The shifts influencing immigration to Quebec in 2025
Significant changes have occurred in Quebec's immigration environment in 2024, and many of these developments will likely affect immigration to the province in 2025.
Significant changes have occurred in Quebec's immigration environment in 2024, and many of these developments will likely affect immigration to the province in 2025. Both potential immigrants and those currently traversing Quebec's immigration paths will be impacted by these changes, which are specifically to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), family sponsorships, and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
Modifications to the 2025 Quebec Immigration Levels Plan
The goal of Quebec's 2025 immigration strategy is to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 newcomers. These numbers are consistent with prior immigration years: the province's 2024 immigration target was between 48,310 and 52,530 new arrivals. The highest percentage of new arrivals will fall into the economic category, where between 31,000 and 32,900 immigrants are anticipated. In 2025, economic immigration is expected to account for 72% of admissions to Quebec, with the remaining funds going toward refugee and family reunification initiatives. Notably, even if new applications are being suspended, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will still have a big impact on admissions. With the province aiming for 95% of francophone immigration through economic channels and 79–80% of francophone immigration overall, French fluency will be a crucial selection criterion for Quebec immigration in 2025.
The PEQ Graduate stream has been suspended.
The PEQ Graduate program (PEQ-Diplômés) in Quebec has been suspended until June 30, 2025. Applications for permanent selection under this stream will not be accepted by the province during this period. It should be noted that the PEQ-Dplômés does not have an "invitation" phase like the SWSP does. Newcomers may apply to be considered for a CSQ as long as they fulfill the program's eligibility requirements and the stream to which they are applying. This ban is a component of a larger initiative to limit Quebec's growing immigrant population.With goals ranging from 4,500 to 5,700 CSQs in 2025, the quantity of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs), which enable recipients to apply to the federal government for permanent residency, that are granted to PEQ Graduates is anticipated to decline. Compared to the anticipated 14,500 CSQs issued in 2024, this aim represents a significant drop.This will result in a considerable decrease in the total number of permanent residents accepted through the PEQ. The former objective was between 15,000 and 19,000 admissions; the revised target is between 13,500 and 15,000 admissions. Many foreign workers and graduates in Quebec who were previously able to use the PEQ as a route to permanent residency may be impacted by the suspension of invitations sent through this stream.Higher proficiency in French is now required for the PEQ Graduate track.In order to be eligible for the PEQ Graduate stream, graduates from post-secondary schools in Quebec will have to fulfil more stringent French language standards as of November 23, 2024.In particular, students must have earned at least 75% of their credits or courses in French. With minor adjustments depending on the level of study, this change applies to programs at both the college and university levels.
Effect on the PRTQ (Regular Skilled Worker Program)
Additionally, no fresh invitations for permanent selection under this pathway will be sent out until June 30, 2025, placing the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on pause. The Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which took the role of the PRTQ on November 29, 2024, is anticipated to help admit up to 32,350 economic immigrants in 2025.
