Canada: Quebec’s 2025 Immigration Plan Announced, with Immediate Temporary Suspension of Two Permanent Residence Pathways

Temporary suspension of applications under the Graduates of Quebec stream (PEQ) of the Quebec Experience Program.

• As of October 31, 2024, Quebec has paused new applications under the PEQ for graduates.
• Pending applications will be processed by MIFI, and applicants already selected by Quebec can continue the path to permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
• This suspension does not impact family member applications or those applying under the PEQ Temporary Foreign Workers stream.
• This measure will remain in effect until June 30, 2025. 

• The freeze particularly affects international students, who commonly use the PEQ program as a pathway to citizenship.
• Data in the proposed Immigration Plan shows that the suspensions will significantly reduce the number of Quebec Selection Certificates issued to PEQ Graduates from the projected 14,500 in 2024 to a target of 4,500-5,700 for 2025.
• According to the Ministry, the suspension will allow the province to limit admissions through this program to 13,500 to 15,000 in 2025. 

Temporary suspension of invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ/PSTQ).

• As of October 31, 2024, Quebec has halted invitations to apply for permanent residence under the current Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ), as well as under the Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which was set to replace the PRTQ on November 29, 2024.
• Invitations to apply for permanent residence issued before October 31, 2024, will still be valid for 60 days.
• Applications already submitted under the PRTQ will be processed under existing program terms.
• This suspension will remain in effect until June 30, 2025.
• The program suspension does not affect the 18-month validity of validated job offers (VJO). MIFI will still process validation requests, and holders can use them once invitations resume as of June 30, 2025.

• The Quebec Skilled Worker Program accounts for the highest number of immigration admissions in Quebec.
• The suspension of invitations aims to allow the province time to revamp the program and implement the Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program, which will now become available on June 30, 2025. 

Overall admissions goal.

• Quebec aims to welcome 48,500 to 51,500 immigrants in 2025, plus additional admissions under the Graduates of Quebec stream in the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
• Unaffected for 2025 are programs such as family reunification, where Quebec plans to admit between 10,200 to 10,600 individuals. The total number of admitted refugees will be between 6,600 and 7,200. An additional 500 business investors are on the list, along with 800 individuals in other categories.

• This aligns with Quebec’s 2024 plan numbers, with stable admissions to enable some economic dynamism to continue, helping businesses meet certain labor demands in the province.