Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, has outlined the province’s proposed immigration strategy for the years 2026 to 2029. The proposal introduces significant shifts aimed at better managing temporary and permanent immigration while reinforcing the French language in Quebec.
Key Highlights of the Proposal:
- Temporary Resident Targets: Quebec plans to introduce limits on temporary residents, including a notable reduction in their overall numbers.
- Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP): The SWSP will reopen in July 2025, offering new opportunities for skilled immigrants. Skilled Immigration – Parisa Erfani
- PEQ – Diplôme Stream: The suspension of this popular graduate-to-PR pathway will continue until November 30, 2025.
- PR Prioritization: Priority will be given to individuals already living in Quebec on a temporary basis when issuing permanent residence selections.
- French Language Requirement: Temporary foreign workers must demonstrate a minimum level of French to renew their work permits.
- New PR Pathway: A new selection program for permanent residence is expected to launch in Fall 2025.
Minister Roberge emphasized the importance of preserving Quebec’s French identity, stating that “becoming a Quebecer is a privilege, not a right.” He also urged the federal government to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers across Canada from 400,000 to 200,000, particularly under the International Mobility Program.
Public Consultation Open Until August 15, 2025
These proposals are currently open for public feedback, with consultations running until August 15, 2025.
Recent Immigration Shifts in Quebec
Quebec aims to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new immigrants this year. However, several recent changes have impacted how immigration is managed in the province:
- The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ – Diplôme) and the SWSP have both faced pauses, affecting many prospective applicants.
- A country cap has been introduced under the SWSP, limiting applicants from a single country to a maximum of 25% of total admissions.
- The province now requires that around 80% of new permanent residents be proficient in French upon admission.
Temporary Resident Policy Developments
Before this announcement, Quebec had not imposed specific caps on its temporary resident intake. However, it had already joined the federal freeze on Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in August 2024—a policy that has now been extended.
Meanwhile, the federal government introduced its own limits on temporary residents in October 2024, citing concerns over housing supply and affordability.
