Quebec immigration minister Jean-François Roberge recently unveiled the specifics of the province’s 2025 immigration plan. In accordance with the most recent statement, the province intends to maintain its yearly plans for permanent immigration, which are at 50,000. The province plans to welcome 48,500 to 51,500 immigrants in 2025.
The economic group has around 31,000 to 32,900 individuals and has the highest percentage of immigrants. Apart from these “regular admissions,” admissions will continue under the Quebec Experience Program’s (PEQ)* Quebec Graduates component. As a result, 72% of all scheduled admissions fall under the economic immigration category. The remaining permanent residents (PRs) are anticipated to enter through alternative routes, such as refugee initiatives (between 6,600 and 7,200 persons) or family reunions (between 10,200 and 10,600 people).
A strong emphasis on French
The strategy restates the province’s emphasis on “strengthening the status of French ” to remain competitive and attract talent for critical economic sectors. By 2025, it is anticipated that 79% to 80% of immigrants will speak French at the time of entry. For key candidates in economic immigration, this will increase to 95%.
Suspension of two common paths for permanent residents
The province will also be discontinuing two well-liked initiatives that have served as routes to permanent residency in addition to the Immigration Levels scheme. The first program will be the Regular Skilled Workers Programme (RSWP). From November 29 until June 30, 2025, at the latest, the province will not extend invitations to apply for permanent recruitment under the RSWP or the Skilled Worker Selection Program, which will take its place.
Likewise, applications under the Quebec Experience Program’s “Quebec graduate” stream will no longer be accepted. International students frequently utilize this to obtain citizenship, but that is bound to change. According to the Quebec government, the suspension will result in fewer Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) awarded to PEQ graduates. In 2024, the province should award approximately 14,500 CSQs, but in 2025 there will likely be between 4,500 and 5700. It is a significant drop aimed at minimizing immigration through the education path.
This suspension likewise anticipates restricting the number of PR admissions under this scheme in 2025. If the province does not implement the suspension, the number would be between 15,000 and 19,000. However, because of the suspension, it is expected to be between 13,500 and 15,000. These measures will be in effect until June 30, 2025, at the latest.
