The Key Changes Shaping Quebec Immigration in 2025

Quebec's immigration policies are undergoing significant transformations in 2025, following major updates in 2024. These changes will affect both aspiring immigrants and those already navigating the province’s immigration system. Here's a simplified breakdown of the key updates.

Quebec’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025

For 2025, Quebec aims to admit between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants, similar to the 2024 target.

• 72% of admissions will be through economic programs, with the rest allocated to family reunification and refugee categories.
• The province continues its focus on French-speaking immigrants, targeting 95% francophone newcomers through economic pathways.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Graduate Stream Updates

1. Suspension of Applications
• The PEQ Graduate stream is paused until June 30, 2025.
• This suspension aims to reduce immigrant numbers, with only 4,500 to 5,700 Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) expected for graduates in 2025—a steep drop from 2024.
2. Stricter French-Language Requirements
• As of November 23, 2024, students must complete at least 75% of their courses or credits in French to qualify.
• Specific requirements vary by education level:
• Vocational/College: 75% of courses in French.
• University Undergraduate and Graduate: 75% of program credits in French.
• Exemptions apply if candidates have completed three years of full-time education in French either in Quebec or abroad.

Updates to the Skilled Worker Program

1. Program Transition
• The Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) as of November 29, 2024.
• New invitations are paused until June 30, 2025.
2. Country-Specific Caps
• To enhance diversity, only 25% of invitations per draw can be issued to candidates from the same country, effective until October 2025.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Changes

1. Suspension of Low-Wage LMIAs
• Quebec has temporarily paused processing LMIAs for jobs paying less than $27.47/hour in the Montreal region until March 2025.
• Exemptions include critical sectors like agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
2. Federal Alignment
• The federal government imposed a similar freeze for low-wage LMIAs in regions with unemployment rates above 6%.

Family Sponsorship Cap

• Quebec has capped family sponsorship applications to 13,000 over two years (June 2024 to June 2026):
• 10,400 for spouses and dependent children.
• 2,600 for other eligible relatives.
• Applications exceeding the cap will be returned without processing.

What These Changes Mean

Quebec's immigration updates reflect its commitment to controlling immigrant intake, supporting the French language, and addressing labor market needs. While some pathways, like the PEQ and Skilled Worker programs, face restrictions, other federal and provincial options may still be available for aspiring immigrants.

Thinking of Immigrating to Quebec?
Navigating Quebec’s unique immigration system can be challenging. Consult an immigration expert to explore your best options for 2025 and beyond!