Quebec Pauses Two Major Pathways for Permanent Residency
In a significant policy shift, Quebec has suspended two key permanent resident pathways, impacting many potential immigrants. Effective immediately, applications for the Quebec Experience Program - Quebec Graduates (PEQ - Diplômés) are no longer being accepted, and invitations for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) will also be halted.
These suspensions are set to remain in place until June 30, 2025, marking a notable change in the province's immigration strategy.
Impact on PEQ - Diplômés and Admissions Targets
The suspension of the PEQ - Diplômés is expected to substantially reduce the number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) issued. Projections for 2024 anticipated around 14,500 CSQs, but this number is now targeted to drop to between 4,500 and 5,700 for 2025.
The Ministry of Immigration states that this measure will also lower the target for admissions through the PEQ graduate program to between 13,500 and 15,000 for 2025. Previously, without the suspension, projections indicated admissions could reach between 15,000 and 19,000.
Despite these changes, Quebec intends to maintain its overall permanent residence admissions target of 50,000 for 2025, now inclusive of those selected under the PEQ graduate program. Notably, last year, PEQ graduates were counted separately in the annual Immigration Levels Plan.
Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, Jean-François Roberge, highlighted that these measures are part of efforts to manage the increase of immigrants in the coming years. Importantly, only the graduate stream of the PEQ has been paused; the worker stream remains open for applications.
Regular Skilled Worker Program Updates
In addition to the PEQ changes, the Ministry has confirmed that it will not issue invitations to apply for permanent selection under the PRTQ, nor will it accept applications for the upcoming Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), which is set to replace the PRTQ on November 29, 2024.
The PRTQ is currently the main channel for immigrant admissions in Quebec, and this pause aims to provide the province with time to refine the program before the introduction of the SWSP.
For 2025, Quebec forecasts admissions of up to 32,900 economic immigrants, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to economic immigration.
Eligibility for the PEQ Worker Stream
While the graduate stream of the PEQ is on pause, the worker stream remains operational. To be eligible, applicants must:
Intend to settle in Quebec and hold a job (employment cannot be in an ineligible sector).
Have temporarily resided in Quebec for work.
Have full-time work experience in Quebec for at least 24 months within the last 36 months in a job classified as level 0, A, or B.
Hold legal status in Quebec as a temporary worker or through a youth exchange program (e.g., International Experience Canada).
Be legally present in Quebec at the time of application.
Additional Recent Developments
Quebec has implemented several recent changes to its immigration policies, including:
A cap on admissions from any one country under the Regular Skilled Worker Program, limiting it to 25% of total admissions.
A new rule prohibiting employers in Montreal from hiring temporary foreign workers for jobs that pay below the median provincial hourly wage.
These strategic changes in Quebec’s immigration pathways reflect a significant shift in policy aimed at managing immigration levels. As the province navigates these changes, potential applicants will need to stay informed about eligibility requirements and the evolving landscape of immigration in Quebec.