Canada: Quebec’s 2024 Immigration Plan Published, with Increased Immigration Targets but Stricter French-Language Requirements

Increased permanent resident targets

• Quebec aims to admit approximately 50,000 new permanent residents in 2024, (up 30% percent from the 2023 goal) under economic categories, including skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs.
• However, the total number of permanent residents expected to be admitted in 2024 is likely to reach over 63,000 in practice, due to Quebec’s commitment to maintaining levels of 6,500 new international students, and the commitment to admit 6,600 immigrant businesspeople.  

The increased admission of permanent residents, including graduates and other business/economic pathways will enable more economic dynamism by addressing labor shortages and helping meet business demands in the province.

Increased French-speaking targets and stricter French proficiency requirements

• The plan aims to ensure that around 89% of permanent residents under economic pathways in Quebec speak French (or at least 67% under other pathways). This is a significant increase from the 2023 66% threshold.
• Under the new plan, foreign nationals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will be required to demonstrate oral proficiency in French at a level 4 through a French-language test when applying for their work permit renewal, which is not currently required. Furthermore, permanent resident applicants (for example workers and graduates under the PEQ program), will continue to be required to prove French proficiency at a level 7, as is currently required.
• Additional French-language requirements will also be implemented under a new Permanent Residence Skilled Worker Selection Program (which will replace the Quebec Skilled Worker Program).
• Further details on language and testing requirements are expected to be forthcoming.

The government’s commitment to preserving the French language remains a prominent feature of Quebec’s immigration policy. The introduction of a French language test for temporary foreign workers indicates a firm stance on language requirements for newcomers.