This permanent immigration pilot program is designed to attract and retain graduates in artificial intelligence (AI) as well as international talent working in the technology sector in Quebec or those who have job offers from Quebec employers. The program consists of two streams:

Streams
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Information Technology and Visual Effects (IT/VE)

The program aims to select up to 300 Quebec graduates and 300 temporary workers in these sectors.

Application Period: November 23, 2023, to December 31, 2024, or until the maximum number of applications is reached.

General Requirements for Both Streams
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Intend to settle in Quebec to work for a company over which you have no direct or indirect control.
Have met the conditions of your stay in Quebec, if applicable.
Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least the first three months following arrival in Quebec.

Language Requirements for Both Streams
Both streams include profiles for French speakers and non-French speakers (Francization).

French-Speaker Profile: Must demonstrate knowledge of French at level 7 (advanced intermediate) on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes, or an equivalent level.

Non-French-Speaker Profile: Automatically enrolled in a free, personalized program called “Accompagnement Québec,” designed to support integration into Quebec society and assist in learning French.

Artificial Intelligence Stream – Specific Conditions

Foreign Workers
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
Must hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec bachelor’s degree and have at least one year of full-time work experience in a level 0, A, or B job according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) within the past five years, or
Hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec master’s or PhD obtained in the year prior to application and have a job offer in the AI sector. The gross annual salary must be at least $75,000 if the employer is outside the Metropolitan Montréal Community, or at least $100,000 if located within it.

Quebec Graduates
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
Must have a higher specialized studies (DESS) diploma, a master’s, or a PhD from a Quebec institution issued within the last 24 months.
Hold or have accepted a full-time job in the AI sector.
If holding a DESS, must have worked in a level 0, A, or B job for at least six months after completing studies.
Must have lived in Quebec as a student for at least half of the study program duration.

Information Technology and Visual Effects Stream – Specific Conditions

Education Requirement
Must hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec diploma of college studies (technical training) or a Quebec bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience Requirement
Must have held an eligible full-time job for at least two years and currently have or accept a full-time eligible job with an hourly wage equal to the maximum wage of the average wage for the occupation as specified on the Emploi-Québec website.

Targeted Occupations
The work experience or current job must correspond to one of the following NOC codes:
NOC 0213: Computer and information systems manager
NOC 2133: Electrical and electronics engineer
NOC 2171: Information systems analyst and consultant
NOC 2173: Software engineer and designer
NOC 2174: Computer programmer and interactive media developer
NOC 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologist and technician
NOC 2281: Computer network technician
NOC 5131: Producer, director, choreographer, and related occupations
NOC 5225: Audio and video recording technician
NOC 5241: Graphic designer and illustrator