Quebec’s immigration system will undergo significant changes in 2025. Key adjustments include modifications to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), family sponsorship applications, and LMIAs.

These changes aim to refine immigration pathways and ensure alignment with the province's social, economic, and linguistic priorities.

Let’s look at each change in Quebec Immigration that occurred in 2025:-

Changes to Quebec’s Immigration Levels Plan

According to the Quebec Immigration Levels Plan 2025, Quebec plans to admit between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants. The economic category will dominate, with 31,000 to 32,900 newcomers projected, comprising 72% of admissions.

The most important goal for 2025 is ensuring that 95% of economic immigrants and 79-80% of overall immigrants possess French language proficiency, emphasizing the province’s commitment to preserving its Francophone culture.

Suspension of the PEQ Graduate Stream

The PEQ Graduate Stream has been suspended until June 30, 2025. Consequently, the Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) issuance under this stream will drop significantly, with targets set at 4,500 to 5,700 CSQs.

This suspension affects many foreign graduates and workers who previously relied on the PEQ for permanent residency. Alternative pathways, such as federal immigration programs, may offer potential solutions.

Increased French-Language Requirements for PEQ

As of November 23, 2024, stricter French-language criteria have been introduced for PEQ Graduate Stream applicants. Students must complete at least 75% of their courses or credits in French. This requirement applies to vocational, college, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

The table shows the French requirements according to the level of study:-

Impact on Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ)

Quebec has paused its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) until June 30, 2025. As of November 29, 2024, the PRTQ was replaced by the Qualified Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which aims to admit up to 32,350 economic immigrants in 2025.

Candidates applying through the PSTQ must submit an expression of interest via the Arrima portal. High-scoring individuals receive an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). If successful, they can apply for Canada PR.

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Country-Specific Limits on Invitations under PRTQ

Quebec has introduced country-specific caps for the Skilled Worker Selection Program (formerly PRTQ). Effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025, no more than 25% of invitations issued in any draw can be allocated to candidates from a single country.

This policy aims to enhance the diversity of economic immigrants in Quebec, addressing a reduction in applicant diversity noted in 2024. Initially implemented under the PRTQ, this policy now applies to the PSTQ.

Suspension of Low-Wage LMIA Applications

Quebec has suspended low-wage LMIA applications in the Montreal administrative region for six months, starting September 3, 2024. This suspension affects job offers below the province’s median wage of CAD 27.47.

High-demand sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare are excluded. This pause impacts foreign nationals relying on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as a stepping stone to permanent residency.

Family Sponsorship Caps Introduced

From June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026, Quebec has capped family sponsorship applications at 13,000. This includes 10,400 for spouses, partners, and dependent children and 2,600 for other relatives.

Once the cap is reached, any additional applications will be returned without processing, and the fee will be refunded. This measure underscores Quebec's aim to manage family-sponsored immigrants.

An Overview of Quebec Immigration

Quebec immigration system operates independently of federal programs, granting the province unique control over immigrant selection. Aspiring newcomers must obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the Ministry of Immigration, Frenchisation, and Integration (MIFI).

Quebec’s 2025 immigration reforms reflect a strategic pivot towards safeguarding its linguistic heritage, diversifying its immigrant pool, and addressing economic and housing concerns. These changes underscore Quebec’s unique approach to immigration.

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Source: quebec.ca

Tags: Quebec Immigration Quebec Immigration In 2025 Quebec immigration system Quebec PNP Regular Skilled Worker Program PEQ Graduate Stream Quebec Experience Program Skilled Worker Selection Program Canada Immigration News