Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, recently unveiled significant changes to the province’s immigration system, laying out proposed guidelines aimed to govern immigration over the next four years. His announcement on June 5, 2025, made waves in the immigration community, providing clarity on Quebec’s future immigration landscape.
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Immediate Actions by the Quebec Government
Effective immediately, the Quebec government has decided to:
- Suspend Applications under the PEQ – Workers Pathway: This suspension will last until November 30, 2025, impacting many aspiring immigrants. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has traditionally been a popular route for workers seeking permanent residency.
- Extend Suspension of the PEQ – Diplômes Pathway: Similar to the workers’ pathway, the diplomatic stream will also see applications suspended until November 30, 2025.
- Reopen the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ): Set for July 2025, this program will offer new opportunities, but will likely come with adjusted criteria.
- Extend Suspension for Refugee Programs: Intake for the Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship) is halted until December 31, 2027, signaling a significant change in Quebec’s approach to humanitarian immigration.
Proposed Future Actions
Roberge outlined several proposed actions aimed at reshaping Quebec’s immigration landscape:
- Temporary Resident Levels Targets: The government intends to establish targets for temporary resident levels, which includes a planned reduction in the number of temporary residents.
- Prioritizing Existing Temporary Residents: The emphasis will be on facilitating permanent residency for individuals already temporary residents of Quebec, particularly those with demonstrated French language skills.
- Language Proficiency for Work Permits: A new requirement mandates that temporary foreign workers attain a minimum level of French language proficiency to renew their work permits.
- New Permanent Residency Program: Set to launch in the fall of 2025, this program aims to streamline the process for targeted immigration.
The Critique of Federal Policies
During the press conference, Roberge did not shy away from critiquing the federal government’s approach. He called attention to the rapid increase in temporary residents under the International Mobility Program (IMP), advocating for a cut in their numbers from 400,000 to 200,000. Roberge firmly stated that Quebec would not raise its permanent residency admissions targets until Ottawa takes definitive steps to reduce the temporary foreign worker population.
“Becoming a Quebecer is a privilege, not a right,” Roberge stressed in French, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting the French language and Quebec’s unique cultural identity. The minister indicated that future admissions would prioritize immigrants who have integrated successfully into Quebec society, holding jobs that address labor shortages.
Regional Focus for Permanent Immigration
The Quebec government has signaled a shift in focus for permanent immigration, highlighting an intent to issue invitations geared toward areas outside the more populated regions of Montreal and Laval. This strategy aims to distribute immigrants more evenly across the province, fostering growth in less populated areas.
Consultation and Input from the Public
The proposed actions have been released for public consultation, inviting feedback until August 15, 2025. Roberge reiterated that no final decisions would be made until the public’s input is taken into consideration. The finalized levels plan is expected for publication in October 2025, indicating that the government is keen on involving the community in this transformative phase.
Processing Existing Applications
While suspensions have been implemented, the government assures that existing applications will continue to be processed. Those who applied under both PEQ streams prior to their suspensions will still have their cases considered. Additionally, candidates who submitted Arrima profiles before November 29, 2024, are urged to update their profiles to remain eligible under the upcoming PSTQ selections.
Recent Developments in Quebec Immigration
Quebec’s immigration system has recently been in flux, echoing broader changes across Canadian immigration. This year, the province aims to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new immigrants, a goal that comes amid significant adjustments to its immigration framework. The recent pauses in popular application streams reflect a strategic effort to control the influx of newcomers.
Improvements in criteria for those seeking permanent residence have also been implemented, showcasing a shift towards integration and adaptability within Quebec’s unique social fabric. Quebec has previously refrained from imposing limits on temporary residents but has now joined federal efforts to moderate the temporary residency population in response to pressing housing supply and affordability concerns.
