into two main streams:

  1. Quebec Graduate Stream

    • For international students who have obtained an eligible diploma in Quebec.

  2. Temporary Foreign Worker Stream

    • For workers with qualified professional experience in Quebec.

Quebec Graduate Stream

Main Conditions:

  • Have obtained an eligible diploma in Quebec within the last 36 months:

    • Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP)

    • Diploma of College Studies (DEC)

    • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree

  • Have studied full-time in Quebec for at least 1,800 hours (DEP) or the regular duration of the program (DEC or university).

  • Have resided in Quebec during the period of studies.

  • Have acquired at least 12 months of full-time work experience in a NOC level 0, A, or B occupation (except for certain eligible DEPs with field-related experience).

  • This job must have been held continuously and in Quebec.

Temporary Foreign Worker Stream

Main Conditions:

  • Hold a valid temporary work permit at the time of application.

  • Have worked full-time in Quebec for at least 24 months during the 36 months preceding the application.

  • The job must be in a NOC level 0, A, or B occupation.

  • The work must have been continuous (only minimal interruption allowed).

Language Requirements

For both streams, the applicant must demonstrate oral French proficiency at a minimum B2 level.

How to prove your French proficiency:

  • Through a recognized test (TEF, TCF, DELF, etc.)

  • Or a diploma issued in French in Quebec

  • Or by completing an advanced intermediate French course recognized by MIFI

Process Steps

  1. Prepare the required documents (proof of experience, proof of French proficiency, etc.)

  2. Submit the application for permanent selection to MIFI

  3. If accepted, receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

  4. Then submit a permanent residence application to the federal government

Advantages of the PEQ

  • Faster processing compared to the SWSP

  • No point system or ranking required

  • Suitable for individuals already well integrated in Quebec

Note

  • The PEQ is frequently revised by authorities. It is important to regularly consult the current eligibility criteria.

  • Work experience gained during studies is not admissible for the worker stream (with specific exceptions for the graduate stream).

  • French language knowledge is mandatory, even for accompanying spouses.

3) Quebec’s Immigration Pilot Programs

Quebec has introduced several permanent immigration pilot programs to address specific labor market needs in sectors deemed priorities by the province. These programs are designed to offer a targeted and streamlined pathway to permanent residence for foreign workers already established in Quebec, or in the process of doing so, who are working in fields experiencing chronic labor shortages.

Unlike regular programs (such as the PEQ or the SWSP), these initiatives are time-limited, renewed annually, and are frequently evaluated by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) to assess their effectiveness.

Objectives of the Pilot Programs

The pilot programs primarily aim to:

  • Support key economic sectors (agri-food, healthcare, technology);

  • Attract and retain skilled or essential workers who have already gained experience in Quebec;

  • Facilitate sustainable and French-speaking immigration across different regions of Quebec;

  • Reduce administrative procedures for certain targeted profiles.

General Characteristics

Although each program has its own criteria, they share several common conditions:

  • Relevant work experience in Quebec, often full-time and in specific occupations;

  • Knowledge of French, usually at an intermediate oral level (Level B1 or B2 depending on the case);

  • A clear intention to settle permanently in Quebec;

  • Submission of the application within the deadlines set by the annual quotas (generally 500 to 600 applications per program per year);

  • Possibility to include family members (spouse, dependent children).

Once the application for permanent selection is accepted, the candidate receives a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). They must then submit a permanent residence application to the federal government.

The three currently active pilot programs are detailed below.

Active Immigration Pilot Programs in Quebec

1) Pilot Program for Food Processing Workers

This program targets essential workers in the food processing sector, particularly meat processing and other priority agri-food industries.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Have held a full-time eligible job in the food processing sector for at least 24 months in the 36 months preceding the application.

  • The job must be located in Quebec and in a specific occupation recognized by the program (e.g., industrial butchers, food processing machine operators, production line workers, etc.).

  • Currently hold a job with a company in the sector.

  • Have an oral knowledge of French equivalent to level B1.

Number of spots:

  • Maximum of 600 applications accepted per year.

2) Pilot Program for Orderlies

This program targets workers providing direct care to individuals, including in hospitals, long-term care homes (CHSLD), senior residences, and other healthcare settings.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Hold a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in assistance to persons (in healthcare institutions or at home) issued by a Quebec institution.

  • Have worked full-time for at least 12 months in the 24 months preceding the application in an eligible occupation (e.g., orderly).

  • Be employed at the time of application by a recognized institution.

  • Demonstrate oral knowledge of French at a minimum B1 level.

Number of spots:

  • Maximum of 600 applications per year, including up to 200 for individuals employed on a temporary basis at the time of application.

3) Pilot Program for Workers in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, and Visual Effects

This program targets highly skilled workers in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), IT, and visual effects—sectors experiencing rapid growth in Quebec, particularly in Montreal.

Eligibility Criteria:

The program includes two separate streams:

Stream 1: Foreign Workers

  • Hold a university degree equivalent to a Quebec bachelor’s degree;

  • Have six months of full-time professional experience in the field (in Quebec or abroad);

  • Be employed in Quebec in an eligible position related to AI, IT, or visual effects;

  • Have oral knowledge of French at a minimum B2 level (mandatory except for recent Quebec graduates).

Stream 2: Quebec Graduates

  • Hold an eligible Quebec diploma (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) in a field related to AI, IT, or visual effects;

  • Be employed in Quebec in a relevant position at the time of application;

  • Language requirements may vary depending on the profile and experience.

Eligible Occupations (examples):

  • Software developers;

  • AI engineers;

  • 3D artists and visual effects technicians;

  • Cybersecurity analysts;

  • Digital product managers.

Number of spots:

  • Up to 550 applications per year, including 275 for Quebec graduates and 275 for foreign workers.

In Summary

Quebec’s immigration pilot programs provide specialized pathways to permanent residence for targeted profiles directly aligned with the province’s economic priorities. Whether you are a worker in the agri-food industry, an orderly, or a professional in advanced technology, these programs represent a concrete opportunity to immigrate to Quebec on a stable, long-term basis.

Importance of Legal Compliance

Regardless of your professional goals in Canada, it is essential to strictly comply with current Canadian legislation. Failure to respect the law can lead to serious consequences for both the Canadian employer and the foreign worker.

For the employer, penalties may include a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years. In general, the severity of the violation directly influences the seriousness of the penalty. For instance, an employer who knowingly provides false information to Canadian authorities to facilitate the arrival of a foreign worker is likely to face harsher penalties than one who simply failed to take all necessary steps to prevent an infraction.

As for the foreign worker who has violated immigration laws, they will immediately become inadmissible to Canada. This means they will be subject to a removal order, and the government may proceed with their deportation. In order to return to Canada in the future, the individual must either obtain special authorization or wait a minimum period of twelve months. Additionally, if the Canadian government has covered the costs related to the deportation, the worker must repay those expenses before submitting any new application.

Complying with immigration laws is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a vital condition for the long-term success of your life project in Canada.

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