Guideline on temporary foreign employees
Unlike the national Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27, the province has not incorporated temporary resident limitations. However, it does specify that a multi-year immigration planning process, including a public consultation, will be conducted in 2025, with a focus on temporary immigration. This will benefit the creation of multi-year immigration standards for 2026.
The Regular Skilled Worker Program’s national cap
The announcement of the immigration plan follows a flurry of reforms to Quebec’s immigration system this year. The province said earlier this month that it would only allow up to 25% of foreign citizens from any one nation to be welcome under the Regular Skilled Worker Program. The regulation, which will be in place for a year, started October 9, 2024, and will limit the number of invites provided to foreign people from any single country to 25% of every draw.
Immigration in Quebec
Quebec is distinct from the other Canadian provinces in that it has authority over the yearly influx of immigrants and skilled workers. It also distinguishes itself by emphasizing francophone immigration across Canada, a route that has been steadily expanding every year.
In Quebec, the immigration procedure consists of two steps. A CSQ is a prerequisite for individuals and families looking to move to the province through an economic program. With a CSQ, they can apply to the federal immigration authorities for Canadian permanent residence.
Quebec declared that it will accept 50,000 newcomers annually in 2024 and 2025. This figure excludes temporary foreign workers and graduates chosen under the Quebec Experience Program. This declaration was made one week after Canada announced that it would reduce its 2025 objectives by 21% in its Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027. Over the following three years, the federal government wants to admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
