Quebec Unveils Immigration Plan 2025 With Steady Admission Targets
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Quebec’s Minister, Jean-Francois Roberge, on October 31, 2024 announced the province’s Immigration Plan for 2025. The plan maintains Quebec's commitment to welcoming approximately 50,000 permanent residents annually, with a target range set between 48,500 and 51,500 for the year.
The economic immigration category would account for the largest share with 31,000 to 32,900 individuals expected to be admitted. WHen including additional admissions through the Quebec Graduates stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), the economic category would represent 72% of all planned admissions.
The remaining permanent residents quotas are allocated to pathways such as family reunification, with 10,200 to 10,600 expected admissions, refugee programs, that are projected to admit 6,600 to 7,200 individuals.
*The Quebec Immigration Levels Plan is an annual initiative outlining the province’s immigration targets and the distribution of admissions across different categories
Double the Focus on French Proficiency
Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan emphasizes to boost the French language while continuing to attract talent for key economic sectors. The government aims for 70% to 80% of the admitted immigrants to be able to speak French upon arrival, rising to 95% for principal applicants in economic immigration programs.
Suspension of Two Key Immigration Pathways
The province has also announced the temporary suspension of two of the major immigration programs, i.e starting November 29,2024 Quebec would halt invitations under the Regular Skilled Workers Program (RSWP) and its replacement, the Skilled Worker Selection Program until at least June 30, 2025.
Similarly, the intakes of applications under the Quebec Graduate Stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) would also be paused. This program, widely used by the international students as a route to permanent residency, is also set to witness significant reduction in the number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) issued. The government projects this numbers to experience a fall from 14,500 in 2024 to 4-500 - 5,700 in 2025 respectively.
The suspension is expected to limit permanent residency admissions through the PEQ graduate stream to 13,500 to 15,000 in 2025, down from the previously projected 15,000 - 19,000.
These measures are aimed at aligning immigration programs with provincial priorities, which would remain effective until mid 2025.
Temporary Residents and Multi Year Planning - Quebec
Unlike Canada's federal Immigration Levels Plan 2025 - 2027, Quebec has not set limits on temporary residents. However, the province has revealed plans for a multi year immigration framework to be developed in 2025.
This initiative, which includes public consultations, would incorporate temporary immigration consideration and also guide policies for 2026.
Country Wise Cap for RSWP Invitations by Quebec
Quebec has introduced a one year cap on invitations issued through the RSWP, limiting foreign nationals from any single country to 25% of the total invitations per draw. This policy, is effective from October 9, 2024, and is designed to diversify the pool of skilled workers immigrating to the province.
Quebec’s Unique Immigration System
Quebec’s approach to immigration remains distinct within Canada. The province has autonomy over its skilled worker and immigration programs and emphasizes francophone immigration, which has witnessed a consistent growth.
Unlike other provinces, immigration to Quebec follows a 2 step process, i.e., candidates must first secure a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying for Canadian federal authorities.
Comparison of Quebec with Federal Immigration Targets
Quebec’s commitment of welcoming 50,000 newcomers annually in 2024 and 2025 remains steady, excluding temporary foreign workers and graduates under the Quebec Experience Program.
This announcement comes shortly after Canada’s federal government released its Immigration Levels Plan 2025, aiming for 395,000 in 2025, and further decreasing to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
Quebec’s measures reflect its efforts to align immigration with its priorities, ensuring a balance between economic needs and cultural integration.
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