Quebec's Immigration Shift: New Policies

A fresh by-law modifying Quebec’s immigration rules starts today, bringing in various new measures and policy shifts affect New Immigration Pilots and Policy Changes for Quebec.

New Economic Pilot Streams Open

Quebec recently announced the reopening of three long-term economic immigration pilot programs, aiming to address critical labor shortages within the province. Effective from November 23rd, 2023, to December 31st, 2024, these streams include:

• Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in food processing (600 application cap)
• Permanent immigration pilot program for orderlies (600 application cap)
• Permanent immigration pilot program for workers in artificial intelligence, information technologies, and visual effects sectors (700 application cap)

While these programs periodically accept applications, all three are expected to conclude indefinitely on Jan 1st, 2026.

Economic Programs Update

Significant changes are underway for Quebec’s economic immigration programs.

1. Proficiency in French is now a requirement across all programs. For instance:

Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) now necessitate a spoken French proficiency level of at least 7.

2. PEQ additionally demands a written French proficiency level of 5 or higher and requires applicants to have completed a program in French or three years of French study for the graduate component.

3. Spouses sponsored under these programs must demonstrate an oral French proficiency equivalent to a level 4.

Furthermore, starting November 29th, the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) will be replaced by the Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program (QWSP).

Family Sponsorship and Other Changes

As of November 23rd, sponsors for Quebec immigration between the ages of 18-55 must complete and sign a welcome and integration plan for the sponsored person, ensuring support in various aspects like preparing for arrival, accessing public services, and learning French.

Additional alterations include modifications to the business streams of immigration, effective January 1st, 2024. These changes make French proficiency mandatory across various business programs and introduce more requirements such as increased residence needs and a work permit.

Immigration to Quebec and Quebec’s Influence

Quebec holds considerable control over its immigration policies and programs, thanks to the Quebec-Canada Accord. It aims to welcome around 49,500 immigrants this year and plans for an equal number in 2024 and 2025. The majority of these quotas are allocated to economic immigration, anticipating about 32,000 skilled foreign workers yearly from 2023 to 2025. Quebec also emphasizes the importance of Francophone immigration, influencing immigration policies across Canada.cting several Quebec immigration pathways. Continue reading to discover these updates and their potential effects on you.

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FAQs

Q1: What does the upcoming 2023 pilot initiative in Canada entail?

Canada is launching a fresh pilot program (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program- for skilled workers , Agri-Food Immigration Pilot program- for those who have relevant experience in Agri Industry, Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program- to hire foreign workers for atlantic specific region, Entrepreneur Start up Visa program- for those who have viable business ideas, Global Talent Stream) , scheduled for a commencement in September 2023, aimed at tackling labor scarcities and streamlining recruitment procedures for employers who frequently participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.

Q2: Is there a unique immigration policy specific to Quebec?

Under the Canada-Quebec agreement, Quebec stands as the sole province empowered to independently choose its economic immigrants from abroad. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of foreign-born permanent residents are selected by Quebec, while the federal government selects the remaining percentage.

Q3: Is obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Quebec straightforward?

By 2023, Quebec, along with Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, emerges as one of four provinces offering a smoother path to permanent residency in Canada. These provinces have diligently endeavored to simplify and enhance the immigration procedures, fostering a significantly more hospitable environment for newcomers in recent times.

Q4: Who qualifies for Quebec immigration?

Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in either English or French is necessary.

Job Offer: Having a job offer boosts your Quebec immigration score.

Work Experience: Candidates must possess three years of work experience within the last five years.

Q5: Is it possible to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Quebec without knowing French?

Quebec offers immigration pathways such as the Quebec Skilled Worker program (QSW) and various business immigration streams that don't mandate knowledge of French. Nevertheless, proficiency in French often provides an edge in most of Quebec's immigration programs. For instance, the QSW employs a points-based system to assess and rank prospective candidates.