- The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) has submitted Quebec’s Immigration Plan for 2025 to the National Assembly.
- As part of the plan, it has suspended applications under the two major immigration pathways—the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Graduates effective immediately to give it time to revamp the system.
In a recent move to address the surge in non-permanent residents, Quebec has temporarily suspended two major immigration pathways to permanent residency: the Quebec Experience Program’s (PEQ) graduate stream and the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). The pause, announced on October 31, 2024, is part of Quebec’s strategy to better manage permanent immigration amid a sharp rise in non-permanent residents, including foreign workers and international students. The suspension will be effective until June 30, 2025, allowing the Quebec government to implement more strategic immigration planning for the coming years.
Under the new changes, Quebec will not accept new applications from graduates under the PEQ graduate stream. This freeze allows Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) to focus on broader, long-term immigration goals that support language integration and the province’s economic needs. Meanwhile, those with applications already submitted to the PEQ will continue their processing unaffected by this pause.
Similarly, invitations for the RSWP, Quebec’s skilled worker route, will be paused until a new Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) takes effect in late November 2024. This program aims to replace the RSWP and streamline Quebec’s selection process. Quebec remains open to applications in the PEQ’s Temporary Foreign Worker stream and validated job offers, ensuring that those with validated job offers remain eligible once the suspensions lift.
Quebec’s Immigration Plan for 2025 reflects a target to admit between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants under the regular immigration streams. This move has drawn mixed reactions, with business groups expressing concern over potential labor shortages caused by limited access to skilled foreign workers. However, the Quebec government emphasizes that these actions are essential for balancing economic needs with the preservation of the French language and Quebec culture, especially given the increasing number of temporary residents in the province.
This announcement reflects Quebec’s commitment to supporting integration while regulating immigration to ensure economic sustainability and social cohesion.