Quebec reveals key immigration measures for 2026-2029, including several significant policy shifts. Effective immediately, the government has taken the following actions:
- Pausing intake of new applications under the PEQ – Workers stream until November 30, 2025.
- Extending the pause on the PEQ – Diplomas stream to November 30, 2025.
- Confirming that the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will reopen in July 2025.
- Extending the intake suspension of the Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship) until December 31, 2027.
Proposed Changes Outlined By The Quebec Government
In addition to these immediate actions, Quebec has outlined several planned measures in its proposed strategy:
- Set new targets for temporary resident admissions, including a planned reduction in the number of temporary residents in the province.
- Prioritize current temporary residents in Quebec when selecting candidates for permanent residency.
- Require minimum French language proficiency for temporary foreign workers applying to renew their work permits.
- Launch a new immigration program for selecting permanent residents in Fall 2025.
Minister Roberge Outlines Quebec’s Immigration Concerns
Quebec reveals key immigration measures for 2026-2029. Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, presented the plan during a press conference on June 5, 2025.
Using visual data showing a sharp increase in temporary residents, he criticized Ottawa for the growing number of individuals entering Quebec through the International Mobility Program (IMP). He called for the federal government to cut the number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec from 400,000 to 200,000.
Roberge made it clear that Quebec will not increase its permanent residency intake targets until Ottawa reduces the number of temporary foreign workers under the IMP.
French Language And Regional Development Take Priority
Roberge emphasized that future immigration would center on temporary residents already living and working in Quebec—especially those with strong French language skills, education from Quebec institutions, or those working in sectors facing labor shortages.
He reinforced Quebec’s commitment to its culture, saying that becoming a Quebecer is “a privilege, not a right.” This highlights the government’s focus on protecting the French language and identity in the province.
In a significant shift, future immigration invitations will focus on regions outside Montreal and Laval, aiming to balance population growth and labor support across the province.
Quebec Plans Three Immigration Target Scenarios
The proposed plan lays out three potential annual permanent residence admission targets:
- 25,000 immigrants per year
- 35,000 immigrants per year
- 45,000 immigrants per year
The government is seeking public input on these options. The consultation period is open until August 15, 2025, with the finalized immigration levels plan set to be published in October 2025.
Processing To Continue For Current Applications
Quebec reveals key immigration measures for 2026-2029. Despite the suspensions and proposed changes, Quebec will continue processing all in-progress applications, including:
- Applications submitted under either stream of the PEQ prior to the suspensions
- Applications under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) submitted before its closure on November 29, 2024
Applicants already in the system can still add family members, such as spouses or dependent children, to their pending files.
In addition, individuals who submitted Arrima profiles before November 29, 2024, must update their profiles to be considered under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) when it reopens.
Recent Shifts In Quebec’s Immigration Policy
In recent months, Quebec’s immigration policy has undergone considerable changes, many of which reflect broader national trends.
This year, Quebec expects to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new permanent residents, consistent with past projections. However, these figures come amid substantial reforms aimed at reshaping how and who Quebec admits.
Among the most notable developments:
- The pause in application intake for the PEQ – Diplomas stream, one of the province’s most popular immigration options for international graduates.
- A pause in invitations issued under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP).
These changes have led to a marked decline in immigration via these streams, aligning with the government’s effort to tighten immigration intake and focus on integration.
Until recently, PEQ – Diplomas admissions were not included in Quebec’s official immigration targets, but the new plan considers all programs and pathways in shaping future admissions.
Stricter Criteria For Permanent Residency In Quebec
Along with the program changes, Quebec has implemented stricter selection rules, including:
- Introducing a nationality cap for Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) admissions. No more than 25% of accepted applicants may come from the same country.
- Increasing French language requirements for new immigrants, with a target of ensuring that 79–80% of all admitted individuals are French-speaking at the time of admission.
Quebec Aligns With Canada On Temporary Resident Limits
Quebec reveals key immigration measures for 2026-2029. However, before the release of the new immigration plan, Quebec was not part of federal efforts to cap temporary resident numbers. That changed in August 2024, when the province implemented a temporary freeze on Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)—a policy initially set for just six months.
Then in October 2024, the federal government introduced temporary resident limits nationwide to address housing and affordability concerns. These included tighter controls over both study permit holders and temporary foreign workers.
With Quebec now aligning more closely with federal priorities and placing additional focus on language, integration, and regional balance, the next four years may usher in a more managed, measured approach to immigration in the province.
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