On December 14, 2020, a special program came into effect that allows asylum seekers who worked on the front lines with the sick and elderly during the first wave of COVID-19 to apply for permanent residence.  

This program aims to thank these individuals (nicknamed “guardian angels”) by allowing them to obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) which will give them access to permanent residence. It is a collaborative effort between the federal and provincial governments, and applications will be accepted from December 14, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Individuals who require support to properly complete all steps of the process can call the CSAI to make an appointment with a counsellor. 

Selection requirements: 

• Have worked in Quebec in an eligible occupation for at least 120 hours between March 13, 2020 and August 14, 2020, in a public or private health institution or for a social economy company or a private company in home care 
• Have acquired, in Quebec, the equivalent of at least six months of full-time or 750 hours of part-time or full-time work experience, before or during the period of application of the immigration program in a public or private health institution or for a social economy company or private company in home care
• Have met all of the above conditions by August 31, 2021 
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