Quebec the largest province of Canada has planned significant cuts to its permanent residency numbers to as low of 25000 per year. Quebec argues that it wants to conserve its traditions and culture so doesn’t want significant number of immigrants.
As of June Quebec has unveiled it new 3 years Immigration Target levels.
Under the new plan Quebec has 3 scenarios for the Target Immigration levels (2026-2029)
- 25000 immigrants per year
- 35000 immigrants per year
- 45000 immigrants per year
The final numbers are not decided yet and discussion is still going on and it will be announced after public consultations which are open until August 15,2025.
This will be a major drop if implemented as Quebec accepted 60,000 permanent residents in 2024 and for this year 2025 the projected estimate is 64,000.
International students studying in Canada and PGWP holders plus other work permit holders will be worried about their permanent residency paths in Quebec due this significant planned drop of PR numbers.
There are significant numbers of English speaking international students in Quebec and this projected immigration plan will shatter their permanent residency dreams in Quebec.
At Canada Updates Immigration we have always advised international students to avoid studying Quebec and choose other English speaking provinces. Other provinces have better PNP options than Quebec.
Here are some important points to ponder
Quebec also temporarily suspended Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): Both workers and graduate streams are paused until November 30, 2025. This is a bad news for applicants who were preparing to file their application.
Extension of the suspension for the program for refugees abroad (Collective Sponsorship). It’s extended until December 31, 2027.
Quebec will re open the Skilled Workers Selection Program(PSTQ). This program is set to re open in July, 2025.But important to note this program will prioritize French speaking applicants over English speakers residing in Quebec with regional study or work experience. Another bad news for English speakers.
Quebec is a French speaking province and wants to immigrate only French language speakers. To support this Quebec is aiming for 79-80% of all admitted immigrants to know French at the time of admission. Quebec also wants to settle new immigrants in areas outside of Montreal and Laval to support the regional economic growth and sustain French language.
Quebec has already launched the country wise cap under the skilled worker selection program limiting no more than 25% of foreign nationals from a given country. Quebec is a first province Canada to make such change.
The New Quebec Propositions
Planned reduction in temporary residents in Quebec. It argues that it has too many temporary residents it can handle and plans to reduce it.
Prioritizing the existing temporary residents in Quebec for Permanent Residency. But this looks very vague when we see the upcoming planned slash of permanent residency target numbers and suspension of some PR programs.
French language requirements for work permit renewals. Quebec has mandated minimum French language requirements for work permit renewals. This will cause serious problems to English speaking temporary workers employed in Quebec.
A new PR selection program, scheduled to open in this fall 2025. But it will prioritize French speakers.
Overall, we can say avoid Quebec province for your higher education in Canada. It’s best to study in English speaking provinces rather than French speaking province.
There is also a ongoing protest by international students in Quebec as they are forced to pass French language by colleges to complete their education. Without completion of their programs they won’t be able to apply for Post Graduation Work Permit.