Canada: Quebec Announces Immigration Proposals, Opens Consultations and Implements Application Management Measures

June 6, 2025

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Country / Territory

At a Glance

  • On June 5, 2025, Quebec announced several immigration updates, including proposed measures currently open to public consultation and others that were immediately implemented.
  • The proposals include new target levels for 2026-2029 to reduce both temporary and permanent immigration levels and a draft regulation that would establish new language requirements for foreign workers and strengthen oversight of international students.
  • The implemented measures include reopening the Skilled Worker Selection Program in July 2025 (prioritizing French-speaking candidates already residing in Quebec) and suspending several other immigration streams.

The situation

On June 5, 2025, the government of Quebec introduced a series of major immigration proposals, now open to public consultation, alongside other regulatory changes that have already been implemented.

Key immigration proposals and regulatory changes include:

 

Proposal/Change Impact

New multi-year Immigration Plan for 2026–2029.

    • As anticipated since its initial mention in December 2024, Quebec has now formally launched its proposed immigration plan for 2026 to 2029, outlining key policy directions for both temporary and permanent immigration.
    • For the first time, the plan includes formal targets for temporary immigration. The government proposes a 13% reduction in the number of permit holders under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Student Program by 2029, compared to 2024 levels. 
    • For permanent immigration, three scenarios for reduced annual admissions are under review: a 50% cut to 25,000 immigrants, a 30% cut to 35,000, and a more moderate 10% reduction to 45,000, all relative to the 2019–2024 average. 
    • The proposals are now open to public consultation until July 19, 2025, offering stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on Quebec’s future immigration framework.
 The introduction of temporary immigration targets and potential reductions in permanent admissions signals a more controlled, regionally responsive approach to foreign population growth and the prioritization of individuals already living in Quebec who speak French. Employers and institutions that rely on international talent may face tighter pathways and should plan recruitment strategies accordingly.

Draft regulation introduces language and oversight requirements.

    • Also on June 5, the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration published a draft regulation in the Official Gazette proposing amendments to the Quebec Immigration Regulation, focused on language integration and student protections. 
    • The draft introduces a French language requirement for participants in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, to be met at the time of work authorization renewal after three years of residence in Quebec. This would not apply to agricultural workers. 
    • It also proposes stronger oversight for foreign students, including enhanced monitoring of guardians for minors and stricter financial requirements to ensure students can meet their basic needs during their stay.
    • Stakeholders may submit feedback on the draft regulation until July 19, 2025.
 If adopted, the draft regulation will introduce new eligibility thresholds that may limit the renewal of work permits and the admissibility of foreign students. Employers should be aware that it may be more difficult to obtain talent should these regulations be passed.

Skilled Worker Program to reopen in July 2025. 

    • The Minister also confirmed that Quebec will resume issuing invitations under the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés - PSTQ), beginning in July 2025.
    • This program has been suspended since November 2024, following the earlier suspension of the previous Skilled Worker Program in October 2024. At the time of the PSTQ’s suspension, the government had announced that no invitations would be issued before June 30, 2025.
    • According to the government, when the program resumes, the first wave of invitations will focus on individuals already residing in Quebec. Priority will be given to those with work or study experience in the province’s regions, especially those who are proficient in French and employed in sectors facing labor shortages. The program will also consider candidates with exceptional talents who can contribute to Quebec’s economy and society.
 The PSTQ reopening provides a renewed opportunity for skilled workers in Quebec to pursue permanent residence. However, the government's focus on current residents and French-speaking candidates may limit access for newcomers from outside the province. 

Suspensions of several immigration streams announced. The government has introduced new ministerial orders that temporarily suspend intake for several specific immigration programs. These include:

    • Extension of the suspension on applications under the Québec graduate stream of the Quebec Experience Program until November 30, 2025. 
    • The intake of applications under the Quebec Experience Program's temporary foreign worker stream was also suspended until November 30, 2025. 
    • The intake of applications under the Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship) has been suspended until December 31, 2027. 

According to the government, these temporary measures are intended to manage intake volumes and allow the province time to revamp the programs. 

In the meantime, applicants in these categories may need to explore alternative programs or delay their applications until intakes reopen.

Like Quebec’s Immigration Plan for 2025, these measures seek to limit immigration to the province in response to the continued increase in permanent and temporary residents. These measures seek to ease pressure on public services while still addressing regional labor needs. 

Quebec's immigration policy continues to be characterized by the government’s commitment to preserving the province's French language and heritage. This aligns with the federal government’s plan to expand the presence of Francophone communities in the country and attract French-speaking immigrants into Canada, including from outside Quebec. 

Public consultations are now open as outlined above, giving stakeholders the opportunity to influence the final form of these measures. 

Quebec residents and organizations are invited to share their views on the proposed orientations by submitting a brief to the Commission des relations avec les citoyens or completing the questionnaire available on the National Assembly website by August 15, 2025. Public hearings before the parliamentary committee will begin on September 16.

Fragomen will continue to track regulatory updates and provide guidance as Quebec finalizes its immigration framework for the coming years. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen. 

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