Quebec Unveils Immigration Strategy for 2025

October 31, 2024 Amritpal Kaur

Today, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Jean-François Roberge, revealed the province’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025, outlining ambitious goals to maintain its annual intake of newcomers.

Commitment to Permanent Residency

Quebec is set to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants in 2025, aligning with its ongoing commitment to admit 50,000 permanent residents each year. This steadfast approach aims to create a thriving, diverse community in the province.

Economic Immigration Takes Center Stage

A significant portion of new arrivals will come from the economic category, with projections estimating about 31,000 to 32,900 individuals. This includes ongoing admissions through the Quebec Graduates component of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which collectively represents a striking 72% of total planned admissions.

In addition to economic immigration, the plan anticipates family reunification for 10,200 to 10,600 individuals and refugee programs for 6,600 to 7,200 new residents.

Emphasizing the French Language

A key focus of the 2025 plan is the enhancement of the French language’s status within the province. Quebec aims for 79% to 80% of incoming immigrants to be proficient in French upon arrival, with an even higher target of 95% for principal applicants in the economic category. This commitment underscores the province’s dedication to preserving its cultural and linguistic identity.

Temporary Suspension of Key Pathways

In a noteworthy development, Quebec will temporarily suspend two major pathways for permanent residency. The Regular Skilled Workers Program (RSWP) will halt its intake effective November 29, 2024, with no invitations to apply until at least June 30, 2025. Similarly, the Quebec graduate stream of the PEQ will also see a pause in applications during this timeframe.

Planning for the Future of Temporary Workers

Unlike the federal immigration plan, Quebec’s strategy does not currently impose limits on temporary residents. However, Minister Roberge announced plans for a comprehensive review of immigration policies in 2025, including public consultations focused on temporary immigration. This will help shape future guidelines and ensure a balanced approach to immigration.

New Country Caps for Skilled Workers

This announcement comes on the heels of recent changes to Quebec’s immigration system, which now includes a cap limiting invitations under the RSWP to a maximum of 25% from any single country starting October 9, 2024. This policy aims to diversify the pool of skilled workers entering the province.

A Unique Immigration Landscape

Quebec stands out among Canadian provinces due to its unique control over immigration processes and its emphasis on Francophone integration. The province has consistently welcomed a growing number of newcomers, reaffirming its goal of admitting 50,000 immigrants annually for 2024 and 2025, excluding PEQ graduates and temporary foreign workers.

This announcement follows Canada’s recent Immigration Levels Plan, which indicated a reduction in targets for the upcoming years. Quebec’s commitment to immigration reflects its vision for a diverse, skilled population while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

As Quebec moves forward with its 2025 immigration strategy, it aims to create a vibrant community that balances economic growth and cultural integrity. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving landscape!