Key Changes Impacting Quebec’s Immigration Landscape in 2025
In 2025, Quebec’s immigration policies are undergoing significant transformations. These adjustments, especially in programs such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), family sponsorships, and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), will have broad implications for both prospective immigrants and individuals currently navigating the immigration process.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pivotal changes expected to shape Quebec’s immigration framework in 2025.
Overview of Quebec’s Immigration Target for 2025
Quebec’s immigration strategy for 2025 sets a target to admit between 48,500 to 51,500 immigrants, aligning with the province’s previous goals. In 2024, the province aimed to welcome 48,310 to 52,530 immigrants.
The largest share of these immigrants is expected to come through economic immigration, with approximately 31,000 to 32,900 immigrants projected to arrive. This category is set to make up 72% of all admissions, with the remainder allocated to family reunifications and refugees. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will continue to be a major pathway, though adjustments to the program could affect overall admissions.
A key focus for Quebec remains French proficiency, which will be a fundamental selection criterion. The province aims to ensure that 95% of newcomers in economic pathways speak French, and 79-80% of all immigrants to Quebec will be francophones.
Suspension of the PEQ Graduate Stream
A significant development is the temporary suspension of the PEQ Graduate Stream (PEQ – Diplômés), which will remain in effect until June 30, 2025. During this period, the province will no longer accept applications for permanent selection through this pathway.
Unlike the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), the PEQ Graduate Stream did not involve an “invitation” step. As long as applicants met the program’s eligibility criteria, they could directly apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With this suspension, the overall number of CSQs issued to PEQ graduates is expected to drop drastically, from 14,500 in 2024 to a range of 4,500 to 5,700 in 2025.
This reduction in CSQs will lead to a corresponding decrease in permanent resident admissions under the PEQ, with projections now estimating a range of 13,500 to 15,000 new permanent residents via this route.
Stricter French-Language Requirements for PEQ Graduate Stream
Starting November 23, 2024, Quebec will impose stricter French-language criteria for graduates applying through the PEQ Graduate Stream.
To be eligible, graduates must have completed 75% of their program’s courses or credits in French. This rule applies across various levels of education:
- Vocational and college programs: 75% of courses must be in French.
- Undergraduate university programs: 75% of program credits must be in French.
- Graduate programs (Master’s/PhD): 75% of program credits must be in French.
There are exceptions for projects like theses, dissertations, internships, or research work, which can be completed in another language, as long as the core program credits meet the French-language requirement.
In addition, graduates who have completed at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education in French, either in Quebec or abroad, may still be eligible, even if their program does not meet the new language criteria.
Impact of Changes to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
The Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) has been replaced with the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), effective November 29, 2024. This new program will contribute to the admission of approximately 32,350 economic immigrants in 2025.
Under the PSTQ, candidates will still need to submit an Expression of Interest through Arrima, Quebec’s online immigration portal. If selected, they will be invited to apply for permanent selection via the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Once the CSQ is granted, applicants can proceed to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
While applications under the PRTQ before November 29, 2024, will continue to be processed according to previous guidelines, newcomers preparing to apply under the new PSTQ will need to adapt to the new system.
Introduction of Country-Specific Caps on Invitations
Quebec has introduced a country-specific limit on the number of invitations issued under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).
From October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025, no more than 25% of invitations can be issued to candidates from any one country. This change is designed to foster greater diversity in Quebec’s pool of economic immigrants. It aims to ensure that no single country dominates the flow of applicants, promoting a broader range of skills and backgrounds in the provincial workforce.
Suspension of Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
In another significant development, Quebec has imposed a temporary freeze on Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage positions in the Montreal administrative region.
This suspension, which began September 3, 2024, will apply to job offers with hourly wages below $27.47 CAD, Quebec’s median hourly wage. The freeze includes both new LMIA applications and renewals for low-wage positions in Montreal. However, high-demand sectors such as agriculture, construction, health services, and education are exempt from this suspension.
This policy aims to regulate the influx of temporary foreign workers in Quebec. It is also likely to affect those seeking to transition from temporary work status to permanent residency in Quebec, as LMIAs play a crucial role in this process.
Cap on Family Sponsorship Applications
Quebec has introduced a cap on family sponsorship applications between June 26, 2024, and June 25, 2026. The province will accept only 13,000 applications during this period. Of these, 10,400 will be allocated for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, while 2,600 will cover applications for other eligible relatives.
Once the cap is reached, further applications will be returned without processing, and applicants will receive a refund of the application fees. This measure reflects Quebec’s intention to control the number of family-sponsored immigrants, a move partly driven by pressures on the province’s housing market.
Conclusion: Quebec’s Immigration Landscape in 2025
Quebec’s immigration policies in 2025 are poised for significant changes. The temporary suspension of popular streams like the PEQ Graduate Stream, along with stricter language requirements and new country-specific limits on invitations, signals a shift toward more selective and regulated immigration.
As a result, those interested in immigrating to Quebec should stay informed and explore alternative pathways to Canadian residency. Quebec continues to prioritize economic immigration, with a strong emphasis on French proficiency and cultural integration.
Candidates considering Quebec as their destination will need to adapt to these new rules and strategies, while also recognizing the unique nature of the province’s immigration system, which operates separately from the broader Canadian federal pathways.
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